Aden Bowman Collegiate hosts mental health expo

Students at Aden Bowman Collegiate in Saskatoon had the chance to learn more about mental health on Wednesday.

The Aden Bowman Talks Mental Health Expo offered 54 different choices of presentations and sessions on well-being.

About half were based on exercise and the benefits it brings. The other half were conversational presentations.

Aden Bowman Talks Mental Health continues with wellness sessions this afternoon. Ryan Leier from @OneYogaSK is talking to students before leading them in a yoga session. #spslearn #KnownValuedBelievedIn pic.twitter.com/kXnORzTZMO

— Saskatoon Public (@StoonPubSchools) October 23, 2019

Rick Bowes, a physical education and wellness teacher at Aden Bowman, was one of the organizers. He told Brent Loucks the event helped many students share their feelings.

“We haven’t seen that type of response, that type of vulnerability. Them opening up… we don’t get that on a day-to-day basis, so it was invaluable for us,” he said.

“It is empowering to watch them, with a free runway in front of them, just take off. Yesterday was a true win for us.”

This expo aimed to help reduce the stigma against mental health. However, Bowes was happy to find that the younger generation has already made progress.

“I find we have a lot to learn from (students). They are far more open with their feelings, and far more willing to discuss the issues of mental health,” Bowes said.

He thinks it’s important to promote a balanced view of wellness.

“Mental health is on par with physical health, and we should give it its due.”