Principal's Message April 2019

The following is Charle Illes's speech from the Ramsey Stigma Free Walk and Talkathon. His words perfectly captured the spirit of the event and our community of learner's.

Walk and Talkathon Speech - Charlie Illes May 1, 2019

"Hello everybody, my name is Charlie Illes, and I am a junior at Ramsey High School. I am thankful that Dr. Murphy has made the Stigma Free initiative a focus in our learning community and I am happy to be working with the High School administration to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Thank you for coming to participate in our Walk and Talkathon. Your presence demonstrates your support for those who struggle with mental health. Your continued support can and will make a difference in the fight to end the stigma.

Going through high school can be tough. The stress of grades, making friends, finding your passion, and the impending nerves surrounding college and applications are a lot to handle. To ease this stress at Ramsey High School, we incorporate mental wellness education and programs to smooth the ride as much as possible for each and every student that walks these halls. Whether it be the reflection periods in Homeroom advisory, or learning the importance of emotional stability and wellness in Health class, every person here in the RHS family is committed to making sure one another are able to get through each day without any trouble.

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to tell that someone is struggling. Many choose to hide their mental issues rather than seek treatment. More than half of US children and teens with mental health disorders are not treated, and most struggle in silence. The stigma surrounding mental health is a main reason that those that are struggling do not seek out treatment or tell a loved one. Tragically, this stigma is a primary catalyst in deaths by suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in America, but the second leading cause for people aged 10-24. No middle schooler, no high schooler, no college student, no adult, and no parent should ever know the loss felt when a friend or loved one dies by suicide. It is okay, to not be okay. We have all struggled, we have all fallen, and we can all get back up. I encourage all of you to have the conversation with a loved one, a parent, or a friend about stigma and mental health. If you are struggling, please reach out to a person you trust. Sometimes the most difficult conversations are also the most important ones to have.

Tonight, we are here to share in the fight to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues. It is imperative that we normalize discussion of mental health disorders in order for those who need help to feel comfortable with getting it. Similar to the way any of us would go to the doctor for a sprained ankle, or the chiropractor for a bad back, those struggling with mental problems should be able to receive treatment without facing a stigma. Here tonight, we are united in our shared goal of ending this stigma, and making sure that nobody else ever has to face the devastating effects of losing a loved one to death by suicide. Together, we will make a difference.

Thank you."