Mental Health is one of the most important issues teens today face. Holy Cross’s Mental Health Club has taken the initiative to teach and spread awareness in the AHC community about this problem.

Mental health is a condition regarding one’s psychological and emotional well-being. It includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and act and helps one determine how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Mental Health Club’s co-president, Preetam Bhutani, explained, “Mental health is important because it essentially controls our lives. If you are mentally unhealthy, that could affect so many areas in your life including school, sleep, and even how you treat others and yourself.”

The other co-president, Sienna Degross, elaborated on the background of the club, “Our club was initially started to reduce stigma, increase help seeking, promote social connection, and encourage self-care and healthy habits among students.”

Degross added, “Mental health is often over looked in our society. It is important to address mental health so that a person has an outlet for help so they don’t suffer in silence.”

Bhutani continued, “A lot of times, people feel that, if they don’t address their issues, it will go away.  The lack of addressing mental health is the reason why people are afraid to speak up when they are struggling.”

All members of the Mental Health Club encourage those struggling with mental health issues to start with the small things, like exercising, eating more balanced meals, drinking water, and spending more time with other people who bring out the best in you. If a LOTA feels comfortable opening up to other people, she should talk to parents, counselors, coaches, psychologist, or utilize apps made for certain mental differences.

Additionally, they urge those who have friends or acquaintances with mental health issues to be there for each other and show their friends that someone cares; listen to them and check up on them.