PEER HELPERS FOCUS ON SUPPORTING STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

“Our goal in starting this group was to not only break the stigma surrounding openly discussing mental health but to provide a safe space for PRS students to feel supported and heard with any issues they may encounter throughout their high school experience,” said Ame Guenette ‘22.

Peer Helpers began in 2020 when a group of students asked, “How can we help OUR community?” A school group affiliated with Pacific Ridge’s counseling team, Peer Helpers’ goal is to bring awareness to mental health and support students through their social and academic concerns.

Last year, Peer Helpers organized a “Decompression Session,” an entire period dedicated to participating in stress-relieving activities. The event included coloring, yoga, calligraphy, reading, and puzzles. The session also incorporated a non-electronics period, so students could wind down and focus on the present through mindful activities.

When Danna Bundogji ‘23 joined as a junior, she was feeling, like many students at the time, overwhelmed.

“Junior year is one of the heaviest years in high school, and we run into things whether it’s academic or social problems. So when I saw Peer Helpers, I wanted to join so I could voice students’ concerns to school counselors and make an impact with my peers.”

Danna joined Peer Helpers to spread awareness and get involved in what she’s passionate about. This year, Danna and Peer Helpers helped spread positivity throughout campus with “World Kindness Day,” leaving positive notes around campus.