APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Mental health wellness, and teen suicide prevention.
Two topics that are prominent for young people these days. And the point behind a major gathering of students in the Fox Valley today (Monday).
The Appleton West High School Mental Health Awareness Festival brought teens, speakers, and resources together to show the kids what’s available when they feel stressed.
“I believe that Appleton West is being proactive when it comes to bringing this festival to their school.”
Cindi Reffke is with ‘Prevent Suicide Fox Cities’, an organizer of the event. She says students are under a lot of pressure.
“They have a lot of stress, they have anxiety. They’re to get good grades, some of them work.”
In addition to resources available, speakers listed the coping skills teens need to flourish in today’s world.
“Share the information in the valley about their organizations and how they work with mental health and mental illness, and keeping people healthy in the mental health arena.”
Based on her conversations with teens, Reffke says they very open and want to learn.”
“I just feel that students today want good mental health. They’re very receptive to the information.”
The Festival is a collaboration between Prevent Suicide Fox Cities, Appleton West High School administration, and Catalpa Health.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
