Mental health program brings concert, connection to IU Bloomington
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A two-day mental health program coming to Indiana University suggests students think of each other not as strangers or even classmates, but as "future friends."
Why it matters: Future Friends was created to tackle the loneliness plaguing young people.
- The loneliness epidemic is linked to an estimated 100 deaths every hour, according to the World Health Organization, and impacts young people more acutely than other age groups. According to the WHO, strong social connections can lead to better health and a longer life.
Driving the news: The initiative aims to build community in ways students actually want to engage with — activities and events, including a high-profile concert — and weave mental health into programming.
- "Students don't need another app or lecture telling them to take care of their mental health," says Harris Schwartzberg, founder of health care platform Two Bridge and co-founder of the Future Friends Campus Series. "They need more reasons to put their phones down, look up and connect with the people around them."
What they're saying: Analiece Emigh, a junior at IU, tells Axios almost every student experiences loneliness on campus at some point or another.
- "It can be super intimidating," says Emigh. "When you're able to join smaller communities … that's where you find your people."
Zoom in: At IU, the third campus Future Friends will visit this fall, singer-songwriter Chelsea Cutler will headline a concert with folk singer-songwriter Corey Harper opening.
- The two days of mental wellness programming is designed to help IU students build community and combat loneliness through belonging.
- Other activities include a screening of the documentary "Common Denominator," a guided yoga and mindfulness workshop, a line dancing experience and a phone-free hangout built around music, games and conversation.
What's next: Future Friends will be on the Bloomington campus Oct. 28 and 29.
- Emigh said a weekend of face-to-face interaction will have an impact that lasts much longer.
- "I think a lot of good is going to come out of it," she said.