Eastern Michigan University Hosts Mental Health and Wellness Fair

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) held its Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, October 7, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Student Center, where various booths and tables were set up on the patio and first floor.

The event featured numerous organizations providing attendees with informational packets, games, candy, and other items. Among the participants were EMU's Disability Resource Center, EMU's Women Resource Center, and Tinker, EMU's facility dog. Students had the opportunity to enjoy live music, discover wellness resources, engage in arts and crafts, and enter raffles for prizes.

Notable organizations at the fair included Michigan Minds, which supports individuals experiencing psychosis, and Heigra Health, a behavioral health group catering to all ages. Alexandra Schmaeman, a member of Michigan Minds, and Lindsey Michael, from Heigra Health, discussed their work with The Echo.

Michael explained, "We work with people and their families who have just had an experience with psychosis, such as being diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. We help them and their support system get back on track and stay healthy."

She emphasized the initiative's motto, "thriving with psychosis," aiming to enable individuals to live fulfilling lives without being hindered by their conditions.

Swoop's Pantry was also represented at the fair. Located in the basement of Pierce Hall, Swoop's Pantry operates Monday through Thursday from 12 to 5 p.m. The pantry features a free thrift area accessible to all students, who must complete an annual intake form to utilize its services. Notably, alumni can continue to benefit from the pantry for up to a year post-graduation.

Additionally, EMU's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) participated in the event. Erin Shaffer, a clinical social worker, provided information about their offerings, which include 12 free counseling sessions for enrolled students each academic year, with reset sessions available each fall.

CAPS also hosts group sessions, including a Support group for Students of Color and a Lavender Link Up group for LGBTQ+ and questioning individuals. The Students of Color group meets Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., while the Lavender Link Up group meets Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Importantly, participation in these groups does not count against the student’s 12 counseling sessions.

Shaffer also highlighted the available crisis resources, which include the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, the Crisis Text Line, and the Trans Life Line, detailed further on the CAPS webpage.