GENEVA – Chalk messages – known as chalk chats – were simple: you’re so smart. It’s enough for you. Grow with it – with O in grow like a blooming flower.
Geneva middle and high school students wrote the affirmations as part of a campaign this month to support awareness and education during Mental Health Awareness Month, said Suzy Shogren, chair of the Geneva 708 Mental Health Board. .
“We have, in the last two years, worked with Students Against Destructive Decisions and the Peer Leadership program … and the National Honor Society at the high school, and coordinated efforts with the students in the Leos clubs at both high schools … by empowered students to get them thinking about what they would like to do to promote awareness and education,” Shogren said.
Students chalked affirmations on sidewalks at school entrances and tied bright green ribbons around trees at schools and Geneva City Hall.
“So when people ask about it, then it would create conversation,” Shogren said. “One of the obstacles has been the stigma associated with this. It’s starting conversations and letting people know it’s OK to talk about it.”
On May 16, the high school girls lacrosse team sold cookies and bracelets to support the Morgan Message Foundation, a mental health awareness organization.
“The foundation strives to eliminate stigma within the student athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics, to encourage dialogue and empower those who struggle and feel alone,” Shogren said.
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The SADD Club also hung Stall Street Journals in restrooms and around the school, promoting positive coping strategies and normalizing talking about mental health concerns. And the GTV high school studio promoted a daily challenge related to positive mental health, like a 30-minute walk outside with a friend.
The Mental Health Board also updated signage at the Geneva Metra station with a link to the national 988 hotline and a QR code for anyone to get immediate help via chat, text or speaking with a trained mental health volunteer.
The Mental Health Board has a mental health awareness tab on the city’s website, www.geneva.il.uswhich provides the board’s message and a link to resources and fact sheets.
