Finals make everyone want to scream.

The second annual Screamfest, hosted by Grand Valley State University’s Active Minds, gives everyone 10 seconds to do just that.

“Screamfest is a part of National Stress Out Week, which is put on by the national headquarters of Active Minds in Washington, D.C.,” said Mary Pritchard, Active Minds president. “Schools all over the U.S. host events throughout the week that provide stress-relieving opportunities for students that are about to face the end-of-the-year hell that is finals week.”

Pritchard said Active Minds chose to host Screamfest as a way to give students a chance to scream out some of that pent-up anxiety and stress about finals.

Everyone who is a part of the GVSU community is welcome to come out. Participants are asked to meet at the Cook Carillon clock tower on the Allendale Campus at 11:45 tonight. When the clock strikes midnight everyone will scream for 10 seconds. After “the scream” everyone will be able to enjoy a free ice cream sundae.

The group will be there until at least 12:45 a.m and encourages others to stay and socialize. For those just needing the quick stress break, Pritchard said there is no problem leaving right after “the scream.”

Last year, 200 people came out for this unique study break.

“We think it’s a really great way to get information out to students about stress and anxiety, as well as giving everyone a good outlet to take a break, meet some new people and get free ice cream,” Pritchard said.

Active Minds is a service and advocacy group designed to spread mental health awareness on campus and to stop the stigma of mental health issues. Pritchard said they accomplish this by “hosting fun events for students to come and relieve stress, play games, get free food and also pick up some brochures, pamphlets and other information about mental health concerns and resources on campus.”

“We want to change the conversation about mental health in a positive way,” she added.

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