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Feature
SOURCES OF STRENGTH Learn more about mental health awareness club
Caroline Erickson
reporter
M
ental health is all about getting people the support they need and deserve to help them when they are struggling the most. Sources of Strength is a mental health awareness club, working to prevent suicide in our community. The club has been growing each year with new members ranging from freshman to seniors. Their goal is to provide the maximum amount of love and care for every student, as well as someone to lean on during times of need and uncertainty. “It has been incredible watching this club grow into what it is from the 11 members we had in 2018,” senior Sydney Nissen said. “BV West has the biggest Sources [of Strength] participation in the whole district so not only are we influencing students at West but the whole community; which really goes to show how we have grown and how we can make a difference.” Along with several upperclassmen, Nissen has been a part of Sources of Strength since the beginning. “Ms. Madderom was one of the original sponsors for the club and was also my JV cheer coach so she encouraged me to join. I had never heard of Sources but after finding out more about the club I really wanted to join. I also have dealt
with and watched family members struggle with mental health issues so I thought this would be a good platform to advocate about it,” said Nissen. Over time, the club has adopted several traditions and strategies to spread their message. Due to COVID-19, this year has been quite different for these students. “We have hosted Zooms on certain issues that students might be dealing with and make sure to post relevant content on the Instagram that correlates with the circumstances,” Nissen said. Despite the lack of hands on group collaboration, the Sources of Strength members continued to spread their message by adapting to the pandemic lifestyle. “Big or small so many people have dealt with mental health in the midst of this pandemic. We strive to normalize this in efforts to bring more positivity and light in such a dark time; I think we have been able to do so especially through our social media platforms,” said Nissen. Just like balancing social life and phone use is often important to our generation, social media as seen as a tool for good but with the potential for bad. Every social media platform has its pitfalls, but can also be used to benefit individuals and society. For Sources of Strength,
Instagram became a huge part of spreading positivity and awareness when practicing social distancing. Junior Shanzay Qalbani plays an active role on the Instagram. “We have made a very prominent position on social media due to that being one of our only outlets of being able to connect with students right now. We have hosted Zooms on certain issues that students might be dealing with and make sure to post relevant content on Instagram that correlates with the circumstances. Go follow us! @ b v w s o u r c e s o f s t r e n g t h ,” s a i d Qalbani.
“Our mission is to spread hope, help, and strength to every corner of Blue Valley West High School”
