Poolesville High School held its mental health awareness spirit week this week, but what’s the history behind mental health awareness? Mental health conditions haven’t always been a widely discussed topic, but starting in 1949, May was designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. It was created with the intent of raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing the stigma surrounding them. The Division of Specialized Support Services and Montgomery County School Psychologists Association, co-hosted the 2025 Mental Health Awareness Week from Monday, Nov. 3 to Saturday, Nov. 8.
Schools all across the nation hold awareness weeks for mental health. Even though Mental Health Awareness Month is in May, MCPS decided to celebrate this week to highlight the importance of making mental health a priority, especially towards the end of the academic quarter.
“Especially at the end of the quarter and going into the second quarter, kids can hopefully just think about different ways that they can reduce stress in their life and healthy ways of doing that,” said Mrs. Jenifer Oristian, the head of the counseling department.
As Poolesville ends the week, here are some highlights about Mental Health Awareness week:
Mindfulness Monday 11/3 – No school! If you go to the Counseling page, @PHS.Counseling, tag them with your wellness activity and be entered in a giveaway!
GratiTuesday 11/4 – Write notes of gratitude, dogs for therapy available at lunch!
Wellness Wednesday 11/5 – Wear the color green for mental health awareness. Chair yoga will be offered in the Career Center!
Tuneful Thursday 11/6 – Open mic lunch! Join us for karaoke in the ISP hub! Share your “tell me something good” outside the counseling office!
Freestyle Friday 11/7 – Wear black and gold! At lunch, there will be a dance party offered in the main gym. Dance, smile, repeat!
