Mental Health Sticky Notes Project
If you took a look at the sixth form common room any day of the week, it would look like a typical adolescent school space: you’d see kids studying, eating instant ramen noodles and passing around popcorn, card games and a lot of talking and laughter. On October 10th, you’d see all of those things too, but you wouldn’t be able to miss all the people writing on sticky notes and the beautiful kaleidoscope of sticky notes on the window as the sun would shine through them, making them almost as bright and colorful as the words written on them.
October 10th is World Mental Health Day. The World Health Organization defines Mental Health Day’s goal as “the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work as well as what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. “In order to recognize World Mental Health Day, the sixth form had a mental health project named “The Sticky Note Project”. Members of the sixth form (years 12 & 13) were invited to share encouraging and kind words, as well as share their own experiences with mental health. Soon, the windows of the common room were filled with empowering and inspiring messages, as well as the hardships and coping mechanisms students use when they’re feeling down. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the common room intensified throughout the day and smiles were seen all around.
The event was planned by Student Leadership members Aysha Al Arfaj (Head of Social Committee) , Aliah Al Kazemi, and Ranna Kisswani. When asked about the event, the ladies responded with, “Seeing the amount of stress our peers have had during these past weeks, we wanted to give them an outlet for their emotions. We also wanted to break the stigma of mental illness, and show people that it’s okay to be not okay.”
And when asked about the event, a sixth former responded, “It’s really shown me that I’m not alone in my struggles, and it’s wonderful to see that awareness is being brought to this issue.”
In contrast to the positive impact that event has had on the sixth form, the lack of support and awareness, as well as the stigma around mental illness has its crushing effects on the world.
According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), the global cost of mental illness is almost 2.5 trillions dollars with nearly 50% of the world being impacted by mental illness. People with mental illness are at risk of dangerous and health-harming behavior. The impacts of mental illness range from mild to life-threatening, which is why seeking and offering support is essential- even life-saving.
If you notice someone acting strange, unusual, upset, distressed or disturbed, ask them how they are- show support. If you are unsure about how to proceed, inform a teacher. If you yourself are feeling those emotions, reach out and ask for help. Don’t suffer in silence; extreme self-destructive actions are never the answer. There is always hope and keep in mind that no matter how we may seem on the inside, we are all fighting our own battles. Be kind to yourself and to others.
This conversation has no end in sight, and mental health awareness and support will only spread further and wider as more people join the conversation. From all of us at NES, we have a message for everyone:
To all the people out there suffering from a mental illness, we are with you;
To all those out there who fight their inner demons everyday, we are with you;
To all those who feel hopeless and lost, we are with you;
To all those who keep carrying on in the face of hardship and to those who are trying to, we are with you;
To those of you who are reading this and to those who are not:
we are all with you, you are not alone. You are never alone…
Happy Mental Health Day!
Here is an interview of one of this event’s organisers, Aysha Al Arfaj
Why did you decide to plan the event?
For the past few weeks, I had sensed a significantly heightened atmosphere of stress amongst the students of Sixth Form. Perhaps this was due to university applications, homework, tests, or other out-of-school related issues. Whatever it may be, I wanted to help my fellow students ease their minds in some way. The timing of this accumulating issue could not have coincided perfectly with World Mental Health Day, which I had found out was happening on October 10 whilst scrolling through Instagram one night. Immediately, I knew I wanted to host an event for this cause, so I took to the leadership group to collect ideas, and with the help of Aliah and Ranna, we were able to bring forward ‘The Sticky Note Project’.
What effect did you hope it would have/ what was your goal?
The aim for this event was to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. As well as the objective to create an accepting and understanding atmosphere within the school; a platform for students to voice what’s on their mind without the fear of judgement. By letting the students of Sixth Form openly proclaim different emotions they encounter, as well as give solutions to when they feel this, others could understand its not an unnatural phenomenon to experience this. Moreover, they can try out some of the solutions given next time they’re feeling this way, in hopes of helping them feel well again.
Message to readers:
I know that life can get overwhelming sometimes; work piles up, arguments happen, things change. You’re not going to feel happy all the time, but that’s alright. Not feeling okay IS OKAY. Just don’t let yourself feel isolated; go talk to someone- a friend, a teacher, family, anyone; just please don’t allow your dispirited feelings to gain power over your wellbeing. You are as strong as you allow yourself to be. Just like physical barriers can happen, mental ones can too- and they can be faced in the same way that physical obstacles are overcome. Allow yourself to get help; it doesn’t make you weak. Rather, it is a sign of strength, as you’re willing to tackle the uncertainty you’re being faced with. You’re not alone, you’re not weird, you’re not weak; let your emotions be heard.
