NAMI on Campus educates students on the stigmas associated with mental disorders and supports those in need.
After her father was diagnosed with schizophrenia, USF St. Petersburg student Myranda Rodriguez noticed that people suffering from mental illness are treated poorly. Her personal experience inspired her to take action.
“Ending the stigma carried with mental health conditions is a vital part of respecting other people, ending mental health discrimination, decreasing incarceration rates and so much more,” Rodriguez said.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five students face a mental health condition and nearly three-quarters of mental health conditions emerge by age 24.
To inform students about mental illness and gain peer support for those affected, the organization has student-led, student-run clubs called “NAMI on Campus” throughout the United States. The USFSP branch was established in April 2015 and is supported by two larger NAMI organizations of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.
Upon transferring to USFSP, Rodriguez became president for the school’s NAMI branch. Since then, she has organized educational events to help students understand the challenges and misconceptions of mental illness.
“Younger generations aren’t comfortable talking about mental health,” Rodriguez said. “And even if I don’t have all the answers, I think being able to offer someone resources or advice is a great first step.”
The club plans to educate members on the correct way to discuss and cope with issues surrounding mental illness.
The club’s first event will be Masked, a masquerade ball held in Davis Hall, room 103 on Oct. 9 during Mental Illness Awareness Week. People suffering from mental illness will often hide or mask the fact that they are afflicted. The masks are a symbol of acceptance and understanding. The event will be open to the public.
From Oct. 1 to Dec. 10, NAMI Pinellas is offering peer-to-peer education programs taught by three nationally trained peer mentors who have experienced mental illness. The confidential meetings run about two hours and are free to attend.
“Peer-to-peer groups are a great way of having a support system, especially if you’re away from home or your typical support group,” Rodriguez said.
“Sometimes it’s nice to be heard, especially if there are people around who you can relate to and connect with.”
To get more information on NAMI on Campus USFSP visit:
Facebook: NAMI on Campus USFSP
Instagram: namioncampususfsp
NAMI Pinellas Peer-to-Peer course
Enoch Davis Center 1111 18th Ave. S
Every Thursday, Oct. 1 – Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to noon
For details and registration call (727) 826-0807
