Mental Health Weeks: Learn More, Stress Less
Every year, RSGC puts aside two weeks in January to focus on mental health and wellness, through a variety of activities for both the Junior and Senior Schools.
According to Dean of Students Dave Fitzpatrick, RSGC “emphasizes that boys need to learn to read, to do math, and to deal with their emotions. Sometimes, we may think of this as exposing weak- ness, but in fact, we are helping young men build the skills they need to be stronger. Our collective efforts are toward de-stigmatizing conversations, [and] building awareness and resilience.”
Students in both the Junior and Senior Schools had the opportunity to explore issues of mental health, share their experiences and seek support through workshops and guest speak- ers, while taking part in a number of activities to de-stress and practice self-care.
A workshop series entitled “Outside the Box” covered topics such as the symptoms of anxiety and depression, learning disabilities, and overcoming negative thinking. Junior School boys participated in sessions on organization, kindness, managing stress, the importance of sleep and nutrition, and more. All students were given the chance to participate in a variety of self-care activities, such as massages, yoga, oatmeal breakfasts, meditation and hypnotherapy.
Recognizing that parents are an important part of the conversation as well, the College hosted two parent- focused events: the Fatherhood Breakfast, which brings fathers and older students together to discuss how to best support their sons throughout the challenging high school years, and a panel discussion featuring both a student speaker and mental health experts, focused on the impact of social media, gaming and technology on relationship and mental health.
The weeks also offered presentations from a variety of guest speakers. Shai Kohen from the White Ribbon Campaign spoke to the boys about connecting with our authentic emo- tional selves, Professor Shapiro spoke on the relationship of sleep to mental and physical health, and Jesse Hanson of Helix Health Care presented on stress, substance use and the mind-body connection.
Grade 11 student Stuart Zimmerman gave a moving speech on the challenges and importance of seeking support. Sharing his journey with social anxiety, Stuart spoke of need to de-stigmatize conversations about mental health so we feel safe and sup- ported in seeking help when we need it. He encouraged his fellow students to join the conversation to learn more about mental health and understand their friends’ and their own struggles more deeply. “I would like to think that someday, admitting we need help would feel less like a defeat and more like a first step toward victory,” he said.
The message that we are not alone was reflected in the hundreds of anonymous cards posted on the wall of Ketchum Hall, giving voice to the feelings, emotions and struggles we all share.
Royal St. George's College
Connect with Us
Search
Royal St. George's College is an independent school for boys located in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The school admits boys from Grades 3 through 12. Our mission is to challenge and inspire each of our students to become the best version of himself.