Dear Community,



Mental health is one of the most critical issues facing college students today. We often hide our issues behind a mask instead of talking about them. It is only through being honest with others and with ourselves that we can begin to eradicate the stigma around mental health and the facade of perfection pervading our campus.



On Thursday, November 5th, we are asking that all members of our community-administrators, faculty, staff, and students-participate in Sticker Day. Wearing the "I Hide My _______ Behind My ________" stickers provides an opportunity for us to come together as a community to show our support for those who struggle with their mental health. Whether or not you struggle with mental health issues, please show your support by simply wearing a sticker on Thursday. You can fill the sticker out or leave it blank - the choice is yours. Filling in the sticker acts as a means of self-empowerment, declaring that your mental illness does not define who you are. Choosing to wear a blank sticker promotes awareness of mental health issues, and it is a symbol of support for those members of our community who may not feel ready to join the conversation. We will be handing out stickers all day tomorrow(Wednesday, November 4) at the Relaxation Fest in Collis Common Ground.



In addition to wearing the sticker, we encourage you to come out to Rollins Chapel at 8 pm for the Community panel, "Behind the Mask: An Honest Conversation about Mental Health." Come listen to the powerful testimonies of your friends who battle mental illness and still stand strong today. It is time that we, the Dartmouth community, remove the stigma attached to mental illness and begin to help others who suffer alone.