A successful grief awareness event hosted by The IIEs Varsity College Waterfall
At the event on, August 7, there was a station for denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance – the different stages of grief.
The World Health Organisation defines mental health as a state of well-being in which one realises their potential, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively and fruitfully, and contributes to their community.
The stigma associated with mental health issues is still rife in society at both a local and global level.
The organisation states that college students have the largest proportion of mental illnesses among all age groups.
“The dominant mental health issues are depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations,” states WHO on their website.
As a result, to help its students understand the different stages of grief and cope with their emotions healthily and positively, The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall VC Cares (student volunteer body), under the guidance of student wellness manager, Nozipho Nkosi recently held a grief awareness event on campus.
At the event, on August 7, there was a station for denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance – the different stages of grief.
After students visited each station, they participated in an exercise at the acceptance station where they wrote their thoughts and feelings on a helium balloon.
This exercise represents the last stage of the grief process – acceptance, where individuals accept and let go.
The students then released the balloons, symbolising the release of their grief.
Fourth-year IIE Bachelor of Laws student Luyanda Tshabalala said she found the grief awareness event to be a comforting experience.
“It gave me a safe space to talk about my emotions, especially with Nozipho present, and the exercise with the balloons helped me let go of my grief. I feel more equipped to handle my emotions now,” Tshabalala concluded.
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