The challenges have been many for all of us over the past nine months because of COVID-19, and one of the biggest obstacles is one that many think is not talked about enough.

Mental health is often swept to the side or simply not acknowledged at all, but a group of University of Hawai`i Hilo students and Vulcan student-athletes recently helped bring the challenge to light.

The Anti-Stigma Project was developed by the UH Hilo Suicide Prevention Program to help get students to talk about mental health without fear or judgement. The project was supported through the national government organization Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

UH Hilo students created videos, photos and posters designed to encourage others to reach out for help if needed. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) got involved to help bring the message back to their own teams.

"I was ecstatic that SAAC took the initiative to help break the stigma of mental health on our campus," said UHH SAAC advisor Jamison Montgomery.  "Positive mental health is something that we are all challenged with and we should not be ashamed or discouraged to talk about these things. I am truly fortunate to work with such aware and strong student athletes."

Vulcans teams that got involved included the men's golf team, the women's golf team, the volleyball squad, the men's basketball team and the women's cross country team. 

"We hope that the stigma of talking with a friend, roommate or teammate about mental health becomes a thing of the past," Montgomery added. "Mental health matters and it is important that we feel free to check in with each other."