This month, in support of Mental Health Week in Canada, we are highlighting all the strides we have made and successes we have had at Shawnigan Lake School when it comes to mental health. We are excited to share some of the successes and progress we have made in prioritizing mental health and well-being.

 

Many of these accomplishments are the result of current and past prefects and the collaborative efforts of our community, all working together to enhance mental health as a valuable resource for students, aligning with their academic success.

 

Here are some of our achievements:

 

1. Adoption of the Jane App: This app provides access to clinical counsellors, massage therapy, acupuncture, and school counsellors, all aimed at supporting mental health and well-being.

 

2. Mental Health Literacy: We have integrated mental health literacy into CLE/HCE classrooms, ensuring that all students are exposed to this essential education.

 

3. Professional Development: Our teachers and campus staff have participated in various mental health training sessions, including mindfulness and resilience training, Safe Talk for suicide prevention, and Applied Suicide Intervention Training. This has led to all of our community being advocates for mental health and well-being.

 

4. Mental Health Chapel: The Prefect-led Mental Health Chapel this year was very successful, with a pair of Grade 12 students sharing their personal experiences and stories with a goal of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, opening the dialogue, and raising awareness. The choir performed “You Will Be Found” from the musical Dear Evan Hansen. The message behind this song is that no matter what struggles you're facing, despite how alone you may feel, you're not alone.

 

5. Prefect Leadership: Our Prefects have had countless opportunities this year to grow as leaders at the School in specific mental health areas, from working with our councils to promote fun initiatives around campus to creating promotional videos and assessing the health of our students via surveys. The Mental Health Prefects have also worked outside of the realm of mental health through group projects with other prefects and overall support around the School.

 

6. Leading by example: healthy staff/healthy students. Over the last year, the staff Health and Wellness Committee has focussed on creating more mental health and well-being resources for staff, including access to counselling, yoga, and community connection. Also, this year several members of the faculty took part in a two-day mental health resiliency training session.

 

7. We are also thrilled to share and celebrate the evolution of the Shawnigan Well-Being Centre, in the former location of Stanton House. This building will now serve as a hub for well-being resources, providing a space for students to drop in and receive support. This dream has been nurtured for a long time by students who have asked for a dedicated space and time to focus on their mental health.

 

In late May, Shawnigan Lake School hosted a well-being retreat, a voluntary opportunity for all students to benefit from various well-being sessions and resources, ranging from rugby and mindset to yoga, meditation, counselling, and massage therapy. The day was filled with exceptional mental health support for all students. 

 

Mental health has been a significant focus this year at Shawnigan Lake School. We are proud to share that approximately 190 students have accessed counselling services. Currently, we have two full-time school counsellors, one part-time school counsellor, and eight clinical counsellors.

 

It's important to understand the reasons why someone might decide to access counselling. Here are the top 10 reasons (not limited to students):

 

1. Mental health concerns: Dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health issues.

 

2. Relationship issues: Seeking help for relationship conflicts, communication problems, or marital difficulties.

 

3. Grief and loss: Coping with the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, or a significant life change.

 

4. Trauma: Processing and healing from past traumatic experiences, such as abuse, accidents, or natural disasters.

 

5. Life transitions: Adjusting to major life changes, such as moving to a new city, starting a new job, or becoming a parent.

 

6. Self-exploration and personal growth: Seeking guidance and support in understanding oneself better and making positive changes.

 

7. Addiction: Addressing substance abuse or other addictive behaviors.

 

8. Family issues: Dealing with family conflicts, parenting challenges, or issues with children or siblings.

 

9. Self-esteem: Working on building self-confidence and improving self-image.

 

10. School stress: Managing stress related to work or academic pressures, including burnout or performance anxiety.

 

We encourage you to engage in discussions and activities related to mental health this week and beyond. Let's continue to support each other and prioritize our mental well-being.

 

 

Kids Help Phone:

Visit kidshelpphone.ca for 24/7 confidential support for young people in Canada.

 

Foundry BC: 

Explore mental health and wellness resources at foundrybc.ca

 

Canadian Mental Health Association:

Access information and resources at cmha.ca

 

Please click here for more information about the Shawnigan Well-Being Centre.