• Active Minds is holding various events focused on mental illness awareness this week.
• Events will include speakers, a movie and personal accounts.
• The goal of the week is to break the stigmas surrounding mental illness.

Half of all college students rate their mental health as below average or poor, according to a 2004 study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

To raise awareness and break the stigmas surrounding mental illnesses and those who have them, Marquette's mental health advocacy group, Active Minds, is holding a series of events this week.

"Stomp the Stigma: Mental Illness Awareness Week" includes speaker events, a movie and personal accounts from those dealing with mental illness. Yesterday, participants took part in yoga, and had an opportunity to scream out their frustrations at an event in Central Mall.

Each day's events are focused on a different mental illness or disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia and depression, according to Michael Mannarino, president of Active Minds and a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences.

"More individuals are coming into college with diagnosed mental illnesses than ever before," Mannarino said. "It's important that the community is educated so these individuals do not feel isolated."

Mannarino said that while the week has been held in the past, this is the first year Active Minds has taken control of it.

Active Minds, an organization with chapters at college campuses across the country, was formed at Marquette at the end of last semester. Mannarino said the group focuses on changing the negative connotation of mental illnesses and providing support to those who have been affected by such illnesses.

Counseling Center Director Mike Zebrowski said he believes Active Minds will have a positive impact on Marquette's campus.

"I'm very excited about having Active Minds on campus," Zebrowski said. "There are a lot of people who are touched by mental illnesses who don't actually have the diseases. I think this taps into a big need on campus."

Mannarino said he believes allowing students to become engaged in interactive activities will help eliminate some of the negative connotations surrounding mental illnesses.

"People often hold stigmas because they don't have an understanding," Mannarino said. "A valuable way to break these down is through education and social events that get people involved."

Mannarino said he hopes this week's events will help students with mental illnesses feel unashamed about seeking help.

"My hope is that individuals that are dealing with these diseases no longer feel in the dark and become a little more comfortable and willing to seek the help and treatment they need," Mannarino said.

Zebrowski said he views the week as a means of opening up a forum of discussion regarding mental illnesses.

"I think that people will get educated, and really the main purpose is to normalize it," Zebrowski said. "I think we need to view mental illnesses just like health diseases. There's no shame in seeking treatment."

John Landgraf, a junior in the College of Health Sciences, said he believes Stomp the Stigma will be beneficial and educational for the Marquette community.

"I think this week will be helpful for students because many students have siblings or relatives with mental illnesses," Landgraf said. "Hopefully this will allow students to understand what a person dealing with a mental illness and their family and friends go through."