November is approaching and students on SLU campus are starting to feel the pressure of how to balance between course works and their social life. Thelmo Diversity and Inclusion Department (D&I), by acknowledging the occurring anxiety among students, is collaborating with multiple clubs on campus to host a first-ever Mental Wellth Week from October 28 to November 2.
They are also planning to bring mental health advocate Yasmine Cheyenne to campus for a speech as a part of the week. This series of events is hoping to help students to be more “accountable for their mental wellness,” according to Thelmo D&I chair Shedrack Bogonko.
According to Shedrack Bogonko, this week of events stresses on the main goal of the Thelmo department: on what unites students on SLU campus rather than what makes them different. “Sometimes, by recognizing that bad things like sadness and sorrow, strife and challenges do affect everyone despite their identities, we are bringing our community closer,” said Bogonko. “Also, for students who are struggling not just with navigating as college students but with the identities that society has put upon them, I feel like this week is dedicated to empowering them, to encourage them to take care of themselves and to tell them that it is not a sign of weakness to seek for help.”
Rahel Mideska, Thelmo D&I chair, agreed with what Bogonko had to say.
She also believes that by hosting this week, the department of Thelmo will be able to inform the student body on the importance of mental wellness and further promote intersectional and inclusion on campus.
Bogonko also shares his thoughts with the stresses and societal pressures that SLU students are currently going through. “In my opinion, no one has everything together. Through opinionated social media outlets, it may seem like some people has a better life than others, yet they are all struggling,” said Bogonko. “I believe that we are all trying to get good grades or trying to figure our lives out, so come to the events and learn how to appreciate and value yourself because SLU would not be the same without your unique contribution.”
Mideska also gives out the detailed information on this Mental Wellth Week. On Monday, Oct. 28, there will be a self-care event and sign language session hosted by Thelmo and Club of American Sign Language.
On Tuesday, Men In Color will host a movie night dedicated to mental health. SLU Advocates will take over on Wednesday and present a self-discovery event.
Thursday, SLU Health and Counseling Center will have an open house with dog therapy along with giving out opportunities to take a flu shot.
ACE will bring nutritionist Paula Youmell to campus for an hour-long class on Friday. And finally, students are welcomed to come and enjoy exciting events like a fashion show, open mic and talk with Yasmine Cheyenne on Saturday.
And as Bogonko said, if you are unable to make it to these events, keep in mind that “you are special, you are unique, your values are important, and we are here for you.”