(Source: Google Free Use Images)

Noah Cohen

Community Editor

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, around 18% of Americans, or 40 million people, have some type of anxiety disorder. In addition, around 15 million adults have Major Depressive Disorder. Many of the contributing factors to these disorders are outside influences such as school, general stress, and/or major life events. To combat this epidemic, the Milken Counseling Department is hosting the school’s first Student Health and Wellness Week. Some of the activities include essential oil-making, yoga, meditation, journaling, and the yearly tradition of playing with DE-STRESS PUPPIES!

The workshops and activities will take place from Monday, March 13 through Friday, 17. The Roar was able to gain an interview with one of the organizers of the week, Mrs. Whitney Fisch. Mrs. Fisch explained how “the idea was born out of an intense need to normalize the idea of health and wellness. It is incredibly important to emphasize that these topics are just as important as grades and other school-related matters. In addition, this week gives teachers an opportunity to show their talents that they may not have been able to utilize during normal classes. They now have a chance to teach them to students in the theme of mental health and overall wellness.” As participation in the activities is completely optional, The Roar asked, “Why should students sign up?” Mrs. Fisch answered, “There is a dynamic range of variety, with new and different opportunities for students that are all beneficial. It is thirty minutes of fun and something else to think about. At the bare minimum, do something healthy for yourself.”

If you would like to sign up for the remaining spots in the activities, follow this link to the survey: https://goo.gl/forms/st29BOk5TUpIVnfE3.