Timberlane High kicks off mental health awareness event

Apr. 15—PLAISTOW — Timberlane Regional High School is getting its students and staff to feel comfortable addressing their mental health as it dedicates a week to awareness and activities on the subject, kicking off April 15.

Two longtime health teachers, Katie Murphy and Mark Pasquini, have spearheaded efforts for the weeklong series of school and community events which include workshops and a guest speaker.

"Our health all starts with our mental health and how we feel about ourselves and how we cope and handle stress," Pasquini said.

The two teachers hope the week will generate an open discussion with students about mental health and break away from stigmas.

Murphy said since the COVID-19 pandemic, she's seen students struggle with being in the classroom and performing in school.

Over the years teaching, Murphy and Pasquini have seen the dialogue change about mental health where several years ago, kids weren't open about their struggles or seeing a therapist.

The mental health awareness week is to keep the conversation fluid. It will also give students encouragement heading into school vacation week where they might be heading into a situation at home where they become more isolated, Murphy added.

"It's about creating inclusiveness in our community," she said. "Everyone has aspects of their mental health to focus on and improve and it affects every other area of our lives. It's breaking that stigma that only people who have serious issues with mental health have mental health issues."

The week is an extension of what they teach in their classes, stressing the scope of mental health includes not only with suicide awareness, depression and anxiety, but also self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image.

Last year, the high school had one day dedicated to mental health awareness. It was centered on getting outside and being active.

There will be a community celebration night at Timberlane Performing Arts Center on Tuesday where keynote speaker Ed Gerety will speak to self-improvement and growth, musical performances and recognition of student achievement. Gerety will speak to the district's high school and middle school students during the day.

The high school will also hold a wellness fair with outside organizations like the Center for Life Management, personal trainers and peer outreach groups within the high school will share ways to manage stress, coping techniques and improve overall wellness.

Students will also find healthy coping strategies in the library that library media specialist Meghan Guanci will curate throughout the week, culminating with the school's Strides Against Stigma 5K.

All of the efforts aim to help kids improve their mental health and be proactive, Pasquini said.

"Hopefully there will be a more openness with our students about mental health and they'll be more willing to reach out to some resource if they need help," Pasquini said. "Not every resource fits every student. There are multiple avenues for them to access."

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