Saint Louis University students take the stage to share their mental health journeys. As part of the university’s Mental Wellness Week, students came together to listen on February 23rd to discuss mental health struggles, stigmas surrounding mental health, and coping tools during the Teg Talk. The “Teg Talk”, a reference to Tegler Hall where the event took place, was inspired by Ted Talks, a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas through short, powerful talks.
Three students stood in the center of Tegeler Hall auditorium and told their stories about anxiety, sexual assault, and grief. Prior, the group of about 25 students listened to excerpts of Ted Radio Hour listening to experts discuss mental health stigma and ways to cope with anxiety.
After the student speakers shared their stories, the organizers shared a series of questions and welcomed participation. Students discussed having conversations about mental health with friends and family has become easier. Students said that they are seeing signs of progress when discussing mental health: “Stigma is slowly disappearing, especially on college campuses”, “SLU has a generally empathetic culture”.
Students attendees at the event reflected this empathy. Erinn Miller attended the event because she’s never been to an event about mental wellness, but took away that “a lot of people are dealing with mental health issues, but they are not alone”. SLU student Lauren Paul said, “the number one thing is to know is the conversation is always open and someone always wants to listen”.
