PCMHC Stigma Reduction – school challenge

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Paulding County Mental Health Coalition (PCMHC) joined with Antwerp Local, Paulding Exempted Village, and Wayne Trace Local schools to raise awareness, fight stigma, and promote access to mental health resources for all individuals in our community.

This year’s theme, “Break the Silence, End the Stigma” emphasized the power of collaboration, compassion, and community. PCMHC a partnership of local providers, educators, advocates, and residents—believes that mental health is essential to overall well-being and that no one should face mental health challenges alone.

In May, PCMHC invited Paulding County students in grades 6-12 to participate in a creative ad/slogan competition aimed at:

• Raising awareness about mental health and wellness.

• Breaking down the stigma associated with mental health challenges.

• Promoting understanding, kindness, and support within the schools.

Almost 100 pieces were submitted to the school’s counselors over the first few weeks of May. Community members were then challenged via social media to vote on their favorite design. The submissions were full of heart, compassion and so much creativity making it hard to vote for only one. 

Here is a statement from winner, Kaylee, on why she chose her design: “I wanted to make a poster that reminds people how important mental health is. Sometimes people are afraid to talk about their feelings, but I think it’s really brave to ask for help. I chose the words “Strong Minds Strong Futures” because I believe when we take care of our minds, we can do amazing things. I hope my poster helps people feel seen and know they’re not alone.”

Megan Wellman, Oakwood Elementary: As a school, we prioritize mental health because it is a crucial part of students’ overall wellbeing. Mental health not only affects social interactions but also academic performance.  By addressing mental health openly, we can reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage our students to seek help when needed. Therefore, allowing students to operate at their fullest potential academically and socially.

Diana Hammer, School Counselor at Antwerp Local School and a member of the Coalition Leadership Teams shares why stigma reduction is so important, “Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health is crucial in our schools.  Stigma prevents people of all ages from seeking the help they need, leading to prolonged suffering and sometimes isolation. By promoting conversations, education, advocacy, and empathy, we can all create an environment where people feel safe to prioritize their own mental well-being and seek treatment when needed.”

“Mental health is a critical component of student success, especially in a school district where many families face financial hardships that can contribute to stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. By prioritizing mental wellness and actively working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, our district has created a more supportive and inclusive environment for all students. This shift has encouraged more students to seek help without fear of judgment, leading to improved attendance, better focus in the classroom, and stronger relationships with peers and staff. As a result, we’re seeing not only academic gains but also a greater sense of community and resilience among our students,” says Chelsea Koester, School Counselor at Paulding High School.

Alex Arellano, School Counselor at PJHS shares, “Mental health is an overlooked component of student success. The pressure, and weight some students carry due to hardships at home, puts academics on the back burner. Reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health makes Paulding a much brighter and welcoming place to be. The change has encouraged kids to speak up and seek early intervention. This promotion fosters a school culture of understanding, and support, which in turn creates a positive environment for our students and community.”

Tricia Langhals, School Counselor for Wayne Trace Local Schools shared, “The stigma of mental health needs to be normalized and accepted. It is OK not to be OK, but people need to have the support and resources to help them heal. Broken bones, wounds, heart attacks and other diseases fill our hospitals and doctors’ offices, but our minds need to be healthy too. Taking the step to get help is the first and foremost important action. Challenges are faced every day and young people need to know how to tackle their feelings, emotions, and stress triggers in order to thrive in their personal relationships, work environment and communities.” 

The Paulding County Mental Health Coalition is a new community-based alliance dedicated to fostering a healthier, more resilient community by promoting mental wellbeing and eliminating stigma through education, advocacy, and collaboration. 

PCMHC is sharing resources, expertise, and manpower to expand Paulding County’s ability to address this important and complex issue.

If you would like more information about PCMHC’s mission, please contact Anne Dunn, Outreach Coordinator, Tri County ADAMHS Board at: anne.dunn@tricountyadamhs.org, or Dianna Hammer, School Counselor, Antwerp Local Schools at: Hammer_D@antwerpschools.org