Delta’s host stress management seminar

As a part of Delta Sigma Theta Week, members of the sorority hosted a Depression and Stress Management Seminar on the evening of November 5 in T.T. Allain.
Those in attendance were treated to a discussion on the many different symptoms of stress and depression, and ways to cope with and overcome the two.
“We hope to get out to the SU community the awareness of depression and how serious it can be, and how it affects the African American community,” said Cozetta D. Shannon, Delta Program Committee Co-Chair. “Women don’t need to be afraid to speak up and say ‘I have a problem’, and to go and get help whenever they can.”
Angela Williams, a counselor at the Southern University Counseling Center, was the guest speaker for the evening, providing a motivational speech on stress.
“I wanted to just bring insight to depression, its symptoms, its signs, and some things one can do to eliminate/reduce depressive moods,” said Williams.
“It’s always a positive outcome when you have an open discussion like this. It gives people an opportunity to think about their own situation,” Williams said, “I believe that they will take back what they have learned tonight and assess their situation, and they will be more aware of depression and now seek out help.”
She went on to say that students are able to receive free counseling services at the University Counseling Center.
The program also consisted of a testimony given by Cynara Jackson, a student at SU. She touched audience members by sharing a personal account of her personal battle with manic depression.
“I feel that in the African American community, depression and dealing with the issue of depression is taboo,” said Jackson.
“We’re always known to be a strong people. But we are a strong people because it’s through the tough times that we help each other, and somehow that got lost. So by having people come out, addressing the issue, and having a testimony of people sharing what they go through, the audience is able to relate and therefore we feel a connection to give back to each other.” She went on to say that openly speaking about her bout with depression is helpful. “I revisit those dark alleys in my life, but it does heal the soul,” said Jackson.
The culmination of the evening was a dance number by Jonas Vanderbilt and a song by LaNea Wilkinson.
“The program was informative because I realize that I’ve been depressed and didn’t even know it,” replied Latrice White, an SU student who attended the seminar. “It helped us to be able to deal with the symptoms, take charge of our bodies, and not let any little thing bring us down.”