Embedded Files
During Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, we facilitated an identity & mental health exploration activity.
Participants learned how to fold their own 8-page pocket 'zine (magazine).
Participants used each page to explore a prompt using written word, drawn representations and collage images.
Now you can participate in this exercise yourself. Follow the instructions below to create your own identity & mental health 'zine.
Folding your 'Zine
Folding your 'Zine
Start with a plain piece of paper
(we use 8.5"x11")
Fold the paper in half hot dog style.
Unfold & lay flat.
Fold both short ends of the paper
to meet in the center.
Fold the paper in half at the point where the ends meet.
Unfold it all the way.
Push the ends of the paper together so the center stands up and the two ends lay flat on the table.
Cut along the fold in the center of the section that is standing up.
Stop when you hit the table. Do not cut the paper in half!
Push each corner of the paper toward the center,
shifting it from a flat piece to an X standing on the table.
Fold the pages
to form a booklet.
Fill in your book!
Explore your Identity & Mental Health
Explore your Identity & Mental Health
Now that you have your 8-page pocket 'zine, it is time to get down to the business of exploring your identities and their impact on your mental health. The following prompts are designed to help you reflect.
You do not have to be an artist! Feel free to write words, draw pictures, glue pictures cut from magazines, etc. This is about creating a visual representation of who you are and how identity and mental health show up in your life.
What to put in your 'Zine
What to put in your 'Zine
Cover: What are your strengths?
2. What identities do you hold?
3. Depict a time you felt rejected or vulnerable because of one of your identities.
4. What aspects of your identity do you feel you have to hide in certain settings? How does that feel?
5. Depict a time when you were particularly proud of one of your identities.
6. Reflect on a time you felt like you really belonged or were valued in a group you identify with.
7. What does taking good care of your whole self mean to you?
Back Cover: What would a totally inclusive and supportive community for your identities look like?
Resources
Resources
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 immediately for local resources and support. If this is an emergency, call 911.
Get certified in Mental Health First Aid.
Get support from a professional.
Talk to a trained student at the UMD Help Center.
Page updated
Report abuse