Amy (ICC Student Staff Leader)
Introduction
On July 5th, the Intercultural Communication Center hosted an event to discuss mental health. We were joined by Dr. Terumi Ishii, the full-time psychiatrist at the Health Support Center of Waseda University, who gave a lecture to our participants about different types of mental illnesses, how to reduce stress, and how to help others who may be going through tough times. After the lecture, we had a short quiz about the contents of Dr. Ishii’s presentation, and prizes were given to the winning group. Following the quiz, we had discussion time, in which the participants could talk about themselves, what they have learned or gained through attending the event, if they had any tips for each other, and how mental health is looked at in various different countries.
Background and Motivation
Many people, ICC student staff leaders and participants alike, have asked me why I wanted to hold an event about mental health at the Intercultural Communication Center, as it does not seem to match with the purpose and goals of the ICC. To me, however, there is a clear link. Our goals are to bring together all members of the community at Waseda University, and to foster good relationships with others regardless of culture, nationality, or ethnicity. Thus, holding an event which affects the members of every community, in one way or another, is a perfect opportunity to show how similar we all are despite differences in physical appearance or language. Through understanding that we all have these shared experiences, and shared hardships, we can become more empathetic people. In essence, the motivation of this event was to transcend the constructed ideologies which divide us into categories, and look at the community of people at Waseda University through a humanitarian lens.
Challenges
The organisation of this event was a long process with some challenges. In the beginning, it was difficult to find an appropriate organisation to collaborate with, until the decision was made to ask the Waseda’s Health Support Center. When the Health Support Center connected us with Dr. Ishii, I could not have been more pleased. Not only do I truly believe that collaborations within Waseda University strengthen our relations in the community, but it was also an amazing opportunity to connect our student participants with the Health Support Center and make them more aware of the services which are available to them on campus.
Unfortunately, I was unable to work in the weeks running up to the event, which added to the pressure. Additionally, when I did return to work, there was a mechanical issue at the venue in which we were planning to host the event, thus causing the venue to be changed the day prior to the event. While these unavoidable and unusual problems did cause some stress, our team pulled together to deal with these issues, and in the end, I think the new venue meant that the participants could speak to each other in a closer setting.
Reflection
During the planning stages of this event, I was worried that the participants would find it difficult to discuss mental health issues. This is, of course, a very sensitive topic, and not one which is regularly discussed in public events, and I was worried that for some people it might be too personal or private to talk about. However, through the kindness of Dr. Ishii, and all of the SSLs, we were able to create a comfortable and safe environment for everyone who wished to participate. Upon reflection I now understand the importance of creating such a safe space, and I hope that because of this environment, the participants could become more open with themselves and others.
Overall, I am so happy that I was given the chance to host an event which was as fulfilling and meaningful as this one. Unfortunately, this will be my last event at the ICC, but maybe that gave this event even more meaning. I can now graduate from Waseda and the ICC knowing that I, and everyone who helped with the planning and execution of this event, have made some small impact on the lives of others.
Pictures from the event
After the event, an Instagram post was made to share the event with our followers online. Please have a look!
Group Photograph with the participants, organisers, and Dr. Ishii (front, center) (image by ICC)
Dr. Ishii during her lecture (image by ICC)
Group discussion time (image by ICC)
