Clockwise from upper left: Rithika Nistala; Ursar Karar; Hazel Vineet; Dana Elobaid; and Nirvik Parajuli.
The goal of Westfield Minds Matter (WMM) is to change the school culture regarding mental health. The officers are Dana Elobaid, Usra Karar, Rithika Nistala, Nirvik Parajuli (lead), and Hazel Vineet. College and Career Specialist Laura Cudahy says, “Westfield Minds Matter is made up of a diverse and inclusive group of students offering support, unity, and empowerment to all students. Their goal is to have open conversations about mental health and to increase help-seeking behavior, promote connections, and increase healthy habits and coping skills. We want a safe place for all students.”
Hazel points out that “being near the nation’s capital makes it feel as though life moves at a breakneck speed. A competitive atmosphere surrounds us, which makes mental health easily overlooked.” She says that many students suffer from depression, anxiety, and immense stress. She feels that too few resources are allocated to address these issues, and that even experienced teachers sometimes regard mental health as unimportant. Usra says, "In a school where mental health wasn’t prioritized, Westfield Minds Matter changes that culture and creates an outlet for others to speak about their concerns and address the stigma surrounding mental health.”
The officers of Westfield Minds Matter are particularly sensitive to students who feel marginalized. They believe that lack of acceptance has a direct impact on mental health, and they want all students to feel accepted and to know that their voices will be heard. Dana Hughes, a club advisor, says, “During COVID, our numbers have really grown and the sense of empowerment and acceptance these kids give and get from their virtual meetings is amazing.” The officers feel that change affects just one person at a time. When a student attends a WMM meeting and shares an experience or just listens to the words of others, the understanding in the school community grows.
WMM started in 2018 with very few members and has now grown to 66 members. They established a teacher and administrator mental health panel in the hope that their concerns will be addressed by adults outside of their meetings. They are also creating a panel discussion with social workers and a school psychologist so that all students have access to needed resources for mental health.
Hazel says, “Westfield needs change, and we intend to be the catalysts for it.” WMM officers feel they have all learned to listen and dig beneath the surface. They feel that leading the group has made them more aware of issues surrounding them and has ignited a passion for mental health advocacy.