Content warning: Article contains mention of suicide
Mental health student organization For the Mental at LSU had its first meeting Monday in Coates Hall, laying out its goals of destigmatizing mental health and promoting healthy conversations about it.
For junior social work major and FTM President Michaela Martinez, advocating for mental health is incredibly important.
“I know for mental health a lot of people look at it like a negative word,” Martinez said, “but I think it’s something positive because you can always put the work in and change how you go about your life and your lifestyle and how you view the world.”
In that spirit, FTM’s mission is to spread awareness of mental health issues around campus and to provide a safe space for struggling students or those who just want to practice healthy mental practices.
There is no shortage of mental health awareness programs and organizations on campus, but according to social work junior and FTM Secretary Amyria Colson, what sets them apart is their president.
In September 2022 Martinez attempted suicide, and after a week in the hospital and a lengthy battle with LSU, she was put in contact with new resources and received the help she needed. Her experience is the driving purpose of FTM: to help people who are fighting the silent fight.
“I wanted to create a support system,” Martinez said, “where if you don’t have to say it we’re just here for you, for whatever, whenever.”
FTM also strives for diversity and inclusivity, emphasizing that everyone has a place within the organization and that they would love students to come and visit.
“The organization is very accepting of anyone no matter the major, age or gender,” said Victoria Noon, a chemical engineering senior and FTM treasurer. “I think that’s what also brings us all closer is that we’re all here just to help each other out and bring awareness to mental health.”
With most of the executive board being upperclassmen, leadership will soon pass to political science sophomore Breanna Whitlock, the FTM social media chair. With Whitlock set to take the helm, the organization has a positive outlook on its future.
“I can say that our vision would be to continue throughout the years … so passing it down into the right hands, looking for candidates that are still passionate about mental health as we are,” Whitlock said.
A support system
Supporting students both silently and vocally is FTM’s specialty. Before the end of the fall semester, students may h
ave noticed an influx of positive sticky notes in random places around campus. Turns out, it was just a token of good luck from FTM as students went about their day.
Those sticky notes are one of the many projects the organization has in store for the spring. Others include a Plant-a-Seed event, an Unplug and Destress walk around the University Lakes, yoga on the Parade Ground and much more.
The organization hosted a charade match during their first meeting as an ice breaker, allowing members fun within a safe space. FTM wants to balance fun with advocacy in a healthy way.
“We like to bring people’s spirits up,” Colson said. “To remind people that like you say it’s okay to not be okay, but also have fun learning self-care and mental health tips.”
