LAUREN LUZZO
Contributing Writer
Counseling and Psychological Services, (CAPS), hosted their semi-annual Mental Health Awareness Day Fair on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sci-tech lobby.
The fair gave students and faculty a chance to learn from mental health exhibits and activities, enjoy refreshments, massages, games and a get chance to meet therapy dogs.
CAPS offered a range of counseling services to enhance the social, emotional, and personal well-being of students on campus. Their services are available to all enrolled students.
“It’s important to have students realize that mental health is just as important as physical health, and the fair serves as an opportunity to educate students on different mental health topics.” said Raquel Sosa, the President of Active Minds.
Active Minds is a club on campus dedicated to opening up the conversation about mental health and creating a change in how mental health is cared for and talked about.
CAPS was one of the many tables filled with information along with activities for students to try and see how much they know about mental health. There was a raffle and a pumpkin weight guessing game where students had the ability to win shirts and other small prizes.
Along with all of the other attractions at the fair, the therapy dog was a popular stop with many of the students. Therapy dogs support a person’s mental health by comforting and providing attention when needed. Their unconditional love has a therapeutic benefit to many of those who face difficult mental health challenges.
Mental health issues are more prevalent in young adults and are sometimes referred to as the “anxious generation”. It is important for the younger generation to break the stigma around mental health.
“1 in 4 college students have a diagnosable mental illness, therefore it is prevalent and important for people to make an effort to know more about mental health, so they can support their peers” said Sosa.
Mental health disorders are sometimes viewed as rare, but they are in fact common and widespread. An estimated 54 million people suffer from some sort of mental disorder within a given year.
A sign posted in the hallway listed famous people who have battled mental illness. It can happen to anyone; mental illness does not discriminate.
If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help, please get help by going to or calling ESU’s counseling center at (570) 422-3277. The CAPS office is located on the second floor of the Flagler- Metzgar Center.
Email Lauren at:
lluzzo@live.esu.edu
