Credit: WCNC Charlotte
Michelle Boudin
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A fraternity at UNC Charlotte is trying to break the stigma by raising money and awareness about mental health issues and they’re doing it uniquely.
The Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity literally ran around campus all day trying to get people talking about something not everyone in college loves to talk about.
Their message is simple.
“The more people that talk, the better,” Logan Burns said.
He and other members of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity ran all day Wednesday because they want people talking: to a counselor, to each other, to anyone.
“We’re gonna be different, we’re gonna beat the stigma,” Derick Appah said. “We want to prove to the rest of campus that it’s OK to have open conversations about your mental health.”
Burns says he’s worried about the potential consequences of not talking.
“We had a brother pass away a few years ago with mental health issues, and it hits close to home for a lot of guys in our fraternity,” Burns said.
The brothers spent the day taking turns running a 1-mile loop around campus from sunrise to sunset. In total, they covered 60 miles.
“The whole point is to bring awareness to mental health,” Appah said. “There’s a strong stigma among college students, men especially.”
College can be a lot for some students to manage. For many, it’s the first time they’ve been away from home, losing a critical support system.
“This is a stressful time in your life, there’s a lot going on,” he said.
The Sigma Tau Gamma guys have also added a special part to their regular chapter meetings. They start by talking about how everyone’s doing to ensure they’re all doing well.
“Having openness has been great for us as a whole,” Appah said.
If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with them online.
