By Madison Rohn and Grace Gross, Lead Editors
Photos provided by Counseling Services
Last Wednesday marked the return of the Mental Health Matters Fair. The fair was presented by the offices of Counseling Services and Residence Life as a way to promote mental health and inform students of the mental health resources available to them.
Tables were set up in the Hett and were run by campus offices, such as Counseling Services, Health Services, and the Student Success Center, along with psychology students and club members, and local counseling groups.
Students were given passports to have marked at each station that they could enter to win a raffle.
Phoebe McCutcheon, a senior, was one of the raffle winners. In the basket, they won a pillow, blanket, letterboard, notebook, essential oil fan and oils, and more! Phoebe stated, “In the basket, I also won a Dairy Queen gift card, colorful Sharpies, a word search book, and a coloring book. I am most grateful for the essential oils and fan to create a soothing, serene mood in my room!”
The tables informed students about habits to help improve their mental health, like journaling, stress relief, sleep, and music therapy. Other tables provided students with resources and activities, such as bracelet-making, sleep kits, and notes of positive affirmations.
One station even set up a meditation spot and a guided breathing room in the coat closet, complete with yoga mats, pillows, and a TV displaying breathing exercises.
Some of the tables used the fair as an opportunity to raise awareness for sexual assault, suicide prevention, and self-harm prevention.
One of the students helping out at the fair as a part of the psychology club was junior Sonia Halabi, a sociology and criminal justice major on the bowling team. When asked about the importance of mental health, Sonia said, “Good mental health keeps people happy, motivated, confident, and leaves a good effect for the body and spirit too.”
Sonia expressed hopes that from going to the fair, students learned, “that there are resources through McKendree University and other organizations available to help if ever need[ed], and to break the stigma from seeking help. Mental health is very important and serious, and should never be disregarded.”
Liana Burkhart, a senior exercise science major, was one of the students who attended the fair. When asked about her time at the fair, Liana said, “My favorite booth was the one about grief and loss. We all have experienced loss and grief in different ways whether it’s leaving for college or losing a loved one. They had bracelets we could make to help cope with this.”
When asked if she recommends students go to the fair, Liana said, “I highly recommend attending next year. There are so many ways to help your mental health that you might not even realize. I learned so much and had so much fun.”
If you are looking for information about mental health, you do not have to wait for next year’s fair. The Office of Counseling Services is available to students for free all year round.
