Developing Strategies to Support Mental Health
It’s probably no coincidence that Bell Let’s Talk Day 2022 emphasizes supporting ourselves and others. Over the past two years, the pandemic has disrupted our lives, challenged our health and well-being, and forced us to search from within to build resilience. No matter our age or stage of life, we have all faced our own struggles in this time of global crisis.
The concept of health and well-being has not always received the attention it deserves. But I think we can all agree that the pandemic has put the spotlight on health and wellbeing and the significant role it plays in our daily performance.
Supporting students’ mental health and well-being has always been paramount at Crescent. This year, the curriculum in Mentor Group and Community Time has focused on three pillars: relationship building, social-emotional learning and having fun. We have accomplished this by emphasizing connection and friendship, teaching skills in self-awareness, self-compassion and empathy, and stressing the importance of offering, asking for and accepting help.
Arguably the most important pillar during this unique time is having fun. In this capacity, we have encouraged students to participate in intramurals, house activities, talent shows and simply spend time in person with friends, all while keeping safe COVID protocols in place.
Our commitment to students’ mental health and wellbeing continued during the partial lockdown in January. To acknowledge the anxiety and stress that many students are experiencing, we adjusted our approach to final assessments in the Middle and Upper Schools. We encouraged students to perform to their potential knowing that their performance on culminating activities could only improve their results.
Another aspect of the School’s commitment to supporting student wellbeing is the individual counselling our social workers provide to students who are experiencing significant challenges. This counselling yields positive outcomes and fosters positivity and caring for our mental health.
This week, we again highlight health and well-being as Crescent School recognizes Bell Let’s Talk Day. We are equipping our students with more strategies to bolster their mental health and well-being. Lower School students will design and construct a “self-care toolbox,” Middle School students will practice self-compassion and meditation, while Upper School students will sharpen their character strengths, express gratitude, and practice self-reflection.
As we all know, the pandemic has taken its toll on our mental health and in particular student wellbeing. I encourage everyone to recognize and accept these added challenges and continue to develop and use strategies to support their own health and well-being. It’s important to acknowledge that health and well-being look different for all of us and are not stagnant, nor ever perfect. Rather it is an ongoing state that requires us to adjust and adapt over time.
