EMSB student leaders participate in Headstrong mental health summit

by Jordan Stoopler

“Be Brave! Speak Up! Reach Out!” Such chants emanated from nine English Montreal School Board (EMSB) high schools in October as they took part in the Headstrong summit. The virtual program, offered by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, aimed to spread awareness and reduce stigma and stereotypes often associated with mental health. 

Throughout the three-day summit, students from Royal Vale, Royal West, F.A.C.E., Westmount High, Marymount, John F. Kennedy, Rosemount, Lester B. Pearson and Laurier Macdonald high schools heard the personal stories of individuals who have dealt with and recovered from mental-health-related challenges and participated in activities and workshops related to mental illness and stigmatization. Sessions took place over tea and chocolate, with Play-Doh and colouring kits also available to students throughout the program. 

“The summit gives student leaders the confidence and tools to champion mental health initiatives in their school community,” said Victoria Della Cioppa, project development officer for School Climate within the Student Services Department at the EMSB. “The summit aims to inspire youth to spread the word about positive mental health through powerful stories of resilience and stigma-challenging activities that they take part in throughout the week.”

“I wanted to speak up for other people,” said Eva Rybakov, a Grade 10 student. “I don’t want people to feel alone.”

“Schools don’t typically make it a priority to discuss mental health,” said Grade 9 student, Eliane Goldstein. “They talk about special hotlines and guidance counselors, but nothing to motivate others to ask for help. Even if you are just feeling a little bit sad or alone, it’s still good to seek help.”

While the summit may have only officially lasted for three days, its impact will carry on throughout the school year. Each of the individual school’s Headstrong summit participants will take part in monthly meetings as they work to develop an action plan for their school that will encourage others to seek help. “With this initiative we make a conscientious effort of letting students know that resources are available to them,” said Dr. Despina Vassiliou, school psychologist and the coordinator of the MHRC.

For student Chahd Kassem, it was important for her to learn more about mental health not only for herself, but for those around her. “When I am older, I want to be a therapist,” said the Grade 7 student. “I also have a couple of friends who suffer from mental illnesses.” 

“The ongoing and long-term actions are created by youth for their peers, having a greater impact on reducing negative attitudes and increasing empathy,” said Della Cioppa. “Therefore, the scope of the summit extends beyond the students who participated to reach the entire school population, which makes it an important initiative to participate in.”

“People need to know they can get help and that they are not alone,” said Kassem.