The University of Michigan’s four mental health organizations came together to host Mental Health “Speak Out,” the university’s first collaborative mental health event. Members of four organizations – Wolverine Support Network, If You Are Leading This, Mentality Magazine and CAPS in Action – spoke about their personal experiences with mental health struggles on Tuesday night’s Michigan League. . The event’s theme is “Connections and Community” and is based on the New York Times’ “Connections” game.
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, social work student Shoshanna Bitker, who is emceeing the event, said Tuesday’s remarks created a safe space for community members and members of various student organizations with a common goal. He said he believes it has fostered connections between people.
“It’s important to create community within the vast fabric of this university,” Bitker said. “Being able to share stories about mental health in a safe space helps us see how many others share the same experience and understand we are not alone.”
During the event, five student speakers spoke about their struggles with mental health. In an interview with the Daily, LSA senior Sophia Micale spoke about why she chose to speak at this event.
“(I) learned a lot from other people,” Mikale said. “So I think it’s special to have a space where people can be honest and open. And I think that’s what allows for this kind of mutual learning. By what I share, you can also learn, and by you sharing I can also learn, understanding that we all have a common experience, so that together we change and grow. can do.”
In an interview with the Daily, LSA freshman Alexandra Zupnik said she appreciated hearing from the speakers about their experiences adjusting to college.
“My favorite part was hearing everyone talk about how they had struggled since starting college,” Zupnik said. “And that’s not a reflection of the place or the people, just the fact that everyone is trying to understand the constant change and growth that is experienced through the university.”
Mikale said she hopes participants leave with the understanding that mental health differs from person to person and that seeking help is not a linear process.
“The biggest takeaway is that everyone has their own struggles and triumphs, and if we can be more honest about what we’re going through, it will help all of us in the long run.” , Be a better version of yourself, ”Mikale said.
During the event, participants at each table were required to write their name and display it on a piece of paper. At the end of the event, with the theme “We are all connected,” everyone worked together to connect pieces of paper to create a giant chain.
Bitker said she appreciated the courage of the speakers who shared their personal stories.
“Through their voices, we got a glimpse of (their) struggles and triumphs,” Bitker said. “In doing so, they extended a hand of solidarity to others grappling with similar and different challenges.”
Daily staff reporters Evi Bisvikis and Hal Pratt can be reached at: bise@umich.edu and Hallehap@umich.edu.
