For the majority of people, college is a slew of new experiences. New environments, new people, new regimens. It’s stressful. Some people may experience more challenges than others, but it is important to know that mental health is something that should not be shied away from.
In the past two years, student organizations have been hosting destressing and calming events more than ever before. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and Stevens students are trying to recognize and address it. Through events like Midterm Stress Relief: Bullet Journaling hosted by SWiB and Write with Less Stress hosted by the Writing and Communications Center, we are slowly but surely destigmatizing stress and anxiety. These organizations and offices don’t have to host these events, but they do it because they care about the wellness of the student body.
These types of events are meant to allow students to pause and take a breath from their busy schedules and lives. For as little as 30 minutes, painting a pot or making a memory box can offer a sense of relief and calmness that isn’t always present in our busy daily lives. The e-boards of all student organizations are run by students just like you. They understand the difficulty of juggling exams, homework, athletics, Greek life, volunteering, etc. Student organizations provide supportive communities for students with different interests and backgrounds which is why they are hosting destressing events. Students understand that this can be a challenging topic to discuss so they tackle it with a less intimidating and more inviting approach. Thus far, I believe students are becoming more open to discussing their emotions and problems. We are creating an environment where everyone is accepted and heard.
In 2018, Active Minds, an RSO geared towards bringing awareness to mental health by promoting dialogue and removing stigma surrounding mental health, was created. Since its origin, they have hosted “Send Silence Packing,” which was an event in which backpacks were scattered across Palmer Lawn to represent the number of college student suicides in 2019. It was not an event of solace but rather hope. In each backpack there were inspirational and positive messages like “You are important” and “You are loved.” They are also very involved in planning the Out of the Darkness walk, which many Greek organizations participate in as well as the Hoboken community. This walk joins people together in an effort to bring awareness through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Events like these are opening the conversation, pushing the envelope on feelings and topics that simply should not be bottled up. Active Minds is also collaborating with the Counseling and Psychological Services(CAPS) this semester so keep an eye out on Ducklink and Corq to see what they’ll be hosting. Their next GBM is Thursday, February 27 at 9:15 in BC 221.
As a sophomore, I can personally say that the student community at Stevens is extremely supportive, open-minded, and kind. Being able to go to my peers or clubs and talk about how stressed I am about midterms and finals is a relief. It’s even more of a relief that other people voice the same feelings. Student orgs are an opportunity to connect with your peers outside of the classroom and bond over video games, karaoke, etc. At Stevens, I don’t have to pretend; I can feel how I’m feeling and that’s okay. College is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and it has its ups and downs. If you feel that you are having a hard time academically, emotionally, socially, or what have you, you can always go to CAPS, which is now located on the second floor of the Student Center.
As time goes on, it is very possible that there will be more events hosted by a variety of student organizations that focus on mental health. Currently, these events are usually done independently, but I am hopeful that there will be more communication between RSOs to cohost and collaborate on destressing events. RSOs help lead the conversation on mental health and bring awareness on the topic to administration. After all, what is Stevens without its students? Stevens is providing us with resources for our needs like CAPS and CARE. The CAPS staff is phenomenal and very approachable and understanding. There is still more progress to be made, but we are on the right path to a stigma-free, student-oriented university.
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