While many students were dealing with the stress of midterms, the Associated Students of Michigan State University offered a solution: Mental Health Awareness Week, which is held annually in the fall semester.  

The week of awareness was held Oct. 16-20 with events occurring every day. Some of these events included a tailgate and yoga class. Even the Michigan Corgi Club stopped by The Rock to help students destress with cider and donuts. 

ASMSU’s director of health, safety and wellness, Kathryn Harding, organized the week’s events.

“Mental Health Awareness Week is meant to spread awareness and release the stigma of all the preconceived notions of mental health awareness,” Harding said. “I strategically planned it around finals week to give students events where they can destress and relax.” 

Sophomore Brooke Ringstad was looking to do just that when she attended the succulent pot painting event held on Oct. 17. 

“I showed up in the middle of this event last year, and there were no plants left,” Ringstad said. “This is kind of like my second chance to actually get my cute little free plant.”

Whether plants, corgis, donuts or yoga, Harding said her goal was to implement activities to meet all aspects of students’ mental health needs.