One in four college students lives with a mental health issue, and stigma remains a huge impediment for students to get help.
Stigma and lack of resources can lead to a major concern for college campuses. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Campus aims to work against this serious issue.
NAMI On Campus is part of the national NAMI family, “the nation’s largest mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental health conditions,” according to NAMI.org.
NAMI On Campus set up tables in the Hollenbeck Atrium on Sept. 8 to spread awareness for National Suicide Awareness Week.
The goal of the event was to “encourage students to realize their potential and recognize their fundamental connection to others because every day, there are people controlled by their fears, [and] no one should feel alone,” Skylar Breiner, ‘17, said.
Students, faculty and staff gathered to share their biggest fears and their greatest dreams with one another.
Informational material was provided to all who visited, and students were encouraged to learn more about suicide, including warning signs for prevention.
NAMI On Campus holds meetings every first and third Tuesday at 8 p.m.
Scare Away Stigma is another event by NAMI held in October to raise awareness for the stigmas associated with mental health conditions.
