Macon Magazine

104 maconmagazine.com | APRIL/MAY 2022 Bike Walk Macon GETTING OUTSIDE, picking up hobbies and exercising have been proven to help with mental health. Bike Walk Macon is continuously working to make our bikeways and walkways in Macon safer for all ages. While advocating for safer streets, the nonprofit organization is working to create a more vibrant, healthy and equitable city. "People under the age of 16 do not have the option to drive," said Bike Walk Macon Executive Director Rachel Hollar Umana. "And many teenagers are increasingly choosing to rely on more affordable modes of transportation. Our work is important so children of all ages have access to safe and accessible infrastructure when biking or walking to school, neighbor's houses or our parks and public spaces." Bike Walk Macon offers a variety of educational classes and community events throughout the year so younger people can feel confident and safe while traveling by foot or bike. Since the start of the organization in 2015, Umana said she has seen how riding a bike has been beneficial for people struggling with mental health. "I started commuting around Macon by bike seven years ago and have noticed over time that the mental benefits of bicycling are just as important as the physical benefits," she said. "There are countless reasons that riding a bicycle is good for mental health. It reduces stress, helps you sleep better, sparks creativity, helps you feel more connected to your community and so much more." If you would like to get involved or learn more about Bike Walk Macon's activities, go to bikewalkmacon.com or find them on social media at @bikewalkmacon. Wanting to take this even further, Shivdat agreed to help bring this approach to Stratford Academy with sophomore Abbie Rose Perkel. With the help from Upper School English teacher April Bacon, they created Stratford Minds Matter. It started this school year and has a student leader from each grade, with about 40 students in the club. "It has been great so far. The club is more of a time to hang out, but through the hanging out, we can talk about our stresses in school, especially with exams," said Perkel. "Mental health is very important, that's why we want to reduce the stigma because if something is bothering you, it's going to affect your life in every way." They host events like pizza parties and play games in order to draw in more students. The club has also brought in Piedmont Hospital's residents to speak with Upper School students about mental illnesses and provide a deeper understanding for mental health. "These student leaders are truly incredible. They come up with the ideas and activities," said Bacon. "I think through them, one of the big goals is reducing the stigma of talking about mental health, so who better than these club leaders? They're very inspiring." Stratford Academy has two school counselors. Gena Chalfa works with the Lower School (beginners to eighth grade) and Alex Minor works with the Upper School (freshman to seniors). They have an open-door policy, provide lessons for students about mental health and also help with other clubs such as "Girl Talk" and an anti-bullying club. "We encourage all of our students to come to us if they ever need anything," said Chalfa. "Our goal as counselors is to be present, whether it be in the classrooms or in the hallways greeting our students, so we can develop strong relationships with them, and just show them that we're there." COUNSELING IN SCHOOLS The role of guidance counselors has changed a bit in schools compared to what it was like 10 years ago. They are typically there to help with both academic guidance and some emotional guidance, but are now focusing more on mental health. That's the case at Mount de Sales Academy. "They have freed me up this year and last year to mainly be a counselor for mental health," said Mount de Sales Counselor Amanda Smith. "While we do have an academic counselor, my main job is to be available for the middle and high schools for any mental health needs." Smith has been at Mount de Sales for about 12 years, but in the last few years she has strictly become available to any student in need. "The biggest thing that I have seen this school year is that when it comes to me giving students outside referrals for local resources, the wait time has been a bit longer than usual," said Smith. "That tells me more people are reaching out for help." First Presbyterian Day School (FPD) also refers students to other counselors if the school counselor notices they may need extra help. Angela Berchell is the only school counselor at FPD and sees

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