Stomp Out the Stigma 2023: A safe space to speak openly about mental health issues

On Wednesday, April 19, Active Minds, in collaboration with the YU Counseling Center and the Office of Student Life, hosted the annual Stomp Out the Stigma. Hosted in Lamport Auditorium with hundreds of students, faculty, staff and administrators in attendance, the event featured three students who bravely spoke of their personal struggles with mental health issues, including  anxiety, depression, mood disorders and eating disorders. Following introductory words by Yeshiva University President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman and Active Minds co-president Yael Berger ‘24S, each of the three students delivered their addresses, which were equal parts heartbreaking, inspiring and humorous. Through their perseverance and strength, the students showed that one can struggle with mental health challenges and still find great success in their academics, extracurricular activities, careers and social life.

A rapt audience listens to stories filled with courage and candor.

“I remember when Stomp Out the Stigma took place in Furst 501, a much smaller room,” said Berger. “For the last two years, the event has taken place in Lamport which seats hundreds of people. It is evident that Active Minds’ goal in having this annual event, to speak openly about mental illness where no one is ashamed or afraid, has really come to fruition.” Each student speaker was introduced by an Active Minds board member, who also spoke with sensitivity and love about the courageous individuals who gave the main addresses. At the conclusion of each speech, speakers were greeted with thunderous applause and a standing ovation, a testament of the Yeshiva University student body’s strong sense of community and commitment toward one another. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to speak in front of such a supportive student body,” said one of the student speakers. “At the end of the event, I was overwhelmed with the gratitude coming from the listeners, but I should be the one thanking you. You showed up with an open mind and gave students the safe space to share their struggles and how they overcame them. That is a huge feat, and it just goes to show that Stomp Out the Stigma is not only impactful for the listeners but for the speakers, too.” The student speakers were mentored by Dr. Yael Muskat, director of the Counseling Center, and Dr. Debra Alper, a Counseling Center clinician. The Counseling Center consults with students on a confidential basis, free of charge. Its staff of qualified and caring professionals provide a calm and objective listening ear and can help YU students address any issues or concerns. Editor's note: To speak with a YU Counseling Center clinician, email counseling@yu.edu or call (646) 592-4200 (Wilf Campus), (646) 592-4210 (Beren Campus)