Kent State’s Active Minds chapter advocated for mental health support and self-love for the holiday at their Valentine’s Day event Monday.

Active Minds is an organization that helps to destigmatize mental health and suicide prevention by encouraging students to talk about these issues. This event focused on self-love, self-care and stress relief. 

“Valentine’s Day can be kind of upsetting for some people if they don’t have a significant other to share it with because in society there’s so much pressure … to be with somebody,” said Kayla Marker, president of Kent State’s Active Minds. “[We want] to show that you can love yourself and still have a good time. And if it is hard for you, to give you some tips to help you get through the day.”

Self-love/care and stress relief tips such as journaling, meditating, talking positively to yourself and starting a self-care routine were recommended to help students in times of need.

Activities such as slime making, candy grams and coloring were available for students to celebrate the upcoming holiday. The group also introduced their new upcoming event called “Mingle Mondays,” where students are invited to socialize with the club and attendees. These will take place on four upcoming Mondays within the next few months.

Kelsey Paulus is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].