As the semester progresses, college students face an array of challenges, with mental health being at the forefront.
Oakland University’s Mental Health Matters (MHM) aims to destigmatize conversations surrounding mental health and connect students with valuable resources.
MHM is a student-led organization at OU that empowers students to openly discuss mental health and challenge stigma. The organization provides access to supportive resources, hosts events that help students relieve stress, and advocates for the well-being of all individuals.
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m, Oakland University’s MHM partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to raise awareness on suicide prevention and community support.
In Ambassador Room A of the Oakland Center, MHM and the AFSP delivered a Talk Saves Lives presentation.
Volunteer presenter with the AFSP, Laura Distelrath, spoke to students as they crafted bracelets from an assortment of colorful beads and string, while also enjoying refreshments during the presentation.
“We believe this is the right presentation for OU because suicide impacts so many,” Sean Sellars, president of MHM at OU said. “By bringing this to OU, we are empowering students and opening the discussion for suicide prevention.”
Students attending the event engaged with one another while learning about suicide prevention resources. The presentation emphasized the importance of community support for individuals who may be struggling.
Mercy Jeffries, an attendee, appreciated how this event facilitated knowledge renewal about mental health awareness. Jeffries valued that the opportunity broadened the perspective on mental health.
“You can never know too much about mental health awareness and I find re-education important,” Jeffries said.
The presentation highlighted the importance of peer support, which attendees found especially valuable.
MJ Cole, a social work major, emphasized the importance of building a community full of peer support.
“These types of events are very important because it shows the community that we truly have,” Cole said. “It shows that we are seen, understood and that we can lean on people.”
Jeffries emphasized how this event helps normalize conversations surrounding mental health and suicide awareness.
“I really support making mental health more normalized and learning more about it,” Jeffries said.
Student attendees felt inspired by seeing their peers lead conversations about suicide awareness, as these student leaders helped normalize and destigmatize discussions surrounding mental health at the event.
“Seeing peers at this event makes it more comfortable and normalized to speak about these topics,” Jeffries said.
As the event came to a close, students were informed of mental health resources.
Sellars hopes that MHM can provide a supportive community for students who may be struggling.
“Above all, I want the participants and community who attend this event to know that they are not alone in their struggles: there is a community ready to support you,” Sellars said.
Sellars noted that many college students feel isolated in their mental health journey, and without community support, many students feel less inclined to speak up about their mental health.
“Please reach out, do not suffer alone,” Sellars said. “You are worthy of support.”