“for [mental health] We encourage submissions to make things more open for everyone to talk about. We encourage submissions that allow artists to feel listened to and considered for their mental health. ” Said.
Another group that combines mental well-being and creativity is CAPS Group Dance Mindfulness for Mental Health, which is specifically for students of color. In this group, students read ”The gift of imperfection.” by brené browndiscuss the principles of emotional health, dance To the music they like.
mill wit Assistant Director of Psychological Training and Leader of Dancing Mindfulness at UNC. Said The group movement part is especially important considering how much time students spend sitting in one place feeling stressed.
“In addition to talking about mental health principles, we also help reduce some of the stress through movement practices,” Witt says. Said. “And it's very empowering because they have a choice.”
Other CAPS groups serve multiple communities simultaneously. CAPS therapist sophia davis started a therapy group Crossroads: QTPOC Support Group in fall 2021Created for Students of color who are on the LGBTQ+ spectrum or who are questioning their gender or sexuality.
davis Began The group joined after hearing that students were looking for a space where they could discuss both aspects of their identity. Davis said: LGBTQ+ people of color are disproportionately affected by mental health issues, and select communities can provide protection and support.
For students of color seeking connection, Apoyo CLC's mental health support group for undergraduate students.This group is run by two UNC alumni Teresa Flores. What the group offers The program's website says it's a brave space for members to share “the experiences, joys, and challenges that come with identifying and experiencing life as a Latina.”
“The purpose of doing Apoyo was to bring the community together and really break down the stigma around mental health within the community,” Salazar said. Said.
Some students of color build communities. Spaces that were historically held by white students, like Greek life.Holloway is president Delta Sigma's Kappa Omicron Edition Theta Sorority, Inc., of UNC. beginning African American sorority.
she Said Being part of her sorority “completely shaped” her UNC experience. and It opened the door to a larger community. There she was welcomed not only by the chapter but also by other Black Greek Life members.
“Without my chapter and sorority, it would have been very difficult to be at UNC and enjoy my time there,” she said. Said.
Fatima, a first-year student clan chief Said Even before she set foot on campus, she found community through UNC’s Muslim Student Association.
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she Said She wasn't sure if she wanted to go to UNC until it made her feel welcome. At UNC she tried using CAPS said it can't compare to having friends to keep in touch with.
“I never felt as connected in group therapy as I did knowing there was a Muslim community and there were Muslim people I could reach out to and feel safe with,” she says. Said.
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