HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) – At Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC), a powerful message of hope and healing resonated at their Mental Health Awareness Event. The event featured speaker Emma Benoit, who shared her personal journey of recovery after a suicide attempt in 2017, encouraging the community to engage in open conversations about mental health and work toward destigmatizing the topic.
Benoit’s story is a testament to the power of healing. As someone who has faced the struggles of mental illness firsthand, she now advocates for greater awareness and understanding. “I feel as though suicide is such a taboo issue because we’re so afraid to talk about it. So, by MGCCC and Singing River Health System hosting an event like this, it really just enhances the conversation and normalizes it,” Benoit said during her talk.
The event also included a panel featuring MGCCC counselors, where attendees could submit anonymous questions for advice. The interactive format allowed students and community members to feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns.
Progress and the Need for Continued Conversations
MGCCC counselor Eve Self noted that while conversations around mental health have become more open, there is still work to be done. She shared an example from her counseling sessions: “I’ve had students come talk to me and they’re like, ‘Well, I’m feeling better. I’ve only thought about hurting myself once in the last month,’ and we’re like, ‘We don’t want you to think about it at all.’” Self emphasized the importance of continued progress in destigmatizing mental health and ensuring that individuals are supported fully in their journey toward well-being.
The event also offered resources in the form of local counseling services, set up in the lobby for those who were ready to take the first step toward seeking help. Behavioral Health Specialist Venus Amezcua expressed that there has been an increase in demand for mental health resources. “I feel like there are a lot of people that don’t know how to necessarily handle difficult situations in everyday life, and they don’t have the support necessary in their close network of friends or in the community to really go to,” Amezcua said. This highlights the ongoing need for accessible mental health support systems for individuals who may be struggling.
Encouraging Help-Seeking Behavior
Benoit’s message was clear: silence is not the solution. She encouraged the audience to seek help if they’re feeling overwhelmed, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention. “If something bothers you for 24 hours, you should speak with someone about it within 48 hours,” she advised.
The event at MGCCC served as an important reminder of the significance of mental health awareness, healing, and support. By fostering an environment where these critical conversations can take place, the college and its partners are making strides toward creating a more compassionate and supportive community for those facing mental health challenges.
Related topics:
