Stomp Out the Stigma: YU’s Biggest Event of the Year
“At the heart of our conversation tonight is the simple but profound truth: the power of listening … Not just with our ears but with our hearts.” This keen statement was a part of YU President Ari Berman’s opening remarks at the beginning of Yeshiva University’s 15th annual Stomp Out the Stigma event on Monday, March 24. Stomp Out the Stigma is one of YU’s biggest events of the year, when students, faculty and alumni gather together to listen to students’ personal stories of their journeys in mental health.
The idea of Stomp Out the Stigma seems so simple. Over the course of the event, three students share their stories with over 700 people. And yet, it is the most profound and unforgettable event. The three student speakers, in sharing their stories, gave us a piece of themselves that they will never regain. They were vulnerable and inspiring. In sharing their stories, they raised awareness and imparted upon the students of YU an important message: You are not alone.
The night began with Avraham Frohlich (YC ‘25), co-president of Active Minds, giving opening remarks. He encouraged the attendees to listen with open ears and hearts because while “[the speakers’] stories were individual, their struggles were shared.” After Frohlich, Yeshiva University President Ari Berman, delivered a heartfelt opening speech. Berman explained that the power of the Jewish people, and especially the YU community, lies in listening. Not just sitting there as someone shares their story, but genuinely taking in what they have to say with compassion and empathy. Then, each of the student speakers came up and shared with the audience their stories. The seemingly simple action of these students standing in front of hundreds of people and sharing such an intimate and personal experience is bravery beyond words and measure, and that alone is inspiring.
Dani Minkove (YC ‘26) introduced the first speaker who spoke about his battle with anxiety and depression. He told the audience that he fought for his future and happiness through his deep depression and withdrawal from Xanax: “I made the decision to live,” he told the audience, exemplifying the power of determination and resilience.
Then, Ruti Frohlich (SCW ‘26) introduced the next speaker, a sophomore in Stern College. She shared her experience of spending time in a psychiatric ward while struggling with depression. Her story ended with the discovery that she had bipolar disorder. The speaker explained that having bipolar disorder causes her lifestyle to look different from her peers. However, she does not let this stop her from having a robust social life, pursuing higher education and chasing after her dreams.
Lastly, Noah Diner (YC ‘25) introduced the third speaker, who reflected on his struggle in confronting depression. Initially ashamed of his depression, he isolated himself and put up a front in attempts to keep it a secret. He adamantly expressed to the audience that it was only in telling his family and friends about his depression and confronting depression head on was he able to overcome it. He emphasized how important it is to advocate and seek help because depression is not something to be ashamed of.
Each student spoke beautifully about the experiences they have been through and the immense struggles they faced and overcame. While each one of them had a different experience, they all came away with the same message: We are not alone. All three speakers made it a point to mention that they leaned on the shoulders of their family, friends and communities to get better. When the second speaker described her time in a psychological ward she explained, “I was very grateful for my parents and my family, who made sure I had a visitor everyday. I don’t know if I could have done it without your [her family’s] support.”
The goal of the night was not just to destigmatize mental illness but also to reach out to fellow students who may be struggling. The third speaker ended his speech with the following sentiment: “I thought if I share my story you might feel less alone. That you would be inspired to share with a friend or parent, or the counseling center … Opening up is not a sign of weakness; It’s called investing in yourself.”
The Commentator asked the second speaker what encouraged her to share her story. Her reply was inspiring: “I wanted to share my story because I am not ashamed of it. I’m not afraid of it,” she explained. “I’m glad that I lived through it because now I can talk about it without any stigma.” She continued, saying, “[bipolar] does not define who I am. I am not bipolar. I have bipolar.
“I wanted to show that it is possible to have a mental illness and not be a person defined by their mental illness,” she said. Mental illness is not something to feel ashamed of, nor is it something that one should have to face alone.
The speakers did not only encourage audience members to seek help for themselves. They also expressed a call to action to be there for others and stand with your peers. As the first speaker told the crowd, “While it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to support an adult.”
An immense amount of effort and thought is placed into organizing this event. Frohlich shared with The Commentator that each member of the Active Minds club, the student Counseling Center and the student speakers put in maximum effort to make the event meaningful and run smoothly.
When asked how Active Minds has managed to create such a supportive and safe environment during Stomp Out the Stigma, Frohlich told The Commentator, “To have a warm and supportive campus you need students who are willing to be out there and active in the community and looking out for their fellow students … that takes initiative.” While the Active Minds club, the student Counseling Center and the student speakers put their best foot forward, it is the fact that over 700 students took the initiative to come to the event that made it such a caring and uplifting atmosphere.
“It made me proud to be a part of a community that focuses on raising important issues of mental health instead of ignoring them,” Dani Karp (SCW ‘27) said.
Addressing future students, Frohlich told The Commentator, “The ball is in your court. Stomp Out the Stigma shows that we can have an event about mental health and support our fellow students that is student run and has so many participants each year.” Frohlich continued, “I guess the question is where can we take this? What other events can really impact our campus, because there is more to be done.”
Yeshiva University students are blessed to be part of a community where they have the opportunity and ability to implement change and create an impact. Stomp Out the Stigma is a lesson ingrained that the biggest changes and greatest impacts begin with the smallest act: listening.
The Counseling Center, which co-sponsored the event, assists students struggling with mental health. Its services, complementary to students, can be accessed by contacting the office by email or through its website.
Photo Caption: Student audience at Stomp Out the Stigma
Photo Credit: David Khabinsky / Yeshiva University
