On Sept. 14 West Texas A&M University participated in Fresh Check Day, a nation-wide mental health fair that includes peer-run interactive booths, free food, music and prizes.

Darcy Webber, coordinator of health and wellness promotion, planned the event.

“Fresh Check Day gives students time to reflect. It’s a good time for them to come in and have fun, but also talk about mental health, so it makes students stop and process what they might be feeling and know that they are not alone,” Webber said.

There were eight interactive booths at the event, all of which were designed to help students understand different mental health concerns. One booth for mood disorders and painting masks, one for body positivity and throwing away insecurities, another for breaking stigmas, proper exercise and a booth for veterans dealing with post traumatic stress disorder.

According to Fresh Check Day’s website, Fresh Check Day aims to create an approachable and hopeful atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health, and helps to build a bridge between students and the mental health resources available on campus, in the community and the nation.

The goals of the event are to increase awareness of mental health resources available to students, reduce stigma around mental health and suicide, empower peers to be gatekeepers by understanding warning signs of mental health concern or suicide and increase willingness to ask for help if experiencing emotional distress.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Because of this, mental health is brought to conversation and resources are brought to light.

One out of 10 college students contemplate suicide, which means nine out of 10 students have the opportunity to help the one in need.

Fresh Check Day works with the Nine out of 10 program to get this message out, and to empower students to be gatekeepers, just as one of Fresh Check Day’s goals states. The Nine out of 10 program encourages college students to be aware, speak up and to reach out.

“Sometimes we really feel isolated, so students can know that they have a voice and they can talk to others. WT has resources for them, and that’s what is really important about Fresh Check Day,” Webber said.
There are many resources for WTAMU students struggling with mental health issues. Counseling Services is available for all students. Health and Wellness Promotion will also be hosting more events like Fresh Check Day throughout the semester.

For more information on National Suicide Prevention Month visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.