This Thursday the Office of Residence Life in partnership with First Year Experience will host Brain Gain, an event to bring awareness to mental health. The masterminds behind Brain Gain are Melody Gajewski and Rachel Strohm, who are both RAs on campus. I talked to Rachel, a psychology and community and trauma counseling major from Lewes, DE, about the Brain Gain event, why everyone should come, and why mental health is so important.
What is the Brain Gain Event?
– Brain Gain is an event on campus developed to really put the focus on mental health and all the different aspects of it. As college students, we are constantly under stress and facing anxiety, so I find that it’s really important to keep mental health in mind as it is something we should all focus on. The event seeks to inform people about self-care and mental health while involving multiple clubs from across the campus to bring in what they find important about mental health, especially in the context of what their club is.
How did you come up with it?
– An event similar to this one was done last year and Mel was a part of it, so I really wanted to keep it going this year and try to put a different spin on it. As a psychology and trauma counseling major I’m all about mental health, so I talked to Mel and we decided to do the event this year together.
What kind of events are expected to be there?
– There is going to be a ton of fun activities at the event from slime making, coloring, yoga, painting pebbles, a wheel of fortune and more. The clubs participating in the event developed all of the activities and they are really creative and fun. Along with the events developed by the clubs, Mel and I will also be hosting a raffle that will give out some fantastic prizes centered on self-care, mental health, over all well-being.
Why should students come and participate? – Students should come to the event because not only will they get to partake in many fun events and activities, but they will also have the chance to earn a bunch of really great, awesome prizes. Through all the activities they will get the opportunity to learn more about themselves and how they could deal with their own mental health.
What are some ways that you deal with the stress of school?
– I do a few things to deal with stress like listen to music, go for walks along the water, look at dog memes, and hang out with my friends because they always distract me and make me laugh. One tip I do have though is to use a planner because it helps you to stay organized and avoid any unnecessary stress that may come up.
Why is mental health awareness so important?
– Mental health is so important because it is something that affects everyone and doesn’t receive nearly as much attention as it should. Millions of people everyday are affected by a mental health disorder and don’t receive nearly as much support and help as they truly deserve. There is such a stigma around mental health that not only prevents people from seeking help, but also shames them for having a mental disorder. It is okay not to be okay and there is no shame in having a mental disorder.
Is there anything else you want the student body to know about Brain Gain?
– PLEASE ATTEND BRAIN GAIN! This event is for everyone! If you attend you are guaranteed to learn something about yourself and take something away from this event like information about you own mental health, a prize, or even just a good time.
PC: Rachel