The Cochrane High School Psychology Club’s workshop about suicide awareness and prevention was a success.
Taking place Nov. 18 in the school gym, more than 100 people participated in the student-run workshop from noon-3:30 pm.
The club is comprised of students with an interest in psychology and mental health. Every year club members organize and facilitate a workshop about a different issue related to mental health in order to raise awareness and support.
“We have done workshops in sports psychology, anxiety, and body image and this year the club said it really wanted to address the issue of suicide,” said Carolyn McLeod, the psych club’s founder and a teacher at the school.
“While suicide is a tough topic, it is definitely something that needs to be addressed because it’s happening to kids all over the place and it shouldn’t be,” said Claire Forbes, the senate representative for the club.
Students heard from multiple speakers including past and present students, current teachers, and a representative from the Canadian Mental Health Association. Although they were addressing a serious topic, the speakers kept their speeches uplifting.
“The messages from all the speakers were really encouraging,” said Malachi Davis, a member of the psych club.
Students also took part in a number of smaller activities run by different members of the club designed to stimulate discussion around the aspects of suicide awareness and prevention. For example, one activity involved participants writing down what suicide looked like or sounded like to them and then it was discussed by the group.
“Students had an opportunity to share their story, hear about other’s stories, and see what they can do to get help,” said Geoffrey McMorland, a psych club member.
McLeod believes the student engagement was an important aspect in this workshop.
“It’s the kind of thing that kids don’t get to do enough of – all day long, teachers rattle on all these facts at them when sometimes they just want to go discuss and chat (with each other),” said McLeod. “I think they really like that their voices are heard.”
The workshop also gave students valuable information about recognizing when someone needs help.
“The most memorable part was seeing students that used to go to this school and students who still do share their stories,” said Erica Mackintosh, psych club member and emcee for the workshop. “You would have no idea they were going through all that stuff.”
McLeod considers the workshop a success and thinks the overall message, recognizing and helping each other in difficult times, was “very well received.”
“Anyone can help and be there for someone in that position – you don’t have to be a professional.”
