SGA to host mental health awareness panel

Morehead State University’s Student Government Association is partnering with Counseling and Health Services to host a panel discussion to raise awareness about mental health issues on Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Button Auditorium. 

The panel will consist of mental health professionals, including Dr. Shari Kidwell, MSU psychology professor; Dr. John Blackledge, MSU psychology professor; Carol Mauriello, a representative from the National Assocation for Mental Illness (NAMI); Emily Klotz, a NAMI worker with personal experience with mental illness and Tonia Socha-Mower, interim director of Counseling and Health Services.
Topics to be discussed include warning signs of eating disorders, suicide risk and prevention, depression and anxiety, breaking the stigma of mental illness and where to go for help, among others. The event will allow students to ask questions about mental health issues and get answers from informed, qualified professionals.

“College is a dramatic time of big changes in the lives of young adults,” said Andrew Sexton, SGA vice president for campus involvement. “October is mental health awareness month, and we have decided to partner up with Counseling and Health Services to address mental health issues that students may actually face while at college. From the personal experiences and extensive education of the panel, they will be able to sufficiently address each issue in detail.”

The event is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend. The event will also be live streamed on the SGA’s Instagram account at @MSU_StudentGov and students can direct message the account to have their questions answered by the panelists. 

Before the panel, there will be a mental health awareness march beginning at Mignon Tower at 5 p.m. The march will pass residence halls on the east end of campus before making its way down University Boulevard to Button. Students are invited to join the march as it pases their residence hall.

For more information about SGA, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/sga of call 606-783-2071.

For more information about Counseling and Health Services, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/chs or call 606-783-2055.