In an effort to foster a supportive atmosphere on campus, Dom Rossi, a sophomore at St. Joseph’s University, has established a chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The initiative aims to address the mental health challenges faced by college students, particularly during this often stressful period of their lives.
NAMI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals affected by mental illness, serves as a vital resource for those seeking support. Inspired by his volunteer experiences with NAMI events in Philadelphia and observing similar initiatives at other local universities, Rossi felt compelled to create a chapter at St. Joe’s.
“One of their programs is NAMI on Campus, which are positive mental health clubs on college campuses,” Rossi explained. “There are existing chapters at Temple, Drexel, and UPenn, but none at St. Joe’s. I thought it was essential to bring that to our campus.”
The St. Joe’s chapter is set to host a variety of de-stressing events throughout the semester, including activities such as painting and yoga. The aim is to provide students with a creative outlet to alleviate anxiety.
Valerie McLaughlin, vice president of the St. Joe’s NAMI chapter, emphasized the importance of fostering a positive environment for discussions surrounding mental health. “Our goal is to improve mental health on this campus and enhance the way we communicate about it,” McLaughlin stated.
Additionally, the club plans to collaborate with the broader NAMI organization, featuring guest speakers who will share their insights on mental health topics. McLaughlin highlighted the value of these external perspectives. “It will be really beneficial for our students to hear from speakers outside of St. Joe’s. It also creates a platform for students to share their experiences with issues like ADHD and anxiety, which will be a fantastic opportunity.”
Darian Krug, the events coordinator for the St. Joe’s NAMI chapter, shared her vision for the club, emphasizing the importance of creating a relaxed environment. “Some clubs can create pressure to attend every event, which can be stressful. Our main message is: do not stress. You don’t have to attend events if it adds to your anxiety. We want to cultivate a community-oriented space where members feel supported.”
Krug also expressed her hope that the chapter will help destigmatize mental health discussions on campus, encouraging more open dialogue among students. “It’s crucial to have more conversations about the significance of mental health and to break down the stigma surrounding it. We are excited to facilitate these discussions on our campus,” Krug concluded.
As the new NAMI chapter at St. Joe’s embarks on its mission, its leaders remain committed to creating a supportive community for students navigating the challenges of mental health.
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