Monday, November 4

Mental Health Matters Fair Returns

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.

One table provided student-athletes with tips to help their mental health.

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.

The first table at the fair gave students passports they could enter into the 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!”

One table gave out resources and information to help students healthily manage stress.

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 table talked about meditation and guided students to a meditation spot and breathing room.

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.

The fair gave students a chance to learn about how bystanders can help prevent sexual assault.

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.”

Students wrote positive notes to leave on a mirror for other students.

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.”

Students Grace Gross (left) and Sonia Halabi (right) worked at the psychology club table.

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.”

The fair informed students about anxiety and how to healthily manage it.

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.

Authors

  • Madison Rohn

    Madison Rohn is a senior and a communication major from O’Fallon, Illinois. She loves writing and has had work published in McKendree’s Catalyst. Madison also acts in theater productions on campus and works events at the Hett. Her favorite pieces to write are short stories and novels in the fantasy genre, and her dream job is to be a bestselling author. She hopes her writing will show people different perspectives and inspire them.

  • Grace Gross

    Grace Gross is one of the Lead Editors for the McKendree Review. She is a third-year Communication major, pursuing a minor in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Grace is heavily involved in extracurricular activities on and off campus. She is a Student Academic Mentor for Student Success and Residence Life. She holds the position of Public Relations Officer for the Psychology Club. In addition, she plays the clarinet in the McKendree Concert Band. Grace is also the Color Guard Captain for the Spirit of McKendree. Grace enjoys spending time with her friends and listening to music and reading in her free time. She is very excited for all of the upcoming opportunities McKendree has to offer.