Student Health and Counseling Services hosted their fifth annual ribbon-cutting ceremony to reduce the stigma around mental health Nov. 11, in the University Center.
While the event traditionally includes a walk from the UC to Student Health, the symbolic “first step to getting help” was canceled due to inclement weather.
The ceremony was led by students who performed poems, songs, and gave speeches in recognition of mental health awareness.
Alaynea McCoy, a senior Vet Tech major, was the keynote speaker.
“Mental health is just as important as cancer because if left untreated it can kill you,” McCoy said.
Hawks 4 Health members Erica Hicks, a junior Health and Human Performance major, and Angela Barr, a junior Psychology major, spoke on behalf of those with mental health. They called for more attention to mental health, less negativity towards the subject and a more honest platform for people to speak. Hicks and Barr said there are many resources for students at UTM who are experiencing mental health issues.
John’Na Webster, event coordinator with Student Health and Counseling Services, said Student Health is in charge of providing as much information as possible concerning mental health, and is why they host this event every year to stress the importance of mental health to students.
“In media, mental illness is portrayed as crazy people, or dangerous and violent,” Webster said. “There’s just a general ignorance about it, so what people don’t know, they often fear.”
According to Webster, the best way to fight back stigma is education. By building a culture of understanding, a support system for people struggling is created.
“Make them comfortable talking about it just the same as if they had a headache,” Webster said. “Let’s have the same conversation around our mental illness.”
Jarvis Banks-Lee, a junior Music major, performed a song which was followed by a poem performed by Anneisha Henderson, a sophomore Biology major.
“I came out to spread joy with my song,” Banks-Lee said.
He supports mental health because, in his community, people want you to, “pray it away.” Banks-Lee says that you need to support one another, and not feel ashamed to admit if you have a problem and need to reach out for help.
A prominent UTM leader was in attendance at the stigma cutting ceremony in support of the students he works with every day. Dr. Andy Lewter, vice chancellor of Student Affairs, says he attended the ceremony because he “care(s) deeply about the students and their success.”
“One way to be successful is to take care of your wellness,” Lewter said. “If you remove the stigma it will help students be more successful.”
Students participate in the “Stigma Cutting” ceremony Nov. 11 in the University Center. Photo credit / Samantha Mobley
