5 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health This Week

Give a therapy dog’s ears a good scratching. Plant a seed. Have a private chat with a counselor.

All these activities and more are on the menu for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and they’re as diversified as the many factors that contribute to Terps’ well-being.

“(Mental health) is not just about diagnosis and treating a mental illness,” UMD Counseling Center Staff Psychologist Allison Asarch said of the annual programming, hosted by the University of Maryland’s Mental Health Coalition. “It’s not just about self-care. It’s not just about belonging and community. It’s about all those things and so many more.”

The full slate of events from Monday through Friday aims to provide fun, engaging opportunities to boost mental health while spotlighting the university’s available services and resources. Check out some of the highlights:

Noon-3 p.m. Monday
Stamp Student Union Southeast Entrance

Terps can stop by tables set up outside (or in the Student Organization Resource center if it rains) to take a brief mental health assessment. A UMD counselor will then join them for a few minutes in a private space to go over their results and discuss appropriate campus resources available to them. The walk-up sessions are free.

“It’s so easy and accessible,” Asarch said. “It’s sort of like going to the doctor and having a checkup.”

3-5 p.m. Tuesday
McKeldin Library Steps

Back by popular demand, this event will invite students to start their own indoor garden by planting seeds and decorating pots for mini succulents.

“There’s just something about incorporating nature into taking care of your mental health that people really respond to,” Asarch said. “Nature is actually a really important part of self-care, of feeling connected on this planet.”

Noon-3 p.m. Wednesday
McKeldin Mall

The premier event of the week will celebrate good mental health with inflatables, carnival games and prizes, therapy dogs, massage stations, and—of course—free food. Dozens of departments and campus organizations will have tables sharing their own self-care activities.

 “(The fair) offers so many different forms of self-care and shows the campus community that self-care is not one size fits all,” Asarch said.

8 p.m. Thursday
Stamp Student Union Grand Ballroom

The Mental Health Coalition is partnering with Terps After Dark and Student Entertainment Events (SEE) to welcome actor Giancarlo Esposito for SEE’s 2025 Back to School Lecture. While questions in the moderated Q&A will delve into Esposito’s roles in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” they’ll also touch on his well-being journey.

“He’s been open about his experiences with his mental health,” Asarch said, including how he’s managed disappointment, rejection and financial stress—“all of which can be really relatable for students.”

1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday
University Health Center

Students can get their creative juices flowing and boost their moods through coloring, painting, collaging, bracelet-making, crocheting and more. All crafting supplies will be provided.

“It’s a really nice way to close out the week,” Asarch said. “It’s a space where students can come with friends if they’d like, but also a really nice opportunity to come on your own if you’re still finding your squad on campus.”