Cover photo: Circus Mojo performer prepares for an acrobatic act.

Story and photos by TIPHERET PEÑA /Murphy News Service

Circus performers, therapy pets and mental health resources gathered in Coffman’s great hall Monday as a part of Boynton Health Service’s annual Cirque de-Stress.

Circus Mojo acrobats, tightrope-walkers and jugglers took center stage as they entered the event, immediately drawing the eyes of students and attendees. Students could either choose to sit and watch the performances or walk the perimeter of the hall and explore mental health resources available to the campus community.

“I really hope that people see that there are tons of resources on campus for students to get connected with,” Alyssa Naef, who represented Boynton’s de-stress health promotion group at the event, said.

Resources such as the Melrose Center, the Center for Spirituality and Healing, Student Counseling Services, the Aurora Center for Advocacy and Education and Boynton Health Service occupied tables lining the hall, giving out information and treats to students passing by.

Students were given beans to place in either “Yes” or “No” bins at each table, as a means of evaluating whether they had heard of a specific outreach service before.

Students could also play games at each table, enter drawings for prizes and play with the therapy animals from Boynton’s Pet Away Worry and Stress (PAWS) program.

“I think it’s a great way to promote … getting rid of the stigma of mental health,” Naef said.

The event was aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental health and illness and lowering stress for students, but some attendees said they came for other reasons.

Attendee Kenzie Balego, who goes to Coffman everyday for lunch, said she and her friend decided to go to the event because they had some extra time and were already in the building.

“We were more interested in the circus events and stuff, rather than the mental health,” Balego said.

Reporter Tipheret Peña is studying journalism at the University of Minnesota.