Gainesville Local News

          Until you pick up a paintbrush, you may not think of art as therapeutic, but in honor of mental health awareness, University of Florida students were invited Thursday to let their inner Picasso flow. They are trying to raise awareness that everyone needs healthy ways to de-stress, and when there's something more worrisome it's okay to seek help.        UF clinical psychologist, Amanda Lawson-Ross, says  however people find creative expression is a beautiful way to take a breather, take a break and let the brain do something different. A study of 150 universities found counseling centers use up thirty percent since 2010, sometimes with a shortage of counselors meaning wait lists to see someone.          Researchers say mental health issues can be a silent crisis because people may withdraw from their normal routines. In order to create a visual representation of people still strugg...

University of Florida students enjoy from fun activities at Sausage Festival. The carnival style event includes games, performances and free food!

Award winning filmmaker Eric Flaggs shared career advice with UF students Monday based on his own experience. Flaggs graduated from University of Florida Documentary Institute where he received his Master's degree in 2005. He majored in ecology for his undergraduate studies and later took his interest into film to showcase his investigative work. Documentary filmmaker Eric Flagg advices #UF students today on their professional journey ahead! #TvProduction #Film #GuestSpeaker pic.twitter.com/OySmgyYTGj — Clarisa Melendez (@ClarisaNews) March 12, 2018 Flagg said having a niche is important when creating content for a mass audience. Environmental education became his focus after analyzing human's impact on ecology. "People will look to your work," he said. "Having a focus on what it is you do and letting everyone know your expertise is extremely important."  After working as a wetland scientist for many years, Flagg said he noticed a need to docume...