Talking It Out: Why Support Groups in School Are Important

Story and photo by Paris Dozier.

When you think of potential spaces to share your feelings, school probably doesn’t come to mind first. However, the introduction of support groups in school has made many students feel safer to talk about their emotions and experiences.

In the Boston University Homeroom(my class), we run two “support groups” on Mondays. One is called “Brotherhood”, and the other is “Sister Circle.” I can’t really speak on what happens in Brotherhood—I’m not in it—but I can speak a little on Sister Circle. 

Sister Circle takes place when the girls in my class gather together and talk about what's happening in our lives. One of our most important rules is confidentiality, so I’ll try not to disclose too much, but I do know that Sister Circle is helpful. I enjoy Sister Circle, not just because it takes up a class block that I don't particularly enjoy, but also because it feels safe. I’ve seen a space where vulnerability is okay and people can understand and relate to others. I can’t say that being in Sister Circle has made me best friends with some new people I wasn’t friends with before, but it’s a nice thing I’d recommend for other schools.

Other students, like 7th grader Kayla Adames, agree. “I feel that Sister Circle is very helpful, I don’t really talk in Sister Circle though. It’s hard for me to express my feelings but I’m trying to break out of that shell. Sister Circle helps get out any negative emotions that you’ve got inside. Sharing your feelings is important and Sister Circle kind of gives me an outlet for that.” 

Support programs in school are crucial to the prevention of mental health issues and depression in students, but they aren’t easily accessible. According to afro.com, “Over 25% of students reported worsened mental states after the pandemic began.” And many schools do not offer support programs for students. For example, Sources of Strength which “teaches holistic wellness strategies to prevent suicide, substance abuse and violence,” only has programs in 2,000 schools nationwide. 

I have a friend attending another school in the District, and I decided to ask her about her school support experience. “The reason why there’s so many school fights is because we don’t have anybody to stop them. No, I don’t feel comfortable sharing my feelings in school. Because school counselors are like… you can’t say nothing to them. You can’t even tell your friends. You can’t tell anybody.”

All things considered, it seems like students without any type of support group in school are struggling significantly more than ones who have access to them. To any teachers reading this, have you ever considered creating or running support groups for your students? It could be extremely beneficial, and who knows, maybe you’ll learn something about your students you wouldn’t have known before.

Paris Dozier is a 7th grade scholar at Friendship Woodridge International School.