ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – Northern State University will host mental health awareness events aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and improving campus mental wellness.
NSU student Emily Meier received a grant through the Bush Foundation’s Change Network program, which led to the creation of Northern Mental Health Week, Nov. 14-20. Programming will take place throughout the week on campus, including:
- Yoga: Lincoln Hall Gallery, 4-5 p.m. Nov. 15
- Safe Zones Training: Understanding the unique mental health needs of the LGBTQI community; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Nov. 16; Avera Student Center Maroon Room
- Mental Health Resource Fair: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 17; Avera Student Center Mall
- WOLFTalk: Archie Messersmith-Bunting presents “If Everyone is ‘Fine’ – What’s Wrong with Me?’; 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17; Johnson Fine Arts Center
- Mindfulness Workshop: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Nov. 18; Avera Student Center Centennial Rooms C and D
- Counseling Center Open House: 1-3 p.m. Nov. 18; Avera Student Center Room 222
- Unearthing Their Voices Panel: Reflecting on the impact of the American Indian Boarding School Policy on Indigenous Communities; Centennial Rooms; 3-4 p.m. Nov. 18
- QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training: 5 p.m. Nov. 18; Avera Student Center Centennial Rooms C and D; 30 spaces available; RSVP by emailing Mielke@northern.edu.
Meier, a history and political science major from Aberdeen, said plans also include improving the information available online about campus and community mental health care resources. A video series will also be created that interviews students about resiliency to improve campus attitudes around setbacks and show how students have overcome challenges while at NSU.
“The goal with this is to show that resiliency is a skill that can be improved like any other,” she said.