Mental health is a very important issue on college campuses, but it is not always discussed as much as it should be. Right now, Know the Five UGA is working on a campaign to change that.
Know the Five is a student-run, independently organized initiative benefiting The Campaign to Change Direction. Their goal is to raise awareness of the five signs of emotional suffering and increase mental health literacy in the Athens-Clarke County community.
Jay Horton, a third year public relations major, is one of five team members who has been working hard on this project since February 15th. “We have collected pledges, held seminars and even hosted a mental health awareness benefit concert in the effort to rally support behind this great cause,” Horton said.
Image Credit: Taylor Canerday
According to the organization’s website, “Nearly one in every five people have a diagnosable mental health condition and suffer in silence. In an attempt to combat this statistic, Know the Five is committed to changing the culture of mental health in the Athens-Clarke County Community so that all of those in need receive the care and support they deserve. Our initiative starts with creating a common language and knowing the five.”
We at Her Campus UGA are very excited to be promoting this initiative, and we hope it will help start more conversations about mental health on campus and in the community.
Know The Five Signs of Emotional Suffering
At its heart, “Know the Five” means to recognize these five signs of emotional suffering in yourself and your loved ones.
- Personality change
- Agitation
- Withdrawal
- Poor self-care
- Hopelessness
If you recognize these five signs in you or someone you know, it is important to reach out and offer or seek help as soon as possible. Know the Five has compiled a list of resources in the Athens area
How Can You Help?
Take the pledge that you now understand the signs of emotional suffering. The “Know the Five” pledge reads…
“I, through Know the Five, pledge to know the five signs of emotional suffering: personality change, agitation, withdrawal, poor self-care and hopelessness. I pledge to share these signs with my community. I pledge to break the stigma surrounding mental health, and help support and uplift my peers who struggle with mental illness. I pledge to change the conversation surrounding mental health through promoting a common language. Above all, I pledge to treat my peers with dignity, kindness, and respect and will work to ensure the health of every member of the Athens-Clarke County community.”
You can take the pledge that you “Know the Five” online between now and March 15th.
If you want to learn more about Know the Five, you can visit their website, like them on Facebook, or follow them @KTFUGA on Instagram and Twitter.