University of Alabama Women of Excellence host Mental Health Awareness event.

On September 30th, the organization Women of Excellence hosted the zoom event “Sister to Sister.”

The event which focused on suicide prevention, awareness, and ways to see the signs, was hosted by Eve Mbote, the organization’s president and a senior majoring in management communication. 

The goal was to give women a safe space to discuss any issues regarding mental health. 

Women of Excellence members gave presentations on suicide prevention, myths about mental illness, and resources that are available to students on campus. 

Women opened up to topics on anxiety, depression, loss of family members, friendships, and family.

 During this event, students were able to share their experiences and gain support from each other. 

“The safe space that Women of Excellence created was so supportive and understanding for me. I appreciate what they did for me during the event,” said Leah Jones, a student majoring in news media. 

Shakyia Grooms, the vice president of Women of Excellence, gave advice to the students on mental health.  

“You have to knock out the triggers, have self-care days, and remember to put yourself first because your needs are just as important as everyone else’s,” Grooms said. 

Mbote, also, gave advice to students on mental health. 

“You should allow yourself to feel what you are feeling so you can be open to talking about it because if you don’t know how you’re feeling you won’t be able to talk about it,” Mbote said.

 The organization ended with resources available on campuses such as the Counseling Center, Women and Gender resources center, Intercultural Diversity Center, and Dean of Students office. 

 Due to the environment of what was discussed, they asked to have no photos taken and no discussions to leave the chat room.