LCS Students Discuss Mental Health and Wellbeing | Bell Let’s Talk Day

Next week on Thursday, January 28, 2021, millions of Canadians will recognize Bell Let’s Talk Day. Bell Let’s Talk was founded in 2010 and is centered around taking action to create positive change in mental health.

This week in Chapel, Fatima Shahbaz ’21, Halle Lawson ‘21, Ella Zegarra Brown ‘22, and Gavin Plunkett ‘21 shared a presentation about mental health awareness and the LCS Jack Chapter - a student-led club focused on challenging the stigma of mental health. The students shared information about some common mental illnesses, signs and symptoms of mental illness, and when and how to access support for those who are facing challenges. 

Students emphasized how everyone has mental health and that community can be found in our shared struggles. One of the upcoming student-led initiatives is a Clean Casuals Day on Monday, January 25 in support of Bell Let’s Talk Day. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Jack.org and Bell Let’s Talk. 

“Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is so important to me because I want to be an advocate for breaking the barriers to this social stigma. [...] It is so important to keep the conversation going and talk about our mental health through Jack.org and Bell Let's Talk. As leaders in our community, we can identify and dismantle barriers to positive mental health.” - Fatima Shahbaz ‘21 (SIC of Health and Wellbeing). 

“There are so many people going through mental health struggles without talking about them because of the stigma society has created. [...] Watching the Bell Let's Talk Chapel last year in 2020 really opened my eyes to see that I am not alone in what I feel and that talking is so important. [...] I love this initiative because it encouraged not only me but others to speak out about mental health and really help others understand how normal it is and that they are not alone.” - Ella Zegarra Brown ‘22

During their presentation, these students shared some on- and off-campus resources available to students who are in need of support. 

Students seeking support on campus can access one of the following resources:

Students seeking support off campus can access one of the following resources:

One of the upcoming resources that will soon become available to both on- and off-campus students is the Jack Chapter Mental Health App. Last Fall, the Jack Chapter introduced a Mental Health Form; they have since expanded on this idea and are focusing on a school Mental Health App. Through the app, students will be able to complete a questionnaire to check in on their mental wellbeing and the app will direct the student to appropriate resources and supports. The app will also send notifications with motivational quotes and wellness tips to help guide the student through their hard times. 

The LCS Jack Chapter is currently finalizing their design plans and will collaborate with the LCS Coding Club to bring their idea to life. Once available, students will be able to download the app to their personal devices for use on and off campus.

Next week, our students also plan to discuss mental health in light of Bell Let’s Talk Day. Stay tuned to learn more about why our students value mental health awareness and how they plan to create positive change in the community.