Tri-County students inform peers about signs of depression, healthy coping strategies

Three students in Tri-County Regional's Medical Careers program are leading an effort to inform their peers about the signs and symptoms of depression and healthy strategies for coping with stress.

Hollyann Edwards, a junior from Norfolk, and Ashley Barratt and Hannah Goudreau, both sophomores from North Attleborough, took on the initiative as part of their SkillsUSA Community Service Project, which will be presented at the State Leadership & Skills Conference in April. SkillsUSA is a national professional organization for career and technical students that provides leadership, citizenship and character development programs.

The students are working alongside their classmates in the SADD (Students Against Distracted Driving) Club to educate their peers. They are also receiving assistance from Tri-County's Guidance Department.

Their multi-faceted campaign included a school-wide poster contest to promote acceptance and diversity, as well as an informational table at lunch. In hopes of increasing student engagement, Edwards, Barratt, and Goudreau also raffled off a "Coping Skills Basket," which included various items and activity books that are intended to relieve stress.

As part of the campaign, students in SADD have pledged to welcome anyone in need of company at lunch to ensure that no student sits alone in the cafeteria.

The students' efforts are aligned with the “Signs of Suicide: Suicide Prevention” curriculum which was implemented in select health classes this year and which will be expanded to more classes next year.

“To have students themselves collaborate with staff in promoting adolescent well-being has been tremendously helpful as they are able to offer their insight on how to best communicate this important information to their peers in ways which are powerful and relevant," Tri-County Social Worker Dana Walsh explained.

In January, the student group assisted Walsh and Guidance Counselor Karen Kennedy at a Parent Information Session during which parents learned about the warning signs of depression and suicidality, accessing services for adolescents, and encouraging health-promoting coping strategies.