Southern will host Connect2U next week, a free event for stress relief and mental health awareness.

“We’re wanting to reduce the stigma about mental health,” said Natalie Bruce, an adviser/counselor of Advising, Counseling and Testing Services, the department holding the event.

The department’s focus that week will be on its counseling aspect. It’s pushing the statistic that “57 percent of MSSU students experienced mental health concerns in the past year.”

“Stress is going to increase as the semester goes on, so students can learn now how to deal with the stress,” Bruce said.

She also noted that while students are fine with discussing things relating to physical health, mental health has been a “taboo” subject.

“It’s important for students to come both for their knowledge [or if they want to help a friend],” she said.

The weeklong event begins on Monday and runs through Thursday, Oct. 8 and coincides with National Mental Health Awareness Week. This year is the first time the department is holding Connect2U, but it could possibly become an annual event.

Monday’s event starts the week with stress ball creation on the Oval from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The balls will be made out of balloons and sand.

On Tuesday, a professional from the community will provide massages to students from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“[It lasts] five minutes, but students can get in line as much as they want,” Bruce said.

Wednesday will feature a mental health panel with local therapists in Corley Auditorium in Webster Hall, where mental health in general and counseling will be discussed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday is the last event, with yoga on the Oval from noon to 1 p.m.

For more information, persons can contact the ACTS office.