‘It doesn’t have to be taboo’
The University of Texas at Arlington’s Student Affairs and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) collaborated to bring a powerful, educational exhibit to campus.
Send Silence Packing, designed by the nonprofit Active Minds, raises awareness about the impact of suicide and helps connect individuals to mental health resources. The all-day exhibit, which was displayed on UTA’s Library Mall on Sept. 29, featured donated backpacks with photographs and personal stories from individuals who have lost loved ones to suicide. It is intended to inspire action for suicide prevention by sending the message that no one is alone, help is available and everyone plays a critical role in changing the culture around mental health.
“I founded Active Minds as a freshman in college, following the death of my brother to suicide, in order to end the stigma around mental health,” said Alison Malmon, Active Minds executive director. “Stigma is shame; shame causes silence; silence hurts us all. Send Silence Packing is a highly visible way to combat that stigma, increase openness and inspire action for suicide prevention.”
Cynthia Bing, director of outreach services and mental health promotion, said she hopes the visual aspect of the backpacks scattered across the UTA Library Mall encouraged students to seek out supportive resources for themselves, friends or loved ones.
“What this does is make it OK for students to talk about mental wellness, talk about mental health and know that there are resources available here on campus,” Bing said. “It is imperative as we return to the University that students know there are resources to support them and that we keep the conversation open about mental health and keep it going.”
Gray Gfrorer, a UTA sophomore psychology major, said he hopes to become a family therapist for people who have lost loved ones.
“It’s important to support people through trauma and traumatic experiences, so people can move on,” Gfrorer said. “Events like this have helped me understand that maybe myself or my friends are struggling a lot more than it seems. It doesn’t have to be taboo.”
Mavericks can learn more about UTA’s Community That Cares initiatives and the University’s mental health resources. Suicide affects people from all ages, races, genders and socioeconomic groups. Students are encouraged to use the Mavs Talk 24-Hour Crisis Line at 817-272-8255 to speak with a crisis counselor 24/7.
Active Minds is the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for young adults. The 2021 Send Silence Packing tour is sponsored by Humble Bundle.
UTA’s CAPS office is planning additional mental health promotion events this fall, such as Fresh Check Day on Oct. 6 in Brazos Park. The event will feature interactive booths, free food and prizes.
