bi3 awards 11 area high schools funding for World Teen Mental Wellness Day

bi3—together with the Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls—awarded 11 Hamilton County high schools $500 to support student-led ideas to foster engagement for World Teen Mental Wellness Day.

Mental health struggles, especially anxiety and depression, are common in teenagers. However, findings show that stigma prevents many teens from seeking help. Many don’t know the resources available in their own schools and communities, and too few know how to engage in self-care. World Teen Mental Wellness Day is observed annually on March 2 to raise awareness for the mental health issues teenagers face daily, promote mental wellness and determine solutions.

Schools awarded funding for activities:

• Gave out stress-relieving tools such as coloring books, fidget toys, etc.
• Created a week-long “mental health tic-tac-toe board” challenge for students

• Dedicated the day to journaling and reflection by distributing notebooks and pens
• Hosted a local writer to inspire and guide the students in their activities

• Promoted mental health training and resources with stickers, info cards and social media support

• Created wellness stations that include activities like yoga, make-your-own glitter jars and stress balls stations, meditation, as well as information about 988
• Hosted a get-to-know-your-guidance counselor session during lunch so that students feel more comfortable going to their guidance counselors when they are struggling

• Created a “wellness room” containing self-care stations for students to experience, learn about and adopt various self-care practices

• Distributed suicide prevention awareness bracelets printed with resource information

• Organized a mental health assembly to educate students about what mental illnesses are, what signs to look for and how to help themselves and their friends
• Presented the mental health services available at school and ways students can seek out support
• Led a large Kahoot with prizes to engage students in participating

• Planned an entire week of activities including watching a short film created by and starring JCG students that highlighted mental wellness and mental illness

• Displayed positive mental health awareness posters in school halls and classrooms
• Hosted a featured guest speaker

St. Xavier High School’s The Source of Strength student group

• Handed out 988 stickers and bracelets
• Hung a banner promoting the 988 hotline
• Shared an announcement during homeroom about 988 and its intended purpose and mission
• Played classical or calming music between bells
• Promoted lunch/flextime activities like yoga in the big gym, hike through the woods, meditation in the chapel, or journaling in an assigned room

• Encouraged students to participate in self-care with distributed stress balls and mini-journals