Animas High Class Found to Help Lower Suicide, Depression Risk

By Mary Shinn, The Journal | Students had lower risks for suicide and fewer symptoms of depression after participating in a class at Animas High School that was built on seeing their lives as heroic journeys and strong relationships among the students.

Animas High teacher Shane Nelson designed the class around author and teacher Joseph Campbell’s theory that heroes across cultures and time periods share a similar journey into the unknown where they face challenges, temptations and transformation. He helps the students see their own experiences in context of a journey.