Three Syracuse University panelists spoke about their experiences with identity and mental health at a discussion held Tuesday night by the Student Association.

Tuesday’s panel was part of SA’s fourth annual Mental Health Awareness Week. The purpose of the panel was to show how different people experience health in varying ways and to ensure that different voices are being heard in conversations on mental health, said Lujane Juburi, co-chair of SA’s Diversity Affairs Committee. She moderated the event.

Panelist Robin Maxile, a doctoral student and academic consultant in SU’s WellsLink Leadership Program, said mental health wasn’t talked about when she was growing up.

“It wasn’t until I was older, and I moved away that I really started to work on my mental health and realize that it’s okay to talk about it,” she said. “It’s okay to identify it, whatever it may be.”

Danielle Jones, a staff therapist and panelist, said supporting mental health requires collaboration, and there are many resources outside of counseling that people can utilize to facilitate wellness. To support her own mental health, Jones checks in with herself and her energy levels. Participating in events like Tuesday’s panel also helps refuel her, she said.

“I care about these conversations,” Jones said.

People can also find little pockets of the day to do activities that support them, Jones said. Many people say there isn’t time to do that, but it’s important to try and make that time, said Jorge Castillo, assistant director of the LGBT Resource Center and panelist.

Panelists asked members of the audience to share what they did to support their own mental health. Tuesday’s audience consisted mainly of SA members. Answers included writing, working out, going for a drive and thinking through the previous day.

Mental Health Awareness Week began on Monday with various events on the Quad. Games, informational stations, activities and free merchandise were offered. SA will also hold its second annual Stop the Stigma concert on Thursday.

This year’s event had a specific focus on intersectionality and promoting the resources offered by the Barnes Center at The Arch. SA is promoting different exercise classes offered at The Arch as well as holding meditation sessions on Wednesday at the center.

“Mental Health Awareness Week is a week dedicated for students to be conscious of mental health, to be aware of mental health and to be active in practicing ways to make your mental health better,” Juburi said

Published on October 8, 2019 at 11:18 pm

Contact India: irmiragl@syr.edu