The Power of Connections

Dedicated to fostering a campus culture that prioritizes mental well-being, the University of Houston features a vibrant array of student organizations committed to promoting mental health awareness and support.

“Mental health organizations are a great way for students to get connected to a supportive group during a fun but sometimes stressful time as a college student,” explained Marti Trummer-Cabrera, assistant director for outreach for UH Counseling and Psychological Services.

As we embark on a new year and semester, active participation in these organizations becomes even more crucial. From destigmatizing conversations surrounding mental health to offering valuable resources and creating a sense of community, these student organizations contribute to the holistic well-being of the student body.

Collaborating with CAPS, each student mental health organization on campus ensures its members receive suicide prevention training at least once per semester. CAPS also helps promote events hosted by the registered student organizations (RSOs) on the CAPS calendar and via social media outlets.

On campus, several RSOs provide safe spaces for students to engage in discussions about mental health topics. For those who may not feel at ease approaching authority figures such as parents, advisers or counselors, these student groups offer an alternative support network.

Trummer-Cabrera emphasized that attending these sessions assures students that they are not alone, as there is a community of UH students who are open to, and have already been, actively discussing mental health.

“For example, participating in a suicide prevention training through CAPS may have a different impact for some individuals compared to joining a student organization meeting like Active Minds where the group collectively receives training in suicide prevention skills from CAPS,” Trummer-Cabrera elaborated.

Active Minds is a national organization that spearheads the effort to transform the conversation about mental health on college campuses. Students established a chapter at UH three years ago.

“We encourage communication between our members via a variety of platforms,” said Lindsay Bevers, vice president of the UH chapter of Active Minds. “Our GroupMe is a great first line of communication as we open the floor to all types of discussion regarding mental health, at any time.”

In addition to messaging apps like GroupMe, which is similar to the popular WhatsApp chat application, Bevers emphasizes the significance of in-person meetings, which tend to be focused on discussion and specific facets of mental health.

“This gives students a platform to comfortably discuss topics that may, in other environments, be considered taboo,” Bevers explained. “It also gives students the freedom to attend events where we will discuss challenges relevant to them and their experiences at that time."

Students in Active Minds also participate in study sessions that provide opportunities for members to collaborate and work together to reach their academic goals. Research has shown that when students experience a sense of belonging and find support within their community, they become better equipped to navigate the challenges in their academic journey.

Joining a mental health-focused student organization in the new semester can be impactful, providing a supportive community that understands and addresses the challenges students may face. Being actively part of a group not only fosters personal growth but also contributes to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.

Finding your community can be a transformative experience. Please review the full list of mental health focused registered student organizations on campus if you’re interested in getting involved.

For a list of mental health resources available to UH students, faculty and staff, visit the CoogsCARE website.

Need Support Now?

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call CAPS crisis support 24/7 at 713-743-5454, or for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call or text 988, or chat online at 988 Lifeline Chat and Text.