October is Kent State University’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Though the national health observance is in May, the university chooses October to promote mental health awareness as the need for mental health support on campus peaks during this time.
The goal behind making October Kent State’s Mental Health Awareness Month is to increase awareness about the mental health support that Kent State provides to both students and faculty. This support includes counseling services, workshops as well as programs to encourage general well-being, like Meditation Across Campus and Color for Calmness.
"When you go through the counseling center in White Hall, those sessions are free."
“There are covered resources available. When you go through the counseling center in White Hall, those sessions are free. They're available to students who are enrolled,” said Talea R. Drummer-Ferrell, Ph.D., associate vice president for student life and dean of students. “With the counseling psychological services, you get six sessions that are covered. There are many workshops that are offered without a fee attached to it. You don't even have to worry about insurance.”
Students who want to talk through options the university offers can visit the Well Hub located in the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center. There, they will be greeted by peer educators who can provide information and promote discussion and reflection around mental health and the services that the university offers.
“The Well Hub is located in the rec center as soon as you walk in, so you don't have to actually go into the gym. It's a great starting place to get connected about resources or smaller ways to connect around these conversations of mental health and well-being,” Drummer-Ferrell said.
A full Mental Health Awareness Month Event Calendar can be found on the center’s website.
A full Mental Health Awareness Month Event Calendar can be found on the center’s website. Those events include a variety of activities such as:
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Meditation to destress.
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Coloring for calmness.
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Sessions for learning how to build boundaries or healthy relationships.
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Activist Marches.
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Living Mindfully.
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Anxiety Toolbox Workshop.
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And many more.
Mental health resources aren’t just available on the Kent Campus. Mental health resources for students on the Kent State Regional Campuses are available as well as resources for students currently studying abroad.
“Every campus has some entry point related to mental health well-being.”
“Every campus has some entry point related to mental health well-being,” Drummer-Ferrell said. “We have built a beautiful partnership with our campus out in Florence. Not only do they have mental health professionals available to you, but we also have constant communication for when you return. So, if you're having your support happening over there at the Florence campus and you would like to continue it, we make sure that we provide that information to you at that time.”
Whatever your challenge for the semester, Kent State is here for you. Check out the events and find ways to avoid stress, destress or get help if and when you need it.
View the Mental Health Awareness Month Calendar.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY.