Fireside Chat was hosted during Men’s Federation Week in partnership with Mental Milestone Association and My Sisters Keeper to bring a safe space talk to the Jags on campus about mental health in regards to themselves and their friends. In keeping with the fireside theme, they opened up with introductions and fun icebreakers to create an intimate space. The focus of the chat was to allow students to voic their concerns and share anything that the felt was important to them. This event was about unity, honesty, and taking care of oneself before anything.
“We wanted this to be a general conversation that allows students to voice their concerns and any thoughts they have. Mens Fed wanted to give these students a space today to have a conversation about what they go through not just in school but in general.” Tristen Gorrell, a senior criminal justice major and the chief of staff for the Men’s Federation spoke about the event.
Friendships and depression became a major topic of discussion as everyone sat and talked about witnessing those closest to them go through it. Everyone in the room sat and spoke about how they themselves recognize when their friends are going through depression and how college can majorly affect their mental health. That conversation led to how can one recognize when they themselves are entering into a depressive episode. Personal testimonies were shared and soon everyone found out that their experience isn’t a monolith one.
“We want to be able to give students a new confidence in regards to mental health and that they should take theirs very seriously. We’re giving the opportunity for Jags on campus to know that it’s okay to be vulnerable.” Jasmine Brown, a junior ag business major and the founder of Mental Milestones Association shared.
Overall the event was a success allowing students to let go of their grievances and learn to not let the stigmas within their own communities prevent them from getting the help they might need. Oftentimes as students of color, the pressure to deal with things on their own can become very overwhelming and overbearing. Recognizing the signs and listening to your body is very essential. Talking to friends, family, or even a stranger can be very helpful to making sure that one’s mental health does not overtake their life and thoughts. College can make acknowledging one’s feelings extremely hard, especially during times like these where there is national turmoil and many stressful events going on. It is okay to ask for help and the fireside chat helped allow for that to be learned.
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Mens Fed Week: Fireside Chat
October 18, 2022
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