Mind Matters: Mental health matters

By Rylee W.

Nearly 20% of children and young people ages 5-17 in the United States have a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder, and suicidal behaviors among high school students increased more than 40% in the decade before 2019, according to the National Institutes of Health. Although these statistics are very real and horrifying, students at Roland-Story High School are facing these mental challenges head-on and are demanding change for those who bottle their emotions. Mind Matters is the new mental health club that focuses on genuine human interaction, being a light for those who sit in the dark, and advocating for mental health in teens. 

I decided I wasn’t going to sit around and wait for something to change, so I started Mind Matters. The club is composed of passionate high school students and is under the direction of Anna Fleecs, RSHS guidance counselor. She is in charge of sending out mass emails to the school when we have events, helping fundraise, and standing by our side through the ups and downs. She is more than incredible, and I’m so glad that Roland-Story students have a mentor like her. 

The first meeting was held September 14th in the high school library. In total, 40 students were present. The club talked about T-shirt sales, hosting a movie night for high school students, and preparing mental health bags. A large proportion of the meeting was geared towards brainstorming different activities and projects. For instance, a student proposed the idea of having pins on members' backpacks that let kids know they are safe people and want to hear people out, no matter how big or small the problem. In the near future, the club hopes to do a lot more hands-on activities in the Roland and Story City communities. 

The club's overall goal is to create change in our school by creating a safe space for those who feel unseen and unheard. I personally want kids to know that no matter what, they deserve healthy love from others and from themselves. Mind Matters is officially the only mental health club at Roland-Story and it will only grow from here. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, please talk to someone or ask for help. You can reach Mind Matters through our Instagram page: @rshsmindmatters.

Location: Story City, IA 50248, USA

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