Student mental health advocates represent IU Kokomo at World Psychiatric Association conference in Iceland

KOKOMO, Ind. - Megan Newsome and Macy Wilson are passionate about promoting mental wellness for college students.

This summer, they explored new strategies to help their Indiana University Kokomo classmates, attending the World Psychiatric Association Together with Diverse Communities conference in Reykjavík, Iceland. Both students were selected from an esteemed group of IU regional campus nominees by U Bring Change 2 Mind (UBC2M) for an all-expenses paid trip to the event, which focused on stigma, mental health, and wellness.

Andréa Halpin, dean of students, congratulated them on their selection.

"We are so excited for Macy and Megan not only for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, but for the wealth of knowledge they will bring back to the IUK campus," she said.

Newsome, a rehabilitation science major from LaGrange, said they came home with ideas and resources to implement in IU Kokomo's chapter of UBC2M. For example, the IU Bloomington chapter offered to provide materials for the green bandana project, which designates safe people to talk to about mental health.

"If you see someone walking around campus with a green bandana on their bag it means they are a mental health advocate, and you can talk to them if you are going through a hard time," she said. "They are someone who will listen."

Wilson, a psychology major from Kokomo, said connecting with the Bloomington chapter also gave them ideas to grow IU Kokomo's group, which began during the 2023-2024 school year. UBC2M's mission is to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness on college campuses. It targets local, national, individual and institutional changes through awareness activities and a spirit of inclusion and education.

"It's important to have an organization like this, along with counseling and psychological services, to let students know your mental health is important, outside of being a student. You're still a person, and college is stressful. Being student-led, it gives a great perspective on what you can do to take care of your mental health."

In addition to attending the conference, both participated in tourist experiences, including visiting the famous Rainbow Street in Reykjavík; exploring Hallgrímskirkja, the largest church in Iceland; and viewing a live, erupting volcano. Newsome also visited the Sky Lagoon hot spring spa.

Both particularly enjoyed trying Icelandic snacks at a nearby 24-hour convenience store, and video chatted with their families while taste-testing wafer candies, local yogurt, and black licorice.

For both, it was their first trip outside the United States, and Wilson said it was only her second time on an airplane.

They look forward to welcoming new members to UBC2M at a call out meeting from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, September 30 in the Cole Community Room. Its first planned event is Thursday, September 12, in commemoration of National Suicide Prevention Month. The group will have an interactive board at the IQ wall in the Cougar Commons. Participants are invited to write or read tips for persisting through hard times during the event.

It also plans to host Mental Health Mondays throughout the year, to provide wellness tips.

"We're providing a way to support other students," said Newsome. "Sometimes it's easier to talk to peers rather than a faculty member or other adult."

Wilson said nobody should feel embarrassed to reach out for help.

"I think individuals in our generation are more open about the fact your mental health is important, and not something you should be shamed for," she said. "Mental illness is not you. It's just something you have."

For more information about mental health services at IU Kokomo, visit kokomo.iu.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services/

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.