Salma Valadez
Staff Writer
For nearly 70 years, the United States has dedicated the month of May to breaking stigma surrounding mental health and educating its citizens on this very prominent issue. Up until recently, the topic of mental illnesses and disorders has been a major taboo – especially for schools and workplaces. Both students and faculty have shown support for more open discussions about mental health.
“Talking about mental illness openly helps the person suffering, but also those around who might feel the same.These discussions show those who suffer they are not alone, and helps to break the stereotypes of mental illness. Because they have been stigmatized for so long, people are afraid to talk about them because they worry it makes them look ‘less than,’ but talking about them openly helps show that these illnesses are not an indication that someone is incapable any more than catching the flu is,” English teacher Mrs.Weber said.
Students and faculty have also expressed concern about the impact mental illnesses and disorders have on students.
“Absolutely, (mental illnesses affect students) in the same way a physical disorder might affect our ability to concentrate or complete our work,” Mrs. Weber said.
Although the school has several events to spread mental health awareness, there are many ways it can further break mental health stigma.
“(O’Connor can) Try to bring awareness to mental illness and acceptance through education,”AVID teacher Ms.Womack said.
The school has dedicated a week to spreading awareness about mental health to its students and faculty.
