At the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year, ASCASAM launched an impactful initiative aimed at promoting mental health awareness in educational institutions across Cantabria. Under the theme “Talk about your mental health, say no to labels,” the program engaged over 230 students through interactive workshops that addressed critical topics such as mental health myths, risk factors, and available community resources. This year, the initiative expanded beyond Santander to include schools in Camargo and Laredo, with support from local municipalities. ASCASAM’s dedicated team of professionals from various disciplines facilitated these sessions,emphasizing the importance of positive mental health and equipping both students and teachers with essential knowledge and tools to foster a supportive environment. The program remains open for additional educational centers until June 2025, reflecting a growing commitment to mental health education in the region.
Time.news interview: Mental Health Awareness Initiative in Cantabria
Editor: Today, we are joined by Dr.Laura Fernandez, a mental health expert and program coordinator at ASCASAM, to discuss their recent initiative aimed at promoting mental health awareness among students in Cantabria. thank you for being here, Dr. Fernandez.
Dr. Laura Fernandez: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to share more about our initiative!
Editor: At the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year, ASCASAM launched an initiative under the theme “Talk about your mental health, say no to labels.” Can you describe the goals of this program?
Dr. Laura Fernandez: Absolutely. Our primary goal is to foster mental health awareness and destigmatize mental health issues among students. We want to empower young people to speak openly about their mental health without fear of being labeled or judged. The workshops tackle common myths surrounding mental health, identify risk factors, and introduce students to community resources available for support.
Editor: That’s a vital endeavor, especially in an academic surroundings. how has the response been from the students participating in these workshops?
Dr.Laura Fernandez: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve engaged over 230 students so far, and many have expressed that the sessions helped them feel more pleasant discussing their mental health. The interactive nature of the workshops allows students to ask questions and share their experiences, fostering an open dialog.
Editor: This year, the initiative expanded beyond Santander to include schools in Camargo and Laredo. What inspired this expansion?
Dr. Laura Fernandez: The need for mental health education is not limited to urban areas; it is indeed a critical issue across all communities. By reaching out to schools in Camargo and Laredo, we aim to ensure that all students in Cantabria have access to vital facts and resources regarding mental health. Local municipalities have supported us, which has helped to facilitate this expansion.
Editor: It’s impressive to see this level of community collaboration. What do you think are the biggest challenges in promoting mental health awareness in schools?
Dr.Laura Fernandez: One of the biggest challenges is still the stigma surrounding mental health. Many students may hesitate to seek help or even acknowledge their struggles due to fear of judgment. Additionally, there is often a lack of trained staff to address these issues effectively.Our workshops aim to equip teachers with the tools they need to support their students.
Editor: Speaking of support,how can schools and educators help in creating a more supportive environment for mental health?
Dr. Laura fernandez: Schools can implement regular mental health education into their curriculum and train staff to recognize and respond to mental health issues. Encouraging policies that promote open discussions about mental health and providing access to counseling resources are essential steps as well. We also encourage parents to be involved and educated on the topic, as family support is crucial.
editor: ASCASAM’s program is available to additional educational centers untill june 2025. What advice do you have for schools considering participation in this initiative?
dr. Laura Fernandez: I encourage schools to reach out and get involved! Mental health awareness is a critical component of student well-being and academic success. Participating in our program offers schools a valuable opportunity to engage their students and provide them with the resources they need to thrive. It’s a step towards building a healthier, more supportive educational environment.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fernandez,for sharing these insights.It’s encouraging to see efforts like ASCASAM’s making a considerable impact on mental health education in Cantabria.
Dr. Laura Fernandez: Thank you for having me. I hope our conversation inspires more schools to prioritize mental health education!