By Siarra Bennett
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University hosted its inaugural Mental Health Awareness Week from Sept. 23-27 in correlation to National Suicide Prevention Month. This week of events was powered by JSU’s Latasha Norman Center for Counseling Services (LNCCS) with the goal of raising awareness surrounding suicide, increasing help-seeking behaviors, and promoting student wellness and mental health.
“The target audience for this week of events was actually all of our students, but also faculty and staff. We want to remind everyone to take care of themselves and how vital it is to our functionality,” said Antonio Horton, director of the LNCCS. “It’s always good to hit the pause button and check in with yourself. We wanted to create that space for everybody to be able to do that this week. Just take a moment to take care of yourself.”
The week kicked off with the “Navigating Mental Health in College” panel, featuring seven students who addressed critical topics surrounding mental health, stigmas, and the importance of seeking help as a college student. Those who attended had the chance to engage in meaningful conversations and share their own experiences with balancing their education, extracurricular activities, and prioritizing their mental health.
Siriss McLaurin was a panelist representing Spectrum, a registered student organization dedicated to inclusion and awareness with an emphasis on the LGBTQIA+ community on campus.
“The most memorable part of this discussion for me was the question about LGBTQ mental health. I believe that mental health within the LGBTQ community is often overlooked, especially as a person of color. Being at an HBCU amplifies my experiences and puts a lot of people on the same level as far as understanding each other,” McLaurin said.
The sociology major said that highlighting mental health and making his perspective on the topic clear for others to understand is important. “It completely changed my experience. Sometimes it starts small, so the fact that we have the space to express this, it’s big,” he said.
The self-care journey continued with students passing out positive affirmations to fellow peers, promoting self-love and resilience. This gesture aimed to uplift and encourage students to prioritize their mental health and well-being through positive self-dialogue while being open to accepting support from the community.
According to a survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed, two in five students say their mental health impacts their ability to learn and perform academically.
Under the leadership of 13th President Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D., the university reintroduced its campus-wide Mental Health & Wellness Day to encourage well-being and self-care. On Sept. 27, students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to “unwind and recharge” for the wellness day, concluding the week-long series of events. Students were also excused from classes as they prepared for midterms.
The day also featured “Thee Self Care Fair and Mental Health Hotspot,” hosted in collaboration with Men of Excellence, a registered student organization at JSU that is dedicated to strengthening the bond between men and developing leaders. The hotspot provided students and guests with valuable resources and information on local mental health services and vendors. Some vendors included Angel Wings Outreach Center and Tree Oaks Behavioral Center, both located in Mississippi.
About the Latasha Norman Center
The Latasha Norman Center at Jackson State University is dedicated to providing comprehensive counseling services and mental health resources to enhance the well-being of students. Their mission is to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma, and empower individuals to thrive.
Students interested in scheduling counseling services and utilizing other resources through the Latasha Norman Center may contact 601-979-0374.
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