A special Mental Health Day event took place on Thursday at the Jefferson Student Union, offering students a peaceful escape from the stresses of midterm week.
This event, held in support of Mental Health Awareness Day, provided students with an opportunity to pause, unwind, and take a much-needed mental health break. Various wellness stations were set up, including a meditation corner, a coloring area stocked with books and supplies, and a self-care station where students could pick up mini hand lotions and face masks. Additionally, a table full of fun stickers and fidget toys were on hand for students to enjoy.
Heidi Tasa, dean of global diversity and inclusion, said,” For students since we are in midterms week, it might be a stressful situation for them, so this event shows students some ideas on how to distress.”
“Forwarding these ideas can help get into the mindset of how can we take care of ourselves,” she said.
For students feeling stressed or overwhelmed, Vincennes University offers a range of support services. Tasa said that there are tutoring services available if students are struggling academically.
She said, “Be sure that you reach out to your professors, they’re here to help, but also for students, it’s important to create connections with peers and do things that you enjoy and take time to exercise, and have fun too”
College can be a big change for students research statistics from the National Institute of Health says that 75% of university students were found to have gone through some type of anxiety or stress during a semester.
Tasa said, “Stepping into college is just a time of transition, and it can be stressful, so it’s just important to have a mental check-in with ourselves from time to time”
With the second half of the semester soon to be underway, Tasa reassured students who may have felt unmotivated during the first half that there is plenty of time to get where they need to be.
“For this second half of the semester students should take a realistic check and think if they have done all the things that they need to do and always make sure are taking care of themselves,” she said.
“Other factors are important too such as getting enough sleep and eating right, and also don’t forget about reaching out to resources.”
