In the fast-paced and demanding life of a college student, it can be hard to find time to practice self-care.
In an attempt to address this, Kennesaw State’s Counseling and Psychological Services is hosting Mental Health Matters Week from Monday, Sept. 24, through Friday, Sept. 28.
MHMW was designed to help students specifically address their personal mental health needs in accepting group settings. Dr. Lisa Harris, a staff counselor who was partially involved in the planning of MHMW, explained that the month of September was chosen because September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
Organizers of MHMW created the week to address suicide and some of the broader mental illnesses that can lead to suicide in an attempt to empower students to find the strength to drive on in times of hardship.
Harris expressed that she believes it is important to hold events where students can openly discuss and learn about their own mental illnesses.
“Mental health is becoming the forefront of our discussion in society,” Harris said.
Monday’s event will tackle the issues of anxiety and fear. Students will learn anxiety-relieving techniques and make sensory bottles, which are used to help aid in stress relief. Monday’s gathering will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. by the Globe on the Marietta campus and on the Kennesaw campus Student Center patio.
Tuesday, attendees will focus on the pursuit of happiness and joy. Students who attend Tuesday’s event will discuss the meaning of happiness and make their very own intention bracelet, which will include a word or mantra that reminds students of a specific goal. Tuesday’s event will take place at the same time and location on both campuses.
Wednesday night’s event will focus on all emotions and will feature a movie screening of “Inside Out” at the Marietta campus student center in ballroom B. The movie will start at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a discussion about how to manage emotions and personal headspace.
Sadness will be the theme set for Thursday’s discussion. Students can stop by the Kennesaw campus Student Center patio or the Globe on the Marietta campus from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to discuss methods of dealing with sadness and also make their own gratitude jar. The jar will serve as a reminder to find a light in moments of darkness.
Organizers of MHMW understand that an important part of dealing with mental health is physical exercise, so CPS teamed up with the Student Recreation and Activities Center to create classes specifically designed to tackle mental health.
Those interested in learning more can visit the MHMW website at www.counseling.kennesaw.edu.
