An event focused on student mental health throughout the Avon Maitland District School Board attracted about 300 people.
The event was called You Matter and was held earlier this month.
Makenzie Hallam is a Grade 12 student at Listowel District Secondary School.
“This year, obviously, we couldn't do it in person, so we did it virtually. They had about 300 attendees. The Minister of Education dropped in. Some media were there and they were really focusing on what they could do in their schools to improve their sense of well-being and belonging,” said Hallam.
Some of the discussion centered around the difference between mental health and mental illness.
“So everyone has mental health and then there's about twenty per cent of our population, I'd say, that struggles with a mental illness, whether it be anxiety or depression or schizophrenia. I find stress is a big part of it, especially among my peers. For senior students especially it's like every week's exam week,” said Hallam.
And she feels the pandemic has definitely contributed more stress in their lives.
