For one night, the Alumni Lounge of Usdan became a safe space for discussions about mental health. The event, titled “Step Inside My Head,” was part of the ’DEIS Impact weeklong festival for social justice. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday night, the event, hosted by Active Minds, invited Brandeis students to share their personal narratives about mental health.

Some individuals shared what it was like to live with depression, anxiety disorders or schizophrenia. Some told the stories of family members with mental health concerns. One student offered a “rant” about the need to be able to laugh. For some, this was an opportunity to ask questions while others chose simply to offer an ear. For all, though, this was a night about bringing awareness to mental health issues and about eliminating stigma.

Cassidy Tatun ’17, the host for the night and the president of the Brandeis chapter of Active Minds, described the necessity of eliminating the stigma around mental illness: “Stigma causes shame; Shame causes silence; Silence hurts us all.” For more information on how to get involved in the conversation, join Active Minds in their weekly meetings on Thursdays at 8 p.m. in SCC 313.