Immaculate Heart Academy is a ‘safe space’ for students
On Oct. 10, World Health Day, the New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly acknowledged Immaculate Heart Academy as a stigma-free zone and safe space to help students be mindful of their mental health needs and seek help when feeling overwhelmed by their daily tasks and responsibilities.
The all-girls school, located in the Township of Washington, observed World Health Day by making the announcement at a special assembly.
Sophomore Katelyn Mikros, who is a Wellness Ambassador, said discussion around mental health is recognized at Immaculate Heart Academy (IHA) in order to better the mental health of the school community.
“Mental health difficulties are something that a lot of students can relate to. No one should have to go through their struggles alone, so it was important for students to feel the support of the community around them,” Mikros said.
School officials said becoming a stigma-free school to help eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and to help encourage those who are affected to seek help, was an important project for IHA. “Now that we are considered a stigma-free school, we will continue to help raise awareness and offer support to those suffering from mental illness.”
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The school’s Wellness Ambassadors play a crucial role in fostering a culture of acceptance, support, and compassion within IHA. Those Wellness Ambassadors include Mikros of Glen Ridge, Julia Petrie of Maywood, and Emily Keizer of Saddle River. Anna Gallucci of Montvale is the ambassador for Morgan’s Message, which has a mission to shed light on mental health among student athletes and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics.
Petrie said as a wellness ambassador she is committed to developing a comforting environment where no student must think twice about sharing how they feel.
“Becoming a wellness ambassador was important to me because having a community where no student has to hesitate to express his or her feelings has always been a top priority,” Petrie said.
Emily Keizer said being a wellness ambassador means that “I can help others who may not have anybody ‘on their team’ and might just need a friend.”
The school also offers many programs to help students with their mental health.
Some of the programs offered at IHA include therapy dog visits to the school, monthly speakers who address topics pertinent to mental health, and various clubs/activities such as Morgan’s Message students. (Morgan Rogers, a gifted athlete at Duke University, battled crippling anxiety and depression. She sadly lost her battle to these struggles, ultimately leading to her passing in 2019 at just 22 years old.)
Students also create Serenity Stones — stones with painted messages such as “You’re a tough cookie,” “Put urself first,” and “You are Loved” — which school officials say are “tangible reminders of the tranquility and support that can be found within our community.”
Students can take advantage of a Virtual Wellness room, a digital space within the school designed to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional well-being. It provides the students with a range of resources and activities that can help reduce stress, and anxiety, and improve overall mental health.
According to school officials, one in four adults has a diagnosable mental illness.
“Many do not seek help because they fear judgment or shame from friends, family, and co-workers,” school officials said. “IHA hopes to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and to help encourage those who are affected to seek help.”
Featured image: Pictured left to right are Wellness Ambassadors Julia Petrie of Maywood, Katelyn Mikros of Glen Ridge, Anna Gallucci of Montvale (Ambassador for Morgan’s Message), and Emily Keizer of Saddle River.
