Student-Run Wellness Showcase Highlights Mental Health
Freshman theater arts major Lindsey Bolster took center stage at the Y(our) Story event on March 21, performing along with fellow students Emma Ross, Lee Bodenhamer, Andy Stanulewich, and Ollie Atkins to spotlight mental health issues.
Sponsored by Wellness and Prevention Services, the showcase unveiled a collection of anonymously submitted stories about mental health, presented through a series of performances at Crossroads Coffee House.
The event was a unique platform for sharing personal experiences, aiming to shed light on the complexities of mental health and promote greater understanding among peers.
The Significance of Sharing Stories
Alex Contianos, the event director, expressed the importance of storytelling, stating ‘It’s a way to connect with the community through the arts. Making people feel heard, feel seen.’ This year, the format incorporated ethno-theater, creating performance pieces based on in-person interviews conducted with community members.
A Collaborative Artistic Effort
Participating students engaged in various disciplines, creating monologues and performances that resonate with broader themes within the mental health community. The collaborative effort emphasized costume design, emotive monologues, and a short play by App State alum Kait Bergmann.
The production showcased a diverse range of moods and stories, from light-hearted themes to significant challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health struggles.
Community Support and Resources
While the event provided a creative outlet for students, it also served as a reminder of available resources. Information about university support services was readily accessible, encouraging attendees to seek help if needed.
Freeman, who also performed in the event, added ‘y(OUR) Story drew us in, providing emotional support and a creative environment. It’s been an extraordinary experience to connect through our art.’
Conclusion
The Y(our) Story event exemplifies how artistic expression can foster understanding and connection within a community grappling with mental health issues. By sharing their stories, students aim to emphasize that help is available and that no one is alone in their struggles.
To learn more about wellness resources, students are encouraged to reach out to the Counseling Center and Wellness Services.
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