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JCPS students from across the district came together to create a video message about the importance of mental wellness
By Toni Konz Tatman | JCPS Communications
A group of seven middle and high school students from across Jefferson County Public Schools came together to create a video message about the importance of mental health and wellness.
"We’re JCPS students and we created this video because mental health matters," said Christopher Morales, a Class of 2019 graduate of the Marion C. Moore School.
Morales, along with six other current students or recent graduates -- Collin Stansbury, a junior at duPont Manual High School's Youth Performing Arts School; Allison Tu, a recent graduate of Manual; Laila Randolph; a junior at Jeffersontown High School; Exile Lukudu, a recent graduate of Butler Traditional High School; Savannah Underwood, a senior at Fairdale; and Jeremy Harris, an eighth grader at Western Middle School -- was released on the district's YouTube channel and website on June 18.
Michelle Sircy, the lead counselor for JCPS, said the video was written completely by the students for their fellow students.
“Mental health might not be easy to talk about, there is a lot of stigma,” said Tu. “But it’s important to break down that stigma so we can get the resources and help we need and deserve.”
As Stansbury notes, one in three Kentucky high school students reports being so sad or hopeless they’ve stopped their normal activities, which can be a symptom of depression.
"If your school has 1,000 students, that means over 300 of them are experiencing this symptom," he said.
"And one in seven has seriously considered attempting suicide," Morales said. "That’s four people out of your class of 30 students."
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. It’s free and confidential. Or text the crisis text line by texting CONNECT to 741741.
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