LeeU Say Something encourages students to take time off from stress
The mental health awareness club Say Something hosted its self-care event to help students establish a sense of calm before the chaos of final exams.
By Ashley Smith, Staff Reporter
Say Something (SS)—a mental health awareness club—recently hosted an event encouraging students to relax and focus on self-care amid the stress of approaching finals.
The event occurred on April 15 and featured a spread of comfort foods, face masks, coloring pages and music for students to enjoy as they dropped-in.
Senior Bible and theology major and President of SS Maureen Pasteris said the inspiration behind the event was the need for students to take time to unwind.
“We wanted to give students a space to relax,” Pasteris said. “One of the things we try to do is get away from the ‘I only slept two hours last night and I’ve had six cups of coffee’ mentality.”
Pasteris said this mentality is unhealthy for anyone who embraces it and that Say Something is committed to clearing up misconceptions around self-care.
“It’s okay to need to take care of yourself,” Pasteris said. “When we have a better holistic understanding of ourselves as human beings and are able to self-care, we will have a better space to give ourselves what we need.”
Senior psychology major and Vice President of SS Megan Greever said self-care serves as an early line of defense against poor mental health.
“Self-care is the first preventative measure you can take in order to better your mental health,” Greever said. “If you aren’t taking care of yourself, then everything else will fall apart.”
SS began seven years ago with the mission of ending stigma around mental health and with the goal of providing hope to students who may be struggling to reach out.
“We want them to know that they are not alone,” Greever said. “Getting help doesn’t mean that there is something wrong with you. Everyone needs help at some point or another.”
Freshman communications major and SS member Ashley English said that the event gave students the opportunity to pause their busy day and relax with friends.
“I think that a lot of people forget about self-care when they are stressed,” English said. “When you are stressed out about finals, taking time for yourself is important to supporting your mental health.”
For more updates about SS, follow their Instagram or Twitter at @leesaysomething.
