Unlike skipping in gumboots, the difficulties faced by people with mental illness are not always obvious to others.
It was something many senior pupils at Kaikorai Valley College were all too aware of during Gumboot Friday activities yesterday, head girl Kayla Muirhead said.
Two years ago, a fellow pupil committed suicide, leaving many at the school devastated.
"That was obviously really hard on everyone and I think, ever since then, everyone's had a better understanding of how bad things can get and how we do need to get help for students who are struggling.
"A lot of students in my year are probably thinking about him a lot today.
"Maybe if he had been able to get help, he might still be here.
"That still plays on my mind a lot - is there something more that we could have done if we had realised?"
For that reason, she and fellow pupils were heavily invested in Gumboot Friday activities yesterday.
"I think a lot of students in the senior years are starting to realise that this is a huge issue, that a lot of students do need help with mental health.
"This is a good way to raise awareness of mental illness and also get students the help that they need with the fundraising we're doing here today."
Kaikorai Valley College was one of many schools and businesses across Otago and Southland to participate in the new event, which aims to raise $2million to fund counselling for school-aged children.
It is the brainchild of 2019 New Zealander of the Year Mike King and the I Am Hope campaign, which aims to create a positive and fun way for Kiwis to join in the mental health conversation, while raising money to provide free and timely counselling for any young person in need.
King said for many people, having depression or anxiety could feel like walking through mud every day.
"By wearing gumboots and spending a day walking in someone else's shoes, New Zealanders can show people who are struggling, that they're not alone, and that it's important and normal to talk about the things that they're dealing with internally."
Need help?
Need to talk? 1737, free 24/7 phone and text
Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543-354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828-865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Samaritans: 0800 726-666
The Depression Helpline: 0800 111-757
