People across the globe celebrated World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, including several organizations across campus at the University of North Alabama.
One of these groups was the Social Work Organization. SWO held a table event in the Guillot University Center, where they offered free merchandise and mental health-related trivia games.
“We just want to spread awareness about mental health,” said Melissa Gaspar, SWO Member-at-Large. “We just love to hear the stories of people that have many struggles, and let them know that we’re here for them.”
Gaspar said that SWO’s table gave the organization a great opportunity to bond with students and help improve their mood for the day.
Students shared Gaspar’s sentiment that the table served a good purpose.
“I think it’s very good. Everything is very welcoming and very friendly,” said Kristina Arthur, a Social Work student, who said the SWO table was her first time hearing of World Mental Health Day. “I think mental health in general is important, especially for college students, because college can be so straining on the mind […] You can feel very isolated in college. So keeping up with mental health can be very important.”
SWO’s table was able to reach a wide range of people, according to SWO historian Nelly Valdez.
“Everyone has been so nice,” Valdez said. “We’ve had professors and we’ve had students. I’ve seen a couple of parents come up to our table and just kind of talk to us. They’re very, very open and willing to talk to us.”
Valdez discussed the impact of the recent string of hurricanes on the mental health of students from the affected areas. She said that it is important for students struggling with anxiety or loss to reach out and discuss their struggles with others. She also mentioned the large support system of people willing to listen that is available to most college students.
“Your friends, your family, teachers, professors, advisors – anyone is willing to help, as long as you ask,” said Valdez. “It’s good to get it out there – that there is a helping hand.”
In addition to the community on campus at UNA, the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion also plays a large part in the student support system, according to Valdez. She says utilizing this support system is crucial.
