College life can be overwhelming. Balancing school work and social life can take a toll on one’s mental health, especially in the midst of a pandemic.
“The pandemic has only exacerbated mental health challenges and feelings of loneliness,” says Jamie Stephens, coordinator for outreach and peer education in the Department of Recreation and Wellness.
A study from Active Minds found that one in four students surveyed said that their depression has significantly increased in the last year, and 89% are experiencing stress or anxiety as a result of COVID-19.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and marks UNC Greensboro’s observance of Mental Health Month. Throughout the month, there are a variety of mental health events to promote awareness and support students.
“Our goal for Mental Health Month this year is to connect students with resources and each other, and to create opportunities throughout September for students to reconnect on campus while remaining mindful of COVID-19 protocols,” said Stephens.
Here’s what’s going on around campus to promote mental health care and awareness:
- LGBTQ+ and Allied Speed Friending: On Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. in the EUC Cone Ballroom, RecWell is partnering with the Office of Intercultural Engagement to create an environment where members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies can come together to get to know each other beyond a digital screen. Sign up via Spartan Connect.
- Pinwheels for Suicide Prevention: Sept. 8-16, Kaplan Commons (EUC Lawn) will be covered with pinwheels to represent the 1,100 college student across the country lost to suicide each year.
- Light the Night Vigil for Suicide Prevention: On Sept. 9 at sundown, a vigil will be held at the Moran Commons fountain. Make a luminary to honor a loved one lost to suicide or to send hope out into the world.
- Mindfulness Hike: On Sept. 11, join Outdoor Adventures for a Mindfulness Hike at Eno River State Park. Trip registrations be made in-person at Outdoor Adventures Rental & Trip Center during regular business hours. For more information, visit recwell.uncg.edu/oa/trips-and-events/.
- “Taco ‘Bout your Mental Health” Tuesday: On Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Minerva Statue, students can enjoy free food courtesy of Campus Activities and Programs and the Center for Student Well-Being. Grab a taco and connect with the Peer Health Education team to “taco ‘bout” mental health!
- Goat Yoga: On Sept. 19, join Outdoor Adventures for Goat Yoga at Hux Family Farm. Trip registrations can can be made in-person at Outdoor Adventures Rental & Trip Center during regular business hours. For more information, visit recwell.uncg.edu/oa/trips-and-events/.
- When the Darkness Rises: Navigating mental health when times are tough: On September 8 at 6:00 p.m. in Curry 225, join UNCG alumna, Broadway actor, dancer, and mental health advocate Carlita Victoria for a candid discussion on mental health.
There are also a variety of mental health resources available to the campus community:
- Question. Persuade. Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training: This training program is designed to increase faculty, staff, and students ability to recognize suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and to refer the person at-risk to a professional resource. Complete this training at recwell.uncg.edu/question-persuade-refer/.
- Online Mental Health Screening: Students are encouraged to submit an anonymous online mental health screening. Access the screening at screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/UNCG.
- UNCG Counseling Center: The Counseling Center is providing all services via Telemental Health this fall. Students can schedule an appointment and view additional mental health resources, such as the new Welltrack app, by visiting shs.uncg.edu/cc or by calling 336-334-5874. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, call 336-334-5874, come directly to The Counseling Center during business hours, or contact the UNCG Police at their 24-hour number, 336-334-4444. If you are not in crisis, but you believe you need to be seen, you can be scheduled for a same-day walk-in screening appointment. Walk-in appointments are scheduled Monday–Thursday between noon and 4 p.m.
Visit recwell.uncg.edu/mental-health for more information and resources.
Story by Dana Broadus & Alexandra McQueen, University Communications
Photography by Jiyoung Park, University Communications
