On Thursday, October 10, My Mental Health Matters club greeted arriving students in the Hub. Dressed in vivid green, they offered free face painting, buttons with the club’s name and encouraging messages, and green ribbons representative of World Mental Health Day.  

“It’s global awareness to promote positive mental health, so we wanted to bring that into the school community, and that’s what it’s all about,” Club advisor and State High Counselor Mrs. Lyke said.

My Mental Health Matters is a relatively new addition to the State High community, created by a group of seniors in 2016. In the last four years, the club has started a variety of notable initiatives within our school community. From handing out Crisis Cards listing the contact information for a variety of hotlines and emergency services to developing a school Wellness Center to be initiated during in the months to come, My Mental Health Matters has become one of the most visible among State High’s many organizations. 

In celebration of World Mental Health day, the club partnered with Student Senate, who, also decked out in green, threw candy to students as they passed through the HUB before first block. My Mental Health Matters presented a few options for students hoping to go all “greened-out,” but with an important purpose.

“We’re giving out pins and ribbons to help spread awareness for mental health. It affects a lot of the student body and it’s important to tell people that they’re not alone,” said freshman club member Adaline Bainbridge. 

My Mental Health Matters meets after school every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, with location TBD. “It’s super fun, and it would be great to have more members if they want to join,” Bainbridge said.