Northern Illinois University’s "Helping Huskies Thrive" hosted a mental health fair Thursday. Bradley Cramer helped organize the event. He says this is a good time in the semester to connect students with resources since spring break is over and attention now turns to final exams.
“The number one thing I want students to walk away with is hope," Cramer said. "Hope that there is help for these concerns. That you can talk about it. That you don’t need to be afraid. You don’t need to feel like you need to hide it or be ashamed if you’re struggling.”
The fair included various stations where students were able to create their own artistic expressions and share their stories.
There was also information about resources for students from campus partners. NIU sophomore Kendra Yade says the fair helps reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
“I think it’s really important that people are out there fighting against the society norms that it’s a ‘bad stigma’ or ‘taboo’ to have mental illnesses and to talk about them," Yade said. "I think it’s very wrong. I think that we should talk about them. I think that they are important to discuss. So I think any chance I get to help spread the positive word, I’m going to take advantage of it.”
Braden Astorga-Rollins, is associated with the Student Association's No Shame campaign:
"The thing that I know from personal experience and also from educating myself is the best thing to do is to find professional help," Astorga-Rollins said. "If you can’t do that, find a trusted confidant and ask them to help you get professional help."
Interactive stations included creating graffiti art and a share-a-secret exhibit.