RIVER FALLS, Wis. (WEAU) – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls branch of a nonprofit organization focused on mental health is returning to campus after a tough semester for students.
“I feel like there’s very little tension in the air yet. I still feel like we’re trying to put the pieces together again,” Brandi Wideland said.
She’s the president back in office. active mind chapter. This is a nonprofit organization focused on mental health on college campuses.
In her final semester at UWRF, she said the chapter’s revival could not have come at a better or worse time.
“Last semester, we lost four students to suicide. That really hit our campus hard,” Weiland said.
Back in November, the university sent students to Thanksgiving break early in response to recent tragedies.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to provide students with a safe space to talk, Wideland said.
Universities have something called Mental Health Monday.
In particular, we focus on resources such as Active Minds.
“I know we recently added another counselor this semester, so it has to be more accessible and easier for students to get started quickly,” Wideland said.
She said she did not know the students personally.
“It really hit me. Like, I was at my lowest point. And it kind of highlighted survivor’s guilt in a way,” Weiland said.
But she remains hopeful about the university’s efforts.
“Personally, I believe it’s still going to take a little bit more time because we just lost four students. We don’t have that much influence, so this has had a huge impact.” Wideland said. “But I hope that one day, every day, the mental health of our students and their well-being on campus will get better and better.”
As Weiland graduates, she hopes the university will continue to meet the needs of students facing challenges.
Currently, the chapter has five members, but Weiland said they are looking for more members so the chapter can remain on campus longer.
The event will be held on Monday, April 8th at 7pm in the Trimbell Room of the University Center. There will also be another event in the same room on Monday, April 22 from 7 p.m.
Copyright 2024 WEAU. All rights reserved.
