by Nia Peake ‘23

Our Minds Matter (OMM) is a nationwide non-profit organization with the mission to end teen suicide and Sherwood’s counseling department is continuing to commit to this mission as they enter their second year with Sherwood’s chapter of OMM called Warrior Minds Matter. This club will work with students to develop ideas for school-wide mental health campaigns. The club sponsors are counselor Katlyn Kopnitsky and school psychologist Nancy Baglin.

OMM was originally a foundation created 10 years ago that told the story of Josh Anderson, a seventeen-year-old who committed suicide. Anderson’s family and friends were unaware of his mental health struggles, which prompted the foundation to transition to an organization to not only continue bringing awareness to Anderson’s story but also to work toward providing students with the proper resources they need to address their mental health struggles. OMM is now projected to reach 500 schools by 2025.This school year, Kopnitsky hopes to reach more students and increase involvement in the club. She believes that there is a need for students to be educated about mental health. 

“​As counselors, we definitely see a lot of our students struggling with their mental health. The beauty of Warrior Minds Matter is that we have the national club backing it that has tons of resources, activities, and tips that our student leaders can use when planning activities for our school,” said Kopnitsky.

Along with having student leaders who will engage with their peers on the subject of mental health, the counseling department also greatly contributes by providing a safe space for students to talk about their issues, connecting them with supportive resources, and teaching them effective coping methods.

Next week, October 10-14, the counseling department and administration will be recognizing mental health awareness week by having mental-health related activities for students to participate in. Also in celebration, MCPS will be partnering with the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association to put on a free virtual event that will give students and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on a variety of related topics. 

Aligning with the vision of OMM, Kopnitsky believes Warrior Minds Matter will have a significant influence on the student body and will help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis call or text 988, the Montgomery County 24/7 Hotline.