Mental Health Advocacy and Awareness

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experienced a mental illness in 2020—that’s roughly 52.9 million people. For some, the experience was exacerbated by the pandemic. 

In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Seattle University’s Wellness and Health Promotion has teamed up with the Health & Wellness Crew (HAWC), Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), University Recreation, Student Government, various programs and more to present a slate of events and programming to raise awareness around mental health, while offering opportunities for self-care and overall wellness. 

Here's a look at some of the offerings: 

University Recreation (UREC) presents the following classes and events, which are free, on Thursday, May 12: 

• Cardio Kickboxing (12:15 p.m.–1 p.m.): Cardio Kickboxing is a fun cardio class using punches, kicks and athletic moves all set to music. No experience necessary for this upbeat cardio workout.Meet in UREC.
   
• On Campus Scavenger Hunt (12:30 p.m.–1:20 p.m.): Join Exercise is Medicine students from the Kinesiology Department as they send you on a scavenger hunt throughout campus to find fitness movements hidden around the grounds. The scavenger hunt will keep you moving and have fun while doing it! Meet at the Student Center at 12:30 p.m. to pick up your scavenger hunt materials.
   
• Strength & Conditioning (5:15 p.m.–6 p.m.): This complete body workout mixes high-intensity interval training, strength training and speed and agility work to help you reach your fitness goals. Meet in UREC. 
  
  
• Power Yoga (6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.): This yoga class incorporates flowing sequences and dynamic standing postures to build strength and endurance. Breath work, flexibility and relaxation will also be incorporated to achieve a balanced practice. Meet in UREC. 

Befriending the Nervous System Workshop
Saturday, May 14, 10:30 a.m.–noon (virtual event)

In this workshop, explore the role of the nervous system in navigating through lived experiences and the ways in which we can befriend, honor, regulate and care for our nervous systems. 

Expanding Your Window of Tolerance Workshop 
Wednesday, May 18, 5–6 p.m., Pigott 103

Learn about what the Window of Tolerance is and how it impacts our daily lives. Add to your toolbox of strategies for navigating anxiety and potentially expanding your Window of Tolerance while learning about the vital role that self-care plays to expand and return to our Window of Tolerance. Additionally, learn more about how anxiety/stress impacts students’ brains and functioning.

De-stress @ NEKO Cat Café (519 E. Pine St.) 
Wednesday, May 18, 8–10 p.m.
Thursday, May 26, 8–10 p.m.

Join HAWC and Wellness and Health Promotion at NEKO Cat Café for a chance to de-stress with cats!

NEKO Cat Café has specific guidelines and a limit of 10 students at a time in the room. To be able to provide the opportunity to as many students as possible, there will be 15-minute sessions (and participants must arrive 10 minutes before time begins). Reserve your space. 

Self-Compassion in Action Workshop 
Saturday, May 21, 10:30 a.m.–noon (virtual event)

In this workshop, explore the three pillars of self-compassion (common humanity, self-kindness and mindfulness), the body and the ways that self-compassion work is anti-oppression work.

Geek Therapy Workshop 
Tuesday, May 24, noon–1 p.m., Student Center 210 

What do you get when you cross pop culture and therapy? Geek therapy! Spend some time exploring how pop culture can be used therapeutically. Whether you’re an aspiring mental health therapist, a summer camp counselor, a parent, guardian, a proud geek or just plain curious, this workshop is for you. Special focus will be given to how role-playing games (RPGs) such as Dungeons & Dragons can be used to foster creativity and self-exploration. 

De-stress with Dogs 
Tuesday, May 31, noon–2 p.m., Student Center 130 & 210 

Join HAWC and take a little time to breathe, relax and hang out with some super cute dogs. We will be hosting staff dogs in addition to trained therapy dogs. While the event runs from noon–2 p.m., groups will be admitted in 20-minute intervals in order to allow for social distancing, as well as maintaining the health of the dogs. 

Learn more about these events and to RSVP.

For a complete list of events and programming for Mental Health Awareness Month, including a list of crisis resources, visit https://www.seattleu.edu/wellness/mental-health-awareness-month-may/.