Survivors Club aims to support students

Every day, tons of CVHS students struggle with depression, stress, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or thoughts of suicide. The new club on campus called the Survivors Club promotes mental health awareness and education within our school.

Survivors Club meets every Tuesday at lunch in room 707. The club also provides an open space for students to discuss topics on different issues. They sit in a circle and give everyone a chance to let out any emotions.

“I started this for people in need of a safe place. I’ve shared my personal story to get others to open up as well. We sit in a circle and use a restorative justice technique to help others,” said club president Isabella Bzowski.

“It is a really great opportunity for students to be able to get stuff out that they are sitting with. Students are able to share experiences of what they are going through here at CVHS on campus and personal lives outside of school. They have a variety of topics ranging from relationships with parents, friends, significant others, challenges of being a teen, and other topics that teens are facing,” club advisor Erika Ikemoto expressed.

Though the club isn’t an official support group or a set prevention team, it is important to have like minded students come out and use their voices. However, not all members are required to speak out. They are allowed to sit in and listen for support.

“The group of students who show up are able to be supportive with one another and connect in a way that allows for real conversations. If certain students do not want to share personal experiences they are still welcome into this safe environment to help provide validation and support from one another,” Ikemoto said.   

Overall the new club gives CVHS teens a platform to share their voices and raise awareness on mental health.