Mental Health Essentials Beyond High School: Equipping Rivers Seniors for the Road Ahead

During the 75-minute session, students discussed mental health literacy, including recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental illness, when to get professional help, how to design a fulfilling life as they move into independence, and how to use strategies for healthy coping and self-care. Other concepts, such as what is "regular worry" and what is anxiety or what is normative sadness versus depression, were additional topics. 

"This year, we expanded the existing programming by adding ‘Mental Health Essentials for Coaches’ training in the fall," said Delano, who tailors the programming each year to meet the specific needs of students. “This helped prepare coaches in supporting mental health needs both on and off the field.”

MHC is a nonprofit organization that provides evidence-based programs on the four components of mental health literacy: obtaining and maintaining good mental health, understanding mental illnesses, decreasing stigma, and knowing when, where, and how to get help. Their programs are backed by Mental Health America, the JED Foundation, and the National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy. Twenty percent of the population is affected by mental illness, and mental health literacy is incredibly valuable and essential.

 

Each year, Rivers teams up with the MHC to bring evidence-based mental health education and awareness to students in their senior year. When talking about their work, MHC explains: "Through our programs, we decrease stigma, increase knowledge, and give people the skills they need to flourish." Seventy-one percent of Rivers students reported leaving with a better understanding of the difference between mental illness and a mental health concern or stressor. 

"The workshop was really great,” said one Rivers senior. “It made me feel seen and validated in the stress I’ve been feeling as I get ready for college. Learning about signs of depression and anxiety, and knowing there are resources, makes me feel more supported and comfortable." 

“This year, we focused on accessing resources when our students transition out of Rivers,” said Delano. “It can be overwhelming to step onto a college campus or into a new job and not know who to go to for help, how to ask, and what are the warning signs to know when you need it. I want our students to feel like we have equipped them with the language and skills to do this before they are on to their next chapter. If we want to encourage a culture of destigmatizing mental health, the first step is to talk about it—but first, we have to learn how.”