Students empowered to dispel stigma and practice self-care during Mental Health Week | WMU News

A wide range of events are planned for Mental Health Week, including opportunities for students to interact with therapy dogs.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Be kind to yourself. That’s the message to the Western Michigan University campus community as the Western Student Association (WSA) works with the Campus Activities Committee to host Mental Health Week. February 19th – February 23rd.

Students can de-stress and focus on both their physical and mental health with yoga hosted by the Student Recreation Center.

“Traditionally held the week before midterm exams, it allows students to relax and also learn about the resources available on campus,” he says. Lin Lu, a finance and business analysis student and WSA’s executive officer of student affairs. “We will be holding stress relief presentations to help you relax, understand yourself better and learn different ways to manage stress.”

The twice-yearly student-led initiative includes a series of events, from group fitness classes and board game gatherings to wellness coaching and art breaks. The goal, Lu said, is to offer something for everyone and make activities available in a variety of spaces, including the main campus, East campus, Parkview campus and Air College at Battle Creek.

“It’s about education, relaxation and fun,” says Lu. Wellbeing Challenge Cards will be available to encourage students to take part in Mental Health Week. At each event, you can receive stamps and submit cards to win prizes.

A complete schedule of Mental Health Week events and more information can be found on the WSA webpage.

Broncos help Broncos

In addition to several registered student organizations hosting events, trained mental health educators from Western University’s Office of Health Promotion and Education also participate in Mental Health Week. They organized relaxation stations and created prompts on social media for students who wanted to participate remotely.

Cass Davis plays guitar in front of a table during a recent campus event hosted by the Office of Health Promotion and Education’s Mental Health Education Colleagues.

“It’s important to prioritize mental health because it helps us build community and connect with people on a deeper level without prejudice or stigma,” he says. Cass Davisa music therapy student and mental health peer educator.

“(Our generation) has been through a lot of historic events like COVID-19, and I feel like people are more open about mental health than ever before, so it’s safe to talk about these topics. It’s necessary to have a place where others can be good for everyone.” Eva Sauera student in Gender and Women’s Studies and a peer educator in mental health.

Students can also explore Common Ground, located at the Syndecuse Health Center. Common Ground is a space at Syndecuse Health Center open 24/7 where you can connect with fellow educators and be your authentic self.

“Common Ground is a place where you can just come and be yourself, and there are no expectations,” says Davis, who helped create the space last year. “I can sit and cry, I can sit and play the piano, I can sit and play the ukulele, I can color. It’s been a real blessing in my college career. It’s been a blessing for me to have a sense of belonging on campus. “When I walk through this door, I feel important. I feel like I have a right to feel that way.”

focus on happiness

A commitment to mental health and enabling students and all members of Western society to thrive in all aspects of life is a driving force at the University. Prioritizing health is one of the key priorities highlighted in WMU’s most recent strategic plan and is incorporated into several initiatives across campus.

Western University was one of the first 25 universities in the country to adopt the Okanagan Charter, an international framework for embedding health into all aspects of campus culture. Nearly 400 students, faculty and staff attended the signature event at the WMU Student Center to declare their commitment to health.

Students relaxing at Mind Spa.

The university offers a variety of health support services to students, including:

• Counseling services. Students can work with a counselor to identify challenges and make changes to address emotional and social difficulties.

• In the Department of Health Promotion and Education, students can interact with health educators and nationally certified educators who focus on prevention and support.

• In addition to providing students with access to a full range of high-quality professional medical services, the Syndecuse Health Center is designed to help Broncos students develop and practice relaxation skills that enhance academic productivity and well-being. You can use the Mind Spa space.

• Uwill provides free access to personalized mental health services via teletherapy 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• WellTrack Boost is a free online self-help resource for tracking your health.

• Western’s YOU is a personalized web portal designed to help students become more proactive about their health and well-being.

“Holistic health is important in general, but with Western medicine’s focus on the whole person, universities encourage students to look within themselves and understand where their purpose lies and who they are as people. We can say that we are providing an opportunity,” the professor says. Janay Christian, Assistant Director of Mental Wellbeing at Western. “We’re showing them that we see them, we hear them, and we want to meet them where they are.”

For more information on WMU news, arts, and events, visitvisit WMU News online.