A roomful of students spoke out about mental illnesses during Break the Silence, an event hosted by Active Minds at Boston University and Humanists of BU.
About 15 people attended the event to share their story, or simply listen to others, in the basement of the College of Arts and Sciences Thursday evening.
Active Minds Vice President Caitlin Stavish, a CAS junior, said that the organizers hoped to open people’s minds.
“We really like collaborating with the Humanists to create a safe space where people are able to share their stories, and for those attending to realize that they’re not alone in what they’re going through,” Stavish said before the event.
Once the event started, students took turns sharing their experiences — Arianna Davis, a CAS junior and a Humanists member, shared her personal struggle with an eating disorder.
“I had to make a choice — gain weight and go to my dream university or continue to allow anorexia to control my life,” Davis said.
Davis said the opportunity to go to BU helped her to get better, and once she started school, she found a community.
“I entered school with a newfound confidence,” Davis said. “Most importantly, I had self-worth and that is priceless. I met amazing people who dealt with similar issues.”
Davis said she used to believe hope wasn’t there for her, but she learned that it was.
“The 17-year-old me would have laughed in your face if you ever told her I would be standing here right now,” Davis said. “Four years later, I can stand in front of you, and honestly say I’m happy. And most importantly, I’m free.”
Humanists member Samantha Martin, a CAS junior, spoke about her personal battle with mental illness, as well as dealing with mental illnesses of people around her whom she loved.
“I know a lot about silence, and I’m sure a lot of you do,” Martin said. “We’re taught to be silent and keep it locked inside. We can break the silence. We can tear down the walls, but only if we take chances like we’re taking today. Being scared doesn’t mean you’re not brave. It pretty much means the opposite.”
Martin said that while her battle is ongoing, she has learned that her mental illness does not control her.
“Even though my story is unique to me, I know I’m not alone,” she said. “We’re so much stronger even if it doesn’t feel like it. Living with a mental illness or loving someone with a mental illness isn’t something to be ashamed of.”
Martin said she, too, found a community with Active Minds and Humanists of BU.
“Even though my story is unique to me, I know I’m not alone,” she said.
Alvaro Dafonte, a CAS senior, spoke about his experience with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Dafonte said that because of his mental illnesses, he often blamed himself.
“You try to stop self-blaming, but you’ve internalized that self-blame to the point that you can’t even feel anything else,” he said.
But Dafonte said he learned to focus on taking care of himself, and encouraged others to do the same.
“Don’t deny yourself self-care,” Dafonte said. “Self-care is the most important thing I’ve ever mustered in my life. You don’t have to be good, you don’t have to be right. You just have to take care of yourself.”
Humanists of BU President Puja Patel said after the event that mental health is a “huge” problem on BU campus, and he is proud to host an event where students feel safe to share their experiences.
“I have seen people struggle with mental health here and not know what to do,” the CAS senior said after the event. “It’s a really good idea to have an event where you just talk.”
