UT
NIVERSITY IMES
May 7, 2018
www.csulauniversitytimes.com
C A L I F O R N I A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y, L O S A N G E L E S
Many suffer from mental health illnesses in silence; you're not alone.
Issue 216.15
IT'S REALLY NOT A BIG DEAL.
#StigmaFree Mental Health: Beyond the Stigma Disabilities displayed common myths about mental health as well as statistics on its effects.
Cal State LA promotes #StigmaFree for Mental Health Awareness Month.
According to the Global Medical Education organization, an estimated 1 in 4 people throughout the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Furthermore, the American Journal of Psychology states that 60 percent of people with mental illness won’t seek help due to the stigma of being labelled mentally ill.
Ashlee Navarec Contributing Writer Students gathered around the University-Student Union (U-SU) Plaza last Thursday to engage in mental health awareness at the second annual #StigmaFree event. Students donned green ribbons in support of a “StigmaFree” mindset when it came to their mental health. By remaining “StigmaFree”, students can refrain from being defined by the stereotypes and judgment of mental health issues. In a scavenger hunt throughout the U-SU Plaza, students learned about mental illnesses and the ways that they can eliminate social stigmas. By collecting signatures from each booth, attendees were given a JuiceItUp green smoothie and an opportunity to create their own pledge against negative
“I think it’s extremely important to have these resources on campus,” said Brianna Rodriguez, third year English major. “Some students don’t have other outlets or people to talk to so, by having these booths, other students know they’re not alone.” Camille Jessie
Students learn more about having a #StigmaFree mindset provided by the Cal State LA’s health center.
social stigmas. From Giant Jenga to trivia questionnaires, organizations including The Office for Students with Disabilities, Center for Engagement, Service
& The Public Good, The Health Hut and Veterans Resource Center worked together to engage students with various issues associated with mental health and its stigmatized perception.
Specifically, Cal State LA’s Student Health Center promoted the Counseling and Psychological Services offered to students at their booth, while the Office for Students with
Those that wish to support the cause can wear a lime green ribbon to represent the importance of mental health awareness, as well as continue the conversation on social media and in person. By speaking up and educating others on social stigmas, students can help change the way the world sees mental health.