The Wolves for Mental Health club was founded to allow Saint Paul’s students to learn about and discuss mental illness as well as discover methods to mitigate emotions.

The club was founded by Saint Paul’s senior Shawn Cooney and meets weekly in the evening, most often Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. Saint Paul’s English teacher Kim Gardner moderates.

Cooney noticed during his time at Saint Paul’s that there was a lack of outlets to discuss mental health in the school. Teen students, particularly men, are in a mental health crisis and often hide their feelings. At an all-male school, students are most likely going through similar situations; therefore, a support group would allow them to talk about what is going on in their lives and brainstorm ways to improve their mental health.

Cooney, who has lost one of his best friends to mental health, had recently researched modern mental health data. He wanted to make a difference for the Saint Paul’s students, so he approached Gardner about starting a support group club. Knowing the effects bottling emotions has on teenagers, Gardner was ecstatic at the opportunity to give students a chance to open up about their feelings.

Cooney and Gardner settled on the structure of the Wolves for Mental Health after an extended period of discussing potential options.

Meetings begin with a presentation (a guest speaker, video, or topic led by Cooney or Gardner) and flow into a student-led dialogue, with students talking over what has been presented to them. The meetings end with games for members to develop friendships and simply to have fun, for Gardner emphasizes the relationship between a social life and mental wellness.

The two decided on the lobby of Benilde Hall as the location, for it provides more of a comfortable environment but also has tables for discussion and games.

Gardner highlights the need this club fits, the need for students to talk and feel together. “This group allows students to create a network of support and to know that they are not alone in their struggles. Connecting with others is crucial to mental health, so the social opportunities the group provides are so important.”

The club is already making a difference for several students.

Saint Paul’s sophomore Jack Ramsey notes the impact the club has had on him since he started attending. “I have gone through mental struggles, and I was excited about something for people at Saint Paul’s to have some place to come. [I’ve gotten] a feeling that has made me happy since I started coming. The group of us are passionate about bringing awareness and help to people at Saint Paul’s and in the community.”

The group created by the club extends beyond the meetings. They formed a group chat so that the discussion could continue after meetings. Cooney makes sure to check in on the members as well as remind them what was previously talked about. Moreover, he plans to use the chat to provide challenges for the members to see how different ideas, such as giving up Instagram for a day, can affect mental health and productivity.

Students who wish to learn more or join can contact Cooney at Shawn.Cooney.2024@stpauls.com.