Woodbridge Middle School’s student assistance counselor Amanda Acheson; otherwise known as Mrs.Acheson, is holding a Mental health awareness week here at Woodbridge Middle School. The week starts on June 11th and will last until the last day of school.

In preparation for this event students who are participating will write speeches and short lessons to share with the other students who attend. There will be signs made to represent the events that take place during that week. Overall, the week will be full of events and workshops to show and support mental health journeys.

Mental Health is the personal health of your mind. With that being said, Mrs Acherson chose to do this week because she felt strongly about the matter, as should everyone else. 

Mrs. Acherson stated, “Mental health is important because there’s a stigma attached. In the present time as well as the past. The stigma being that it not okay to ask for help,buts it’s also not okay to be okay.” 

She wants to “break that stigma and let everyone know we all go through tough times.” 

Gia Romano, a 7th grade student and ambassador of the event,explained why mental health is so important. She said, “Because other people are struggling and this month is to encourage them to be more healthy.” 

Romano went on to explain what motivated her to participate, “I know someone that is going through something, I used to go through something that she’s going through.” This goes to show that Gia has passion for the topic as well.

Mental health awareness week is being called “WMS Break the Stigma.” We encourage you to participate. We encourage you to participate in the activities being held such as pajama day and the walk. It’ll help show that the stigma can be broken.