49.5% of the younger population struggles with mental health issues, according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Today, suicide is considered the second leading cause in death amoungst teenagers.

Starting two years ago, senior Jaana Behavar founded the club Wellness Through Awareness to promote recognition for the significance of mental health.

“I began this Wellness Through Awareness when I helped develop a meditation app freshman year called Tamarkoz,” Behavar said. “It focuses on reducing student burnout through engaging in hands-on activities like puzzles, coloring and friendship bracelet-making.”

Students get to come to a stress-free space or classroom to ease their minds during lunchtime. These activities aren’t academically demanding and speaking with peers is also encouraged throughout the club meets. 

“Overload is a common issue among high school students,” Behavar said. “Students manage heavy workloads, extracurricular activities and the pressure to perform academically.”

The Wellness Through Awareness club helps to create a time in a students day to involve themselves with various activities to promote mental wellbeing. The club creates healthy habits which are taught to use both in and out of the classroom.

“Our goal is to hand out activities that work on mindfulness and relaxation,” Behavar said. “We want to teach our peers how to learn the value of balance in an everyday lifestyle. We want to leave out isolation and focus on the good in society. These creative activities like coloring can help the brain comprehend more efficiently. We want to encourage students to be present with themselves, and not as glued to their phones.”

While other clubs focus on a more instructive approach, the Wellness Through Awareness’ club highlights a self-made path designed for students to ease through activities at their own pace with only one exception, the bell ringing.