As the end of the school year starts to creep up and students are in their last semester of school, most students are exhausted from the long year and are stressed out about exams.
That’s why the Student Council created a Mental Health day for teens to take a breather and relax, allowing for a pause in academic pressure and a day for relaxing.
On April 17, Susquehannock High School hosted a Mental Health day for their students, bringing in a guest speaker and allowing for an afternoon of various activities.
Mental Health Day is specifically designed to decompress students’ stressors, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and engage in either hands-on or fitness activities. Susquehannock’s Student Council and Aevidum members ran certain activities.
Senior TJ Shue ran the outdoor activities on the stadium field, while junior Luna-Sofia Pastrana and sophomore Aubrey Coleman ran another outdoor activity, called “Chalk and Chill.” The games on the stadium turf field were ultimate frisbee, football, spike ball, yard games, and walking.
Shue recognizes the role of Mental Health Day for students.
“Mental Health Day is one of the most important activities for students because it provides a breath of fresh air for many students who are stressed,” Shue said. “I enjoy getting to lead several outdoor activities because I think the exercise and warm weather really reduces stress levels and increases happiness among students who participate.”
Pastrana agrees with Shue’s take on the benefits of the day and outdoor activities.
“Being outside in the sun and taking time to be creative has been proven to benefit people’s mental health,” Pastrana said. “Having a day to just take your mind off of school and catch a break is really needed, especially for those who are preparing for days of AP or Keystone testing.”
The day began with students attending a shorter first period, and then with them getting called down to the auditorium. A licensed mental health speaker, Rohan Murphy, addressed common issues high schoolers struggle with, like perseverance and grit, as well as suggesting healthy coping mechanisms. The presentation aimed to encourage students to never give up, as something better is waiting on the other side.
After about an hour, students returned to second period and rotated through shortened classes until 1:30 p.m. At that time, students choose which mental health activities they would like to participate in. Students were dismissed at 2:45 p.m., but they were allowed two rotations of mental health activities before the school day ended. Each activity was designed to offer students a way to relieve stress and a clear mind enjoying the rest of the school day having fun with their friends.
Almost all teachers either participated in or ran activities to create better bonds and supportive safe spaces with students. Students, such as senior Julia Saidel, have expressed their appreciation for this day as it provides a nice break before exams, tests and the end of the year work.
“It gives us a nice break from AP testing and the SAT, allowing students to take a moment to relax,” Saidel said. “I really enjoy getting fresh air outside and being able to participate in activities with my friends.”
