As a mental health advocate, freshman Alyssa Artabane arrived in Elon searching for a community that reflects her values. In fall 2023, she decided to join Active Minds — an organization on campus that promotes mental health awareness.
“I definitely think it's brought a community together to discuss serious issues,” Artabane said. “It made me hopeful for the future for my mental health and others just by being a support system for students.”
Artabane said Active Minds creates a positive environment for students interested in mental health. Members prioritize building personal relationships and supporting each other.
“Although I have only been here for a short time I have felt a sense of community within this group,” Artabane said. “Everyone is very understanding about breaking the stigma around mental illness. We are bringing these issues to light which is very beneficial to the campus.”
Artabane said acknowledging your struggles allows you to learn and build a better mindset. She encourages students to embrace their faults, explore solutions and create a healthy mindset.
“I feel like being in college, we act as if everything is together — when in reality, no one's perfect,” Artabane said. “The message we try to send is that we support each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
Sophomore Molly Jamison joined Active Minds her freshman year after learning about the group through the Student Organization Fair. Now she is the publicity chair and said Active Minds allowed her to meet great people, especially her friend Emily Dann.
“I am surrounded by a tight-knit community that allows me to connect with students,” Jamison said. “They are friendly and open to everyone. A great thing about it is I met one of my closest friends through the organization.”
Sophomore Emily Dann, the event coordinator of Active Minds, said the organization has many events throughout the semester that promote mental health awareness.
There will be a suicide prevention walk at 4 p.m. on April 21. During the event, the group plans on raising money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, according to Dann.
Dann encourages students to check out the organization and explore the resources it provides for mental health.
“I would definitely say join and take a leap of faith or try it out,” Dann said. “This organization has opened me to new perspectives about other people going through the same things as me. The community has really strengthened my relationships and built connections around mental health.”
Dann said she understands the importance of creating a space for students to discuss mental health. She found a sense of belonging within this organization.
“Mental Health Awareness has always been important to me and my family,” Dann said. “After I joined the first meeting, I knew this club was meant for me — it felt like a home.”
Students who are interested in joining Active Minds can contact them on PhoenixConnect or follow their Instagram @activeminds.