Jen Silva
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Mental health is not an easy topic of conversation, but Peers Understanding Listening Supporting Educating (PULSE) is trying to make this topic more approachable.
“We’re all dealing with something. It’s OK to talk about it — it’s better to talk about it,” psychology senior Catalina Ordorica, co-coordinator of PULSE’s Reach-out, empower, accept, listen (REAL) team, said.
Buck the Stigma is a weeklong event aimed at addressing stigmas centered around mental health and educating people about this topic in a fun way, she said. The event will be held Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Union (UU). The only exception will be Tuesday, when the event will be held on Mott Lawn.
Each day has a different focus, Ordorica said. Monday is a fair where campus resources show students what they have to offer. Tuesday is a de-stress fest where students will play games to de-stress, including making their own stress balls. Wednesday will be a informational session on eating disorders showing a life-size version of Barbie. Thursday will be a suicide awareness event.
In addition to these events, PULSE will also be showing “Silver Linings Playbook,” featuring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper, from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday nights at the PULSE office in the lower level of the Health Center.
Buck the Stigma is open to anybody who would like to participate in any of the events.
It is important to have a safe and open space to talk about these issues, Ordorica said.
“Every student is affected by mental illness,” she said. “Being able to talk about it provides an open space to grow and to learn and to help ourselves.”
Correction: Jennifer Lawrence’s name has been corrected