World Mental Health Day, October 10, may not be the most famous holiday on this fall calendar. But for the Hokies, it’s worth celebrating.
“It is important to have a world day to recognize mental health and break down the stigma around mental illness,” said Colleen Driscoll, assistant director of mental health initiatives at Hokie Wellness.
why is it important
A spring 2023 Inside Higher Ed/College Pulse survey of 3,000 undergraduate students nationwide found that half of respondents rated their mental health as fair or poor. The causes of distress have been blamed on everything from chronic stress to financial anxiety to the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. 19.
Global Day to Recognize the Importance of Mental Health is an opportunity to highlight Virginia Tech’s recent efforts to improve the health of our students. for example:
- A new housing welfare initiative supports students in on-campus housing with professional case managers, welfare coordinators, dedicated counselors, and highly trained student leaders.
- This spring, Virginia Tech was recognized as the first Digital Well University, with an array of resources and programming designed to help students enjoy life away from their devices.
- Cook Counseling has relocated to expanded offices in the new Gilbert Place building with a serene Serenity space.
- Epcot has become the latest therapy dog to join the beloved animal-assisted therapy program.
- Hokie Wellness has partnered with the Mental Health Coalition for the fourth year of Hokie Hiccups. This event is an event that encourages student resilience by providing a creative space to share stories of struggle, failure, and subsequent growth.
- Hokie Wellness continues to offer its popular Mental Health First Aid course to all members of the campus community.
- Student Affairs continued its campaign for community mental health, #VTBetterTogether.
- FEELS Peer Support Circles give students the opportunity to discuss challenges and stressors with other students and highly trained student facilitators.
celebration day
For the first time, Hokie Wellness will commemorate World Mental Health Day with an event to encourage students to discuss stress relief and support options with staff. “We are creating a space where you can take a break from your busy day and participate in free activities,” Driscoll said. “I think this shows our students that we care about their mental health. We really want to make sure we’re engaged in something that they want to be a part of. .”
World Mental Health Day celebrations include:
- Information about campus resources related to mental health
- Virginia Tech Therapy Dogs will perform from 1 to 2 p.m.
- chair yoga
- rock art
- Activity to make your own stress ball
- Station for making glitter bottles
- Mindfulness activities
- Coloring
- affirmation station
- FEELS Peer Support Circle Student Facilitator
- A selection of health-focused books that students can borrow from the library.
- free tea
Students are encouraged to attend World Mental Health Day events. “You can stop by and take a look, or you can stay for an hour,” Driscoll said. “Do what you want with it.”
In other words, there’s no stress.