Mending moods with BMU and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

By Brannagh Rattigan and Jasmine White

The sounds of laid back music and laughter led the way to a room filled with savory smells of pizza and students from Black Men Unified and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. offering a space to decompress and learn more about mental health. 

BMU and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. hosted a mental health presentation on Nov. 6, teaching healthy coping mechanisms, awareness and community in Lynch Adler Hall Room 208.

Senior psychology major and President of Phi Beta Sigma Gamma Nu chapter Chris Whyte emphasized that the fraternity values inclusivity and visibility in its initiatives saying, “We’re just for the people.”

In light of midterm season, BMU and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. collaborated with the Rider Counseling Center, creating a safe and inclusive environment in which mental health could be talked about openly among the attendees. 

Whyte went on to explain the intended atmosphere of the event as “a time for us to relax, unwind and just hang out with our friends … this is a place to do it.” 

 President of Black Men Unified Nick Depass, junior psychology major, was credited with taking the initiative to collaborate with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to teach different stress relief tactics and offer information regarding the counseling services offered by Rider. 

Depass based this idea off of present connections with senior business administration major and Community Service Chair Tra Coney. 

“We chose to use the connections that we already have to make this an event that could reach more students, as well as connecting with other organizations,” Depass said.

Depass described how “mental health can look different [for] everyone,” and continued the event with ice breakers to evoke an interactive atmosphere. 

Key points of discussion were how Generation Z deals with stress and anxiety in comparison to past generations and what outlets students use to take care of their mental wellness. 

Senior business administration major and Vice President of BMU Sean Lacy emphasized how feelings can spiral and can be overwhelming sometimes but “being proactive can help.”

“Sometimes you need to have the uncomfortable conversation,” Coney added. “Having someone you can trust and engage with can help with mental health.” 

Depass handed out bubbles and attendees were instructed to think of a positive affirmation and inhale it with a deep breath in, then exhale while blowing out bubbles of stress, popping the bubbles to release negative energy. 

This was one of three activities done to keep the room upbeat and amused while going over hard-hitting topics.

“MENtally Empowered,” targeted to male-identifying students, “Positive Pulse” for athletes, “Stay Solid” for people of color and “The Other F Word” for all students are mental wellness groups offered by the Counseling Center to ensure students know they are never alone. 

In addition to this mental health night, BMU and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. handed out goodie bags provided by the Counseling Center on Nov. 6 to continue promoting healthy coping mechanisms. 

Depass shared that on Nov. 14 and 21 there will be a basketball-related event for anyone interested. 

“I would also just encourage everyone to know that although [BMU] suggests that it’s just for men, we are inclusive in the fact that anyone could come to our events,” Depass said.

The event spread a strong message on how college students currently and should handle their mental wellness, especially during midterm and final seasons, prompting them to seek positive outlets.

Coney said, “Hard times don’t last, if there is a will there is a way.”