UMD YOUMatter’s “Speak Out Night” Addresses Mental Health Awareness

Students in Kirby Ballroom during YOUMatter Speak Out Night. Photo by Zada Cardinal

The UMD YOUMatter organization hosted their annual Speak Out Night on Tuesday, March 25  from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. In this event, YOUMatter collaborated with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), the Queer & Allied Student Union (QASU) and UMD Counseling Services to initiate a discussion surrounding the stigmas of mental health on the UMD campus. 

Following a brief tabling session accompanied by pizza and refreshments, the YOUMatter President, Megan Bump, and YOUMatter Vice President, Nico Ortiz, began the presentation. Over the course of the session, several speakers including students Kailey Jackson and Isaiah Arvola addressed the students and staff in attendance as well as testimonies given by the UMD Counseling Director S.K. Chung and UMD Mental Health Counselor Julie Kim.

YOUMatter Organization members. Photo by Zada Cardinal

Courage was demonstrated through each individual as they took the stage to share their mental health journey and provide insight into how they have been shaped through the peaks and valleys of their lives. In between each speaker, questions were asked of the audience that provided a time of reflection within the small groups dotted around the Kirby Ballroom.

Although no tears were shed, laughter and smiles were certainly shared, hammering home the Swedish proverb, “Shared joy is double joy; Shared sorrow is half a sorrow.” It is through organizations such as YOUMatter and UMD Counseling Services that the negative stigma surrounding mental health will dissipate, and awareness will be widespread across all college campuses.

The YOUMatter organization meets on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in EduE 16. It is a safe and welcoming space for all students. Feel free to attend if interested in learning about mental health and receiving support from peers who care about you and your journey.

UMD Counseling Services: (218) 726-7913

U of MN Crisis Line: (612) 301-4673

National Suicide Crisis Line: 988

For immediate emergencies: 911