Students Learn Impact Dogs Can Have on Mental Health Challenges

The Junior health classes at Toms River High School North assembled to hear a lecture given by Ms.Trisha Baker representing “Attitudes In Reverse” (AIR), a mental health education program. AIR members go into the community to educate about mental health and suicide prevention. With education comes understanding and empathy. If all of society understood the challenges of mental health issues, we would normalize the illness, increase compassion and lessen bullying. Ms. Baker brought along “Mickey” a therapy dog. Research has shown that the simple action of petting dogs releases good brain chemicals that allow us to relax and reduce stress.