Mental Health Awareness: More Than a Month

By: Serena Zhang ‘28

This May, Cate School celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month. With the upcoming departure of seniors and the approach of exam week, this period marks a time of transition and increased activity on The Mesa. Amid these changes, attention to mental health, both at the individual and community level, remains a relevant consideration.

Emerson Evans ‘26 and Pari Malik ‘27, the current heads of the school’s mental health club, share the ways that the Cate community has been raising awareness for this crucial month. As Emerson says, “Cate hosted three workshops that allowed students to become mental health certified. This means they were equipped with the skills to recognize the signs of mental health challenges within themselves and the greater community. This reduces the stigma around mental health and encourages compassionate conversations. On a personal level, students felt empowered to create safe and supportive environments for others and became advocates for mental health awareness.” 

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness month is Creative Expression, so the club hosted art-themed workshops, including painting and water coloring, in which students got a chance to unwind and take a peaceful moment for themselves and their artwork.

“May is an important time to break the stigma that surrounds mental health, as well as encourage open conversations and educate the public. Mental health is just as important as physical well-being, and many people silently struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc. It is important to prioritize mental health because it impacts how we feel, act, manage stress, and relate to others. By raising awareness about this subject, mental well-being can become better prioritized so that people can access the support systems they need in order to thrive,” shared Emerson. 

Indeed, Dean’a Curry and Nadine Maxwell, the counselors at Cate, bring up the importance of reducing stigma surrounding mental health. “Stigma can prevent people from identifying and seeking help for mental health challenges. Also, normalizing what it means to tend to your mental health is incredibly valuable. For example, if you have ever seen a helpful counselor or psychotherapist, share these experiences with friends - it will signal to them that it’s okay to get support for their mental health.”

However, mental health can mean different things to different people based on their environment and background. For Emerson, it is having the emotional strength to face life’s challenges with tranquility, control, and resilience. She says that, “It means being self-aware, having the ability to cope with stress and make thoughtful decisions for yourself. It also means being able to recognize when things aren’t okay for yourself or for others and knowing that seeking help is a strength and not a weakness. I believe mental health is essential for a fulfilling and happy life.” Certainly, mental well-being plays a crucial role in people’s lives, and some may not even know it. “The state of our combined mental and physical health defines our feeling of well-being, and so it is important to nurture both aspects as we strive towards happiness,” shared Dean’a and Ms. Max.

As May comes to a close, it's a fitting time to reflect on the meaning of mental health and the ways it can be prioritized, even amid the pressures of daily life. For some, that may involve a walk through Carpinteria with friends; for others, it could mean taking a quiet moment alone. Mental health awareness is not confined to a single month; it serves as a reminder of the importance of regular check-ins, both individually and within communities. As the pace of the season accelerates, ongoing attention to emotional well-being remains essential.