Counselors promote mental health awareness

“It’s really important to shine a light on mental illness and on mental health,” said Kim Cain, personal counselor at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. “While it seems that we’re more open to talking about it as a society in America, there’s still often a stigma associated with mental health issues.

“We’re quick to recommend that people see a doctor if they suffer from physical ailments, but often don’t treat mental illness in the same way.”

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, the counseling staff at LSMSA shared ways to stay mentally well.

During Wellness on Wednesday, students learned about the mental health benefits of exercise, mindfulness exercises, ways to work positive experiences into the day and a personal coping skills list that students could fill out and keep with them.

“It seems that students are under more stress than ever and adding mental health issues to the mix may make things seem unmanageable for them at times,” said Cain. “Those with untreated mental illnesses are often at higher risk for poor school performance, withdrawal from social activities and may even engage in behaviors such as substance abuse and self-harm.

“It is important to keep an open dialogue with students in order to help them sooner rather than later.”

Also during the week, emails were sent to faculty, staff and students each day highlighting different mental health topics and providing facts and tips.

“As personal counselors, Erin and I also offer individual and group counseling to our students and work closely with faculty and staff to identify students who may be struggling,” said Cain. “It is definitely a group effort.”

Erin King serves as a counselor and coordinator of student support.

Mental Health Awareness Week was established in 1990 by the U.S. Congress in recognition of efforts by the National Alliance on Mental Illness to educate and increase awareness about mental illness. It takes place every year during the first full week of October.

During this week, mental health advocates and organizations across the U.S. join to sponsor events to promote community outreach and public education concerning mental illnesses.