Several student groups are sponsoring Mental Health Awareness Week, Oct. 16-23, which will bring speakers and activities focused on mental health issues to campus.

“We are at a particularly vulnerable time in our lives: Change is occurring daily, and we are being challenged more than ever before,” said organizer Matt Indimine ’18, co-chair of the Student Assembly (SA) Health and Wellness Committee. “Mental Health Awareness Week is just an example of our prioritization of mental health and serves to remind students of the valuable resources and communities that are there to support and empower us.”

Said co-chair Carolina Bieri ’16: “I think that people on this campus ignore their personal health far too often – most notably their mental health – and if we can get people to think of how they’re taking care of themselves even just a little more often, then we’ve accomplished something with this week.”

Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off Oct. 16 with Frank Warren, founder of PostSecret.com, on which people mail secrets anonymously on homemade postcards that are posted to the site. He speaks at 8 p.m. at Bailey Hall. 

Said Ryan Lombardi, vice president for student and campus life: “I’m delighted to support the efforts of the students who have planned Mental Health Awareness Week. It is a keen reminder that all members of our community should be aware of the resources and support mechanisms that are available to us on campus. Most importantly, this week reminds us that as a part of the Cornell family we have a commitment to support each other throughout the semester and in the difficult periods of our lives.”

Schedule of events:

• Oct. 17: #StompOutStigma photo campaign, Ho Plaza, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Oct. 18: ALANA Intercultural Board G-Body: “Minorities and Mental Health,” 1 p.m., G10 Biotech; Destress with MOCHI: lantern painting, sculpture making, origami, karaoke, 2-4 p.m., 626 Thurston; Cornell Companions puppy petting in Olin and Uris Libraries throughout the day.
• Oct. 19: “Home to Home”: postcards to family and loved ones, Ho Plaza, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the week; Athletes and Mental Health Forum, 8-9 p.m., Hall of Fame Room, Schoellkopf Hall.
• Oct. 20: “Stress Reduction Strategies” featuring puppy petting, stressball giveaway, fun with bubble wrap and more, 2-4 p.m., Willard Straight Hall (WSH) Lobby; Relax for Success, 4:30-5:30 p.m., WSH 5th Floor Lounge; Make your own stress kit, 9-10:30 p.m., Tatkon Center.
• Oct. 21: Lift Your Spirits Day booths and activities, 1-4 p.m., Arts Quad, including Yoga on the Quad, 3-4 p.m., Mindful Snacking and Healthy Eating with Cornell Dietetic Association, slack-lining, Zumba, yard games, World Gratitude Postcards and free catered lunch and Insomnia cookies; Checking In: Making Space for Mental Health in the Queer Community, with HAVEN, 5-6 p.m. at Wendy Purcell Lounge in Robert Purcell Community Center.
• Oct. 22: Friend to Friend Training: how to recognize a friend in distress following the Student Assembly meeting at 6:30 p.m. in WSH Memorial Room; Healthy Relationships and Feminist Food for Thought, 6-7:30 p.m., Flora Rose House.

Event co-sponsors include Minds Matter, ALANA, CU Tonight, Cornell University Program Board and numerous other student organizations.