By Ardo Umar Farah

On May 31, the Peer Educators and Counselors Club (PECC) hosted a special movie night to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month (May). The event aimed to bring people together and promote mental well-being. The chosen movie, "Perks of Being a Wallflower," was selected based on popular votes and highlighted the importance of supporting one another especially our friends battling mental illnesses.

Mental Health Awareness Month holds significant importance as it seeks to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, reduce the stigma associated with mental illnesses and show solidarity with the affected. Originating in the United States in 1949, this annual observance has grown to become a global movement that encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to address mental health concerns. PECC, in line with its mission, embraced this initiative by organizing the movie night as a platform to foster understanding, support, and education.

The movie night centered around the thought-provoking film "Perks of Being a Wallflower," which beautifully captured the essence of mental health awareness. The movie delved into the challenges individuals face in their mental well-being journey. It highlighted themes of trauma, isolation, identity, and the importance of compassion and support. Through its relatable characters and compelling storytelling, "Perks of Being a Wallflower" served as a reminder of the struggles many people endure, fostering empathy and understanding among the audience.

There was a short session before the movie that involved conversations on mental health facilitated by PECC Patron Ms. Lydia Winda. Those in attendance were given sticky notes to write messages of hope and encouragement which they put in a common box. After the movie, everybody was asked to pick one of the messages, read and take away.

To enhance the movie night experience, PECC gave away 100 free popcorns to the first 100 people who arrived at the auditorium. This gesture added excitement and contributed to a warm and inclusive atmosphere. The event, which started at 5pm and ended at 8pm, was a great success, attracting a diverse group of individuals passionate about mental health advocacy. In fact, approximately 170 people showed up, further highlighting the strong community support for mental health initiatives.

Together We Fight Stigma, Provide Support, and Educate, was the guiding theme, underscoring the club's commitment to creating a safe space for open dialogue and promoting mental well-being. While engaging the community, the movie night successfully emphasized the importance of unity in addressing mental health challenges.