The Psychology Department and a number of students are putting on their third annual Mental Health Wellness Fair Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the St. Peter Community Center from 6-8 p.m.

“We want the community to realize that many people experience psychological distress and there is help available to them”—Marie Walker

The Mental Health Wellness Fair is a free event to educate people in the surrounding area about local mental health resources as well as about mental disorders.

Professor of Psychology Marie Walker is in charge of organizing the event.

“The mental health wellness fair is being put on to help prevent and raise awareness about mental illness. We want the community to realize that many people experience psychological distress and there is help available to them,” Walker said.

There are a number of things attendees can expect to see at the event.

“There are three professional speakers talking on the topics of reducing stress, adoption and attachment, and eating disorders and body satisfaction. We will have music performed by Gustavus students, refreshments provided by Gustavus Dining Services, the Department of Psychological Science and the Center for Student Leadership,” Walker said.

Any visitor also has the chance to win donated door prizes, and the opportunity to participate in yoga and meditation sessions put on by Gustavus students and faculty.

Senior Psychological Science Major and Student Coordinator of the event Emma Nystadius is one of many students involved in putting the Mental Health Wellness fair together.

“I’m looking forward to learning about all the different organizations. I’m really excited to go around and see what all the different organizations are about each because there is such a wide variety,” Nystadius said.

“What I like about the Mental Health Wellness fair is that it opens the door for conversation on topics that aren’t talked about enough”—Kelly Lindahl

As student coordinator, Nystadius is responsible for the things the students do in putting this event together.

“We contact a lot of people in Mankato and the St. Peter area to come to the event. We also look to get donations from local businesses and restaurants for door prizes as well hang flyers for the event,” Nystadius said.

Junior Psychology Major Kelly Lindahl is another student helping put the Mental Health Wellness fair together and shared her thoughts on the fair.

“What I like about the Mental Health Wellness fair is that it opens the door for conversation on a topics that aren’t talked about enough,” Lindahl said.

The Mental Health and Wellness fair is open to the public and welcomes anyone. Expand your knowledge about psychology and mental health while enjoying prizes, refreshments, music and more at the Mental Health Wellness Fair.

-Thomas Wittwer