Mental Health Awareness Week Kicks Off

Meditation, caring for plants and a scavenger hunt through the Eppley Recreation Center are all on the menu this week as the University of Maryland marks its annual Mental Health Awareness Week.

Hosted by the university’s Mental Health Coalition, it offers programming intended to help Terps gain a better understanding of the mental health services available on campus and learn skills to navigate issues they might be experiencing in their own lives, said Allison Asarch, psychologist and coordinator for outreach and consultation services at the Counseling Center.

“We want to dedicate specific time to ensure that students are focusing on and addressing their mental health,” said Asarch.

Mental health is related to academic success, relationship functioning, personal growth, even physical health, she said. The Counseling Center hopes to ensure that “students are acknowledging this piece of themselves and their lives that contributes to how they do at school and how they function at the university,” said Asarch.

[UMD Increases Mental Health, Wellness Services]

Events began Sunday and run through Saturday, with Monday set aside for reflection on the significance of the anniversary of Oct. 7. Asarch hopes that the week will draw attention to resources available at the university to help manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, social isolation and stress.

The week encourages students to take charge of their mental health “and if they’re having any struggles, to begin working on addressing and improving their mental health.”