NORMAL, Ill. – As the weather gets colder and daylight decreases, many students begin to feel the effects of seasonal depression. To help lift spirits, the student group SEMIS, which stands for Students Ending Mental Illness Stigmas, hosted a kindness card-making event to support students during one of the most stressful times of the semester.
Students who attended made kindness cards, enjoyed snacks, and earned a volunteer hour.
“This semester we went onto the Quad and did a bunch of positive mental health chalk messages,” said SEMIS member Ashley Roberts.
The organization also hosts discussions about how mental illness is portrayed in places like horror movies and the workplace. These conversations aim to break stigmas as finals approach and students feel more overwhelmed.
“We talk about Student Health Services and the opportunities they have for students, as well as things on campus like therapy dogs and where to go for accommodations,” said SEMIS member Trinity Tokarz.
SEMIS hopes the kindness cards can bring a little joy to students who may be struggling this time of year.
Many students say staying connected with friends, getting sunlight earlier in the day and using campus resources helps them manage seasonal stress.
Finals week begins Monday, December 8.