STUDENT AFFAIRS 8 ANNUAL REPORT The impetus for this awareness week was inspired by student leader Emily Meier, a political science major from Aberdeen, who received a grant through the Bush Foundation’s Change Network program in 2021. The first Mental Health Week was held Nov. 14-20, 2021. Under the leadership of Brittany Bell (Associate Director for Residential Education) and Jacob Swanson (Special Projects), Student Affairs led a coalition of campus partners to host this important week of events. Mental health is a vital part of our wellbeing and important for the success of our students, faculty, and staff. Two common barriers when seeking help for mental health concerns are the stigma surrounding mental health and a lack of information regarding available resources. Mental Wellness Week addressed both concerns with a variety of programing for all. The collaboration included: Campus Activity Board (CAB), CETL, Communications and Marketing, Counseling Services, Counselor Education, Dean of Students, Honors Program, Residence Life, Student Government Association, Student Involvement and Leadership, TRIO SSS, and W.A.V.E. (Wolves for Advocacy, Volunteerism, and Engagement). Programming throughout the week included themes for each day and a wide variety of programs. Monday, Oct. 17 (Meditation Monday – Wear Comfy Loungewear) • Mental Wellness Resource Fair • Wave Tie-Dye • Combating Blue Moods-Research Project • Painting with Natural Stains • Trauma-Informed Pedagogy (Faculty session) • Yoga Tuesday, Oct. 18 (Team Up Tuesday – Dress Like a Dynamic Team) • Wave Tie-Dye (Continued) • Student QPR • Gold Series: The One About Stress • Positivity Sticks with TRIO SSS • Stronger Than You Know: Resiliency Workshop with Honors Wednesday, Oct. 19 (Wear Green for Mental Health) • Four Feet Better, Animals and Mental Health • Northern CARES (Faculty/Staff Training) • Benefits of Laughter with Dr. Liz Sills • Zumba • WOLF Talk TRIO SSS, Never Too Old to Play Thursday, Oct. 20 (Thoughtful Thursday – Wear Tie-Dye) • Sound Bath with Vibrant Life • Just for the ‘Health’ of it • Restorative Yoga • CAB Make and Take Craft • Stress and Chinese Medicine • Shrink Rap Podcast LIVE Friday, Oct. 21 (Northern Fam Friday – Dress in Wolf Apparel) • Combating Blue Moods- Research Project Conclusion The events highlighted the many resources available to the community. • Counseling Services are available for students at 222 Avera Student Center or by calling 605-626-3007, M-F from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • Employees may receive free support through the Employee Assistance Program by calling 800-713-6288. • You can also call 2-1-1 for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This service is free and confidential. 2-1-1 offers support for the following: substance use, suicidal thoughts, depression, relationship conflicts, stress, mental health, concerns for a loved one, isolation, and trauma. • Northeastern Mental Health Center (NEMHC) offers a 24hour crisis line at 605-229-1000. • Call or Text 988, the new 911 for mental health emergencies. • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. Northern celebrates Mental Wellness Week Northern State University hosted our second Mental Wellness Week Oct. 17-21, 2022, with events aimed at reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare, to educate the community on available resources, and to improve campus mental wellness. Northern Mental Wellness Week is part of Key Result 72, Create a marketing campaign and educational programing to decrease the stigma associated with seeking behavioral health care, from the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025).
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