I like the Robert Frost poem that goes:
“Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.”
I always think back to this poem when things might not be going well and think, what can I do to change my day or to make someone else’s day better?
Mental health support is evolving. The world has stigmatized mental health for a long time. Not too long ago, people were not even acknowledging it or supporting it. In the last few years, I have seen huge changes in how we are acknowledging mental wellness for staff and students. More and more kids are no longer feeling like they are alone and are getting better at acknowledging what they are going through and reaching out.
The best thing we do here is community. At Shawnigan, we live together. You can’t say something hurtful and then go back home like it didn’t happen. We, the students and staff, make sure that people own their mistakes and their actions and that we are here for each other.
When you look at the staff that took the recent mental health first aid course, it was not only the house directors, but also the housekeepers, our laundry staff, kitchen workers, people in the commissary, everyone feels that they’re here to support the kids.
I am so grateful for Heidi, Keely, Kathy, Erica and Patty, Jenn and Noelani, our school physicians and outside medical support that help take care of our kids. For those who are struggling or feel alone: trust us. We are here for you, and we will help you work through whatever you are going through."
(Heather Craib, Head Nurse)