As finals week approaches, students at the university are bracing for one of the most stressful periods of the semester. To help them manage their mental well-being, the Student Union Board (SUB) hosted a free “Make Your Own Mental Health Kit” event at the M-Shop in the Memorial Union on December 4, 2024. The event aimed to provide students with tools to relax and de-stress as they prepare for exams.
Finals often bring intense pressure, with many students spending long hours cramming and anxiously anticipating their results. The SUB’s initiative offered a chance to step away from the stress of academic preparation and focus on self-care.
Mental Health Kits to Boost Well-being
At the event, students were invited to create personalized mental health kits filled with an assortment of soothing and fun items. The kits included fidget toys, squishies, gum, chocolates, putty, stickers, and other stress-relieving goodies. In addition to the physical items, each kit contained cards with mental health resources, providing students with information on where to seek support if needed.
The event was more than just a DIY activity—it also offered students an opportunity to relax with friends, decorate their boxes, and enjoy free hot cocoa. To add to the festive atmosphere, there was a raffle with prizes, including a heated blanket and an ISU hat.
A Breather Before Finals
“The purpose of the event is really to help students succeed at the end of the year by offering them a moment to unwind and recharge before the final push of the semester,” said Olivia Thompson, Multicultural and Awareness Co-Director of SUB. “It’s all about supporting students through a stressful time and reminding them to take care of their mental health.”
The event provided a valuable break for students, offering a space to decompress and take their minds off exams. As Tamia Brown, Co-Director of the Multicultural and Awareness Committee, explained, “It’s a way to give students a chance to wind down and create something positive during an otherwise stressful time.”
Students Appreciate the Pause
For many students, the Mental Health Kit event was a welcome break from the grind of finals preparation. First-year civil engineering student Grace Armstrong shared her thoughts, saying, “It’s good to have something to keep your mind off the stress of finals and not just be in the library with our heads in the books 24/7.”
By offering a space for creativity, relaxation, and self-care, the SUB’s event helped students shift their focus from the pressures of exams to the importance of looking after their mental health during the final stretch of the semester.
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