World Mental Health Day mobilizes efforts to bring discussions on mental health issues to the forefront, raising awareness and advocating against stigma.
The day is observed on Oct. 10, and at Texas A&M, it is a chance for students to reflect and learn more about resources on campus designed for support. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that 30 percent of college students say stress has negatively impacted their academic performance, making mental health a topic worthy of serious discussion on campus. According to director of Student Counseling Services Mary Ann Covey, World Mental Health Day is a good time for all students to take a break and think about their own mental health.
The day is observed on Oct. 10, and at Texas A&M, it is a chance for students to reflect and learn more about resources on campus designed for support. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that 30 percent of college students say stress has negatively impacted their academic performance, making mental health a topic worthy of serious discussion on campus. According to director of Student Counseling Services Mary Ann Covey, World Mental Health Day is a good time for all students to take a break and think about their own mental health.
“It can be used as a check into one’s own self care,” Covey said. “‘Am I taking care of my mental health? Getting enough sleep? Eating well? Exercising?’ All of these factors contribute to one’s mental health.”
Student Counseling Services will use this event to promote mental health resources and encourage educational discussions.
“An event like this raises awareness across platforms of social media as well as other media outlets,” Covey said. “It will reach students who aren’t specifically following the Student Counseling Services social media, but the event will pop up on many national platforms that students may be on.”
Student Counseling Services will use this event to promote mental health resources and encourage educational discussions.
“An event like this raises awareness across platforms of social media as well as other media outlets,” Covey said. “It will reach students who aren’t specifically following the Student Counseling Services social media, but the event will pop up on many national platforms that students may be on.”
For organizations who advocate for mental health education, health senior and Active Minds at Texas A&M president Alicia Steinley said World Mental Health Day is a great time to spread awareness on campus and educate those who don’t deal with mental illness about how to help Aggies who do.
“We at Active Minds believe mental health awareness begins with knowledge, so we focus on spreading information about mental illnesses and direction on how to help a friend that is struggling,” Steinley said.
Active Minds will be doing their part to spread awareness at a table in Rudder Plaza, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., handing out information on mental illness and a pledge to be stigma-free. The group puts on displays throughout the year with a similar goal, including the 1,100 flags suicide awareness display, which will take place Oct. 22-26 in Academic Plaza.
“We at Active Minds believe mental health awareness begins with knowledge, so we focus on spreading information about mental illnesses and direction on how to help a friend that is struggling,” Steinley said.
Active Minds will be doing their part to spread awareness at a table in Rudder Plaza, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., handing out information on mental illness and a pledge to be stigma-free. The group puts on displays throughout the year with a similar goal, including the 1,100 flags suicide awareness display, which will take place Oct. 22-26 in Academic Plaza.
“Events like these raise awareness about mental health issues and help us advocate in our local community for change surrounding the stigma around mental illnesses,” Steinley said.
Communication senior Kaitlin Bennett said her personal goals for the day are to start conversations and extend support.
“I think mental illness affects a much larger portion of the student body than we realize,” Bennett said. “Partially because of a lack of education for both people who suffer from mental illness and people who don’t. I think [World Mental Health Day] only helps as long as people become aware of programs and support available on and around campus.”
“I think mental illness affects a much larger portion of the student body than we realize,” Bennett said. “Partially because of a lack of education for both people who suffer from mental illness and people who don’t. I think [World Mental Health Day] only helps as long as people become aware of programs and support available on and around campus.”
