Akash Singh | Contributor
Featured image: On March 1, Women’s Mental Health Talks, Project Unload, and Jack.org will be hosting an open mic night focusing on mental health. | Basma Elbahnasawy
Three of York’s mental health clubs are joining together to host an open mic night dedicated to the sharing of personal experiences with mental illness through the mediums of poetry, song, dance, comedy, and spoken word.
The event aims to foster a safe, non-judgemental, and inclusive environment for students seeking a creative outlet, while also helping to raise mental health awareness.
Shalyn Isaacs, founder and president of Women’s Mental Health Talks, says: “Many individuals struggling with mental health difficulties find it beneficial to express themselves through different artistic mediums.”
One of the clubs hosting is Women’s Mental Health Talks, a student-led peer support group that provides women a safe space to share and discuss mental health experiences they may have faced or are facing.
The group meets bi-weekly to discuss their personal stories and coping strategies, thus inspiring and empowering each other and providing mental, emotional, and social support.
Another is Project Unload, a men’s mental health group designed to provide men with a supportive environment, where they feel comfortable speaking about their vulnerabilities and mental illnesses.
Also involved is Jack.org, a chapter at York aimed at raising awareness and creating dialogue through networking. Their goal is to empower students, ensure that help is available to everyone who needs it, and most importantly, ensure students know how to access these resources.
Pouya Tajalli, founder and president of Project Unload, says: “There have been several events on campus where those affected by and/or interested in mental health were on the receiving end of things.
“When we created this event with Women’s Mental Health Talks and Jack.org, we sought to flip the roles around for a change.”
Isaacs adds: “The purpose of this open mic night is to provide a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental space for students from all academic disciplines, so that they may come together to share their experiences and perspectives pertaining to mental health through the mediums of poetry, song, dance, and spoken word.
“Students will be able to openly express their emotions while simultaneously experiencing support from their peers, and I hope that by the end of the night, both performers and audience members feel a little less alone in their struggles, and find others they can connect with.”
Oftentimes emotions are difficult to convey or articulate, and many seek other mediums to express themselves. Using different forms of art provides many a cathartic outlet, as well as a chance to create something personal and authentic.
Isaacs says: “I believe that an open mic night would be an excellent opportunity to encourage students to freely express their emotions and thoughts, while taking a step to alleviating mental health stigma at the same time.”
The event will be taking place at The Underground. Students will be able to register their attendance at 5:30 p.m. on the same day, as long as they have a valid post-secondary ID.
