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International Mental Health Awareness Week is offering a host of activities and information on the Driscoll Bridge until Thursday.

“College is a stressful time, and we want to do all we can to make it a little better for our peers,” said Sara Snyder, DU Peer Educators coordinator.

DU Peer Educators, the Health and Counseling Center, Psychology Club and Psi Chi are sponsoring the event. These organizations will have a booth set up on the bridge from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday to talk to students about the importance of mental as well as physical health.

“We want to raise awareness and provide services by having this event,” said Snyder.

Facts regarding mental health along with a list of available DU counselors will be at the booth. There will also be a “Pledge Chain” in which students can sign a pledge to help reduce the anxiety, stress and stigma associated with mental health services as well as individuals.

Students can sign their own health pledge, like “I pledge to get more sleep,” “I pledge to de-stress by actually working out three times a week.” Students can take their pledges with them or put them in the “Pledge Box” and write their name on a piece of paper that will be attached to other pledges in a makeshift chain.

Students can also enjoy a free massage on Thursday in Driscoll Underground.

A survey of DU students found that in any two week period, 50 percent of DU students have felt overwhelmed by all they need to do, along with feelings of exhaustion.

“Make sleep a priority, and hang out with friends and family to relieve stress,” said Snyder.

If students are struggling academically, physically, mentally or emotionally. They shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to professors or the Health and Counseling Center, recommends Snyder.

“Most DU students have felt more than the average amount of stress or anxiety. It can be overwhelming,” she said.

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