Merrimack School District event offers insight into mental health issues
The YMCA of Greater Nashua’s rustic Camp Sargent, a 22-acre private property on Lake Naticook in Merrimack, was the open-air venue for a recent inaugural event, “It Takes a Village,” sponsored by the Merrimack School District Systems of Care and Learning.
Merrimack School District Director of Student Wellness Fern Seiden and a crew of enthusiastic volunteers greeted visitors, shared methods for strengthening mental health and emotional wellness, distributed brochures on the topics and gave away educational placards from community-based resources.
“This event was offered to raise awareness about mental health and to celebrate wellness in the community and in the schools.” Seiden said. “We want students to be successful, so that means working together as a community to support the health and wellbeing of each child.”
The day, May 21, spotlighted the concerns during Mental Health Month. Scores of locals attended, intent on learning more about available mental health resources while enjoying some games, crafts, live music and guided walks upon a trail marked with balloons imprinted with mental health advice: Be Yourself; Ask for Help; Set Boundaries, and more.
Attractions also included performances by musicians from Merrimack High School. The MHS dance club, a student group of dance aficionados, showed off a variety of dance styles. Heartily applauded were dancers Charvi Chandrasekaran, Isabel Dwyer and Hailey Downie, along with Maeve LaRock and Sara Chhetri.
Elsewhere, representatives from Students for Student Advocacy at MHS informed the public about some efforts that aid in fostering good mental health. The SSA is pushing for policy changes that relieve remnants of stigma attached to asking for help. They have opened “safe spaces” at the school where stressed students can go to regain their calm.
Seiden thanked those who participated: Merrimack Public Library; NAMI-NH; St. Joseph’s Hospital; Teen Institute; GNMH; Bridges and Reach 1 Teach 1 Love 1. More information on the day can be had from MSD Director of Student Wellness Fern Seiden via email: fern.seiden@sau26.org.