Nourish your mental health with Latinx Affairs

Nourishing our mental health is one of the first priorities we have as students. 

And it’s also a great priority for Latinx Affairs.  

Latinx Affairs have planned a mental health series titled “Nourishing Our Mental Health with Latinx Affairs,” for Minnesota State students to participate through in the next few weeks. Its main goal is to allow students to take a break from their busy schedules and recharge with calming and engaging activities. 

Director of Latinx Affairs Geanella Ochoa-Veloz explained how the activities are meant to be a series “where not only Latin American students but all students are welcome to join and have a space focused on community-based mental health support.”

“These events are meant to be both educational and engaging by having students learn how they can nourish their mental health through the activities learned through our events,” Ochoa-Veloz said. “As we know, many students experience stress and anxiety related to academic pressures and cultural identity which is why we wanted to create a space where they can prioritize their well-being, individual growth, and learn more about themselves and the person they want to be in a supportive environment.”

As its main purpose is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where students can nourish their mental health, Ochoa-Veloz said that including other aspects into the mental health series can also help them promote self-care.

“By integrating cultural elements, small educational portions, and hands-on activities, we aim to destigmatize mental health discussions and encourage students to prioritize their self-care and personal growth,” Ochoa-Veloz said. 

The events will take place 4-6 p.m.Tuesdays in the Multicultural Center. The series begins on Oct. 15, featuring “Dream it, Pin it, Do it: Vision Board Crafting.”

“The event encourages students to visualize their goals and aspirations which has shown to promote positive  thinking and motivation,” Ochoa-Veloz said. 

Latinx Affairs is involved in accommodating the ethnic student population and providing support to Latino and Hispanic students, especially with their mental health as Ochoa-Veloz notes that “nourishing our mental health is crucial for everyone, but especially for Latino students who may face unique cultural pressures and challenges.”

“These can include navigating expectations from family, dealing with cultural stigma around mental health, and balancing academic responsibilities with community obligations,” Ochoa-Veloz said. “By focusing on mental health, we empower students to build resilience, foster self-awareness, and cultivate supportive networks, which ultimately will lead to greater academic and personal success.”

With midterms already underway and finals work approaching soon, Ochoa-Veloz lists several techniques that students can practice and aid them in prioritizing their mental health during stressful days. 

“Practicing self-care and mindfulness techniques regularly, engaging with others such as connecting with friends or family, creating a supportive network with people you trust and can rely on, seeking professional help when needed such as counseling services or hotlines which can provide more tailored services and coping mechanisms,” Ochoa-Veloz said. 

“Lastly, participating in any community events that have open discussions regarding mental health to increase one’s knowledge on mental health and the effects it has on our minds, bodies and lives.”

For more information on the events in the series and their dates, visit mnsu.edu/DISH 

Photo Caption: Latinx Affairs have planned a mental health series titled “Nourishing Our Mental Health with Latinx Affairs,” for Minnesota State students to participate in a series of activities through the next few weeks. (Courtesy of Geanella Ochoa-Veloz)

Write to Anahi Zuniga at anahi.zuniga@mnsu.edu