By Amanda Berry
Staff Writer
Active Minds is an organization on campus that focuses on bringing awareness to and changing the stigma of mental health issues. On March 29, 2018, they will be holding an art exhibit that focuses on these issues.
The exhibit will feature only 2D art and will range from drawings and photographs, to poetry or spoken word. Students will be able to view the artwork in the Common Grounds March 29 from 7 to 9 p.m.
There will also be a contest were students are allowed to vote for their two favorite pieces of art. There will be two grand prizes of Visa gift cards worth $50.
Students are encouraged to drop off their submissions Thursday March 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Stroud 118, Friday March 23 in Minsi Residence Hall from 1 to 6 p.m., or Tuesday March 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Stroud 118.
With many students struggling with stress and other mental health issues throughout schools all over the United States, the Active Minds art exhibit will help break the stigma around not talking about these important issues in today’s society.
Active Minds at ESU aims to shed light to these many issues and teach students that it is okay to talk about how they feel and not to be afraid to speak up about these emotions.
Mental health issues affect about 1 in 4 adults, and around a third of college students report they have felt depressed according to Active Minds website. This affects students ability to focus and maintain good grades in school.
Not a lot of people want to openly talk about the many mental health issues that plague people all over the world and this can be especially hard on a college student who is already trying to navigate their way through the semesters.
Active Minds wants to show students that it is okay to not only talk about these issues, but know they are not alone and it is okay to seek help.
More information about Active Minds is available at their Instagram page @activemindsesu, their Facebook page Active Minds at ESU, or by contacting the president of Active Minds Raquel Sosa at @rsosa@live.esu.edu.
Email Amanda at:
aberry@live.esu.edu
