Mental Health Awareness Month

Dean of Students James Willette sent the following message to Seattle University's students today:

Dear Students,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is recognized annually across the country as a way to bring attention to the importance of caring for our mental health and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health concerns. While it’s important that we focus on our collective mental health year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month is a great opportunity to build awareness, learn about self-care strategies, and develop helping skills for ourselves and others.   

At Seattle University, we are committed to improving access to mental health resources for all students. Our new partnership with TimelyCare offers students 24/7 access to medical and mental telehealth services with no out-of-pocket costs or health insurance requirements.

Campus partners, including Wellness & Health Promotion (WHP), Student Government (SGSU), Exercise is Medicine students from the Kinesiology Department, University Recreation (UREC), and the Health & Wellness Crew (HAWC) have developed several events throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, with an emphasis on Mental Health Week, May 9-13. These events have been designed to help students manage stress, recognize warning signs in yourself and others, share resources, explore and implement mental health and self-care practices, and reflect on the impact of the challenges we face as we navigate stress and the pressures of our world today.

We invite and encourage all Seattle University students to participate in these events this month:

Painting Pebbles for Prevention Campaign
Monday – Friday, May 2nd -May 6th, Wellness & Health Promotion, Student Center 380

All students are welcome to pick up a rock kit at Wellness & Health Promotion and write messages of hope and support for fellow Redhawks who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and hopelessness. You can place the rocks around campus.

Share your pebbles and the pebbles you find on Instagram at @wellnessatseattleu and @seattleuHAWC.

You Can Help a Friend Workshop
Thursday, May 5th, 4:00pm - 5:30 pm, Pigott 103
RSVP on ConnectSU.

With these challenging times, unlike any we could have prepared for, this program will help you identify the signs that a friend, or even yourself, is experiencing some form of distress. There are times when something is wrong and you or your friends need help, asking for help might be hard. You will learn how to have these hard conversations, and how to support those you care about when they need it most. We want you to know that you can make a difference and support others on campus without needing to be an expert.

Eating Disorders & Health at Every Size Workshop
Saturday, May 7th, 10:30am – 12:00pm, Virtual Workshop
RSVP on ConnectSU

In this workshop, we will discuss eating disorders and diet culture and will explore Health at Every Size as an alternative framework for thinking about health and bodies.

Drama Therapy Workshop
Tuesday, May 10th, 12:00pm – 1:00pm, May 10, Student Center 210
RSVP on ConnectSU

Drama Therapy (DT): It’s not just for actors! Join us for an informative and fun workshop about DT and how it can be used for self-care and to support mental health. No acting or theatre experience required. You are the gatekeeper of your own self disclosure and will not be required to perform or participate beyond your comfort level.

Mental Health Awareness Week
Monday – Friday, May 9th – May 13th

SGSU Mental Health Awareness Week is an initiative put out by your representatives, who are passionate about mental health advocacy, raising awareness, and offering de-stressors for students. SGSU has planned a week of events that include:

Monday 5/9: Informational tabling at C-Street

Tuesday 5/10: Bring-Your-Dog-to-School-Day

(Note: Dogs that are not registered service animals are permitted in outside, publicly accessible areas only. Dogs must be on-leash at all times. Woof. Bark.)

Wednesday 5/11: NAMI Seattle Presentation (Time/Location TBD)

Thursday 05/12: Classes/events to boost mental health (a collaboration with UREC & Exercise is Medicine). See class/event schedule below.

Friday 5/13: Crafting and de-stressing day with build-and-stuff-your-own stuffed animals, create-your-own air plant terrariums, “Time to Break Some Sh*t” with Wellness & Health Promotion, intention bracelets, and more crafting opportunities!

Schedule for Thursday, May 12th UREC/Exercise is Medicine Classes/Events. All classes/events are free, and registration is not required.

• Cardio Kickboxing (12:15pm - 1:00 pm): 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 (12:30pm -1:20pm): 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 campus to do. The scavenger hunt will keep you moving and have fun while doing it! There may even be prizes for those who complete the scavenger hunt! Meet at the Student Center at 12:30pm to get your scavenger hunt materials!
• Strength & Conditioning (5:15pm -6:00pm): 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 (6:30pm -7:30pm): This yoga class incorporates flowing sequences and dynamic standing postures to build strength and endurance. Breath work, flexibility and relaxation will also be incorporated in order to achieve a balanced practice. Meet in UREC.
• BLUE HELP: Mental Health in the Field
  Monday, May 16th, 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Lemieux Library Boeing Room (122)
  RSVP on ConnectSU

Please Join Seattle University's Criminal Justice Club, Health & Wellness Crew, and Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) for a conversation about first responder mental health with BLUE HELP and 1st Responder Conference Founder & CEO, Shawn Thomas. Shawn Thomas is a deputy for the King County Sheriff's Office in Seattle, WA. Shawn was a deputy for 24 years. In September 2016, Shawn's peer support captain suggested she organize a health and wellness conference for first responders and their families. The conference was a huge success and first responders reached out for assistance. That is when Shawn realized how important the conference was and other departments and organizations asked for her to organize a conference for them. In the first year, they organized five conferences in Seattle, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Arizona. Now they have had twenty-five conferences and have many more planned in the coming year. Shawn and Jeff are passionate about helping first responders because they have experienced their own difficult times and want to help guide others so they can maintain an enjoyable career and live a healthy life.

Befriending the Nervous System Workshop
Saturday, May 14th, 10:30am – 12:00pm, Virtual Workshop
RSVP on ConnectSU

In this workshop, we will explore the role of the nervous system in navigating through our 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 18th, 5:00pm – 6:00pm, Pigott 103
RSVP on ConnectSU.

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 18th, 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Thursday, May 26th, 8:00pm – 10:00pm

Join HAWC and Wellness and Health Promotion at NEKO Cat Café for a chance to de-stress while spending some time with the CATS.

NEKO Cat Café has specific guidelines, and we can only have 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 blocks of time. You must reserve the specific time that you will be there, and you must arrive at least 10 minutes before your slot to be able to check in with us.  Use the link to reserve your slot. You can only reserve ONE slot.

Reserve your specific slot using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094AA9AA23A2FB6-catcafe

Self-Compassion in Action Workshop
Saturday, May 21st, 10:30am – 12:00pm, Virtual Workshop
RSVP on ConnectSU

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

Geek Therapy Workshop
Tuesday, May 24th, 12:00pm – 1:00pm, Student Center 210
RSVP on ConnectSU.

What do you get when you cross pop culture and therapy? Geek Therapy! Spend some time with us to explore 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 31st, 12:00pm – 2:00pm, Student Center 130 & 210

Join HAWC and take a little time to breathe, relax, and hang out with some super cute dogs as you gear up for finals. We will be hosting staff dogs in addition to trained therapy dogs. While the event runs from 12:00pm – 2:00pm, groups will be admitted in 20-minute intervals in order to allow for social distancing as well as maintaining the health of the dogs.

Other Ways to Participate in Mental Health Awareness Month

• Follow Wellness and Health Promotion social media informational campaign on Instagram @wellnessatseattleu
  
  
• Participate in the 31 days self-care challenge for mental health on Instagram @wellnessatseattleu
  
  
• Join Wellness and Health Promotion and HAWCs ConnectSU page for events:
  https://seattleu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/wellness-and-health-promotion
  https://seattleu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/health-and-wellness-crew

If you are interested in volunteering at one of these events, getting more involved, or have any questions, please email wellness@seattleu.edu.

The most important thing we can do is to care for each other, and we hope you continue to do this during Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond. In addition to these fantastic programs and events, we hope you will utilize the many great support resources available here at Seattle University.  Information about these resources is listed below.   

Sincerely, 

James Willette, Ph.D.
Associate Provost & Dean of Students

Resources for Seattle University Students

TimelyCare (Virtual/Online – No Cost)
Available 24/7

Seattle University now offers 24/7 medical and mental telehealth for students. Seattle University has partnered with TimelyCare to offer students 24/7 access to medical and mental healthcare from anywhere in the United States. This exciting new service provides a great supplement to our existing on-campus health and wellness services with no out-of-pocket cost or insurance requirement. Access TimelyCare using your Seattle University credentials at https://timelycare.com/seattleu. 

Counseling & Psychological Services
caps@seattleu.edu
206-296-6090

CAPS provides confidential short-term group and individual psychotherapy for students and referral services for those requiring specialized longer-term care.  These services are provided free of charge to enrolled students.  Due to the ongoing pandemic, CAPS continues to offer tele-counseling options for students who currently reside in Washington State. CAPS staff are licensed to practice in WA state only. For students who reside outside of WA, CAPS can assist you with tele-counseling referrals in your area. All clinical services are confidential.  

Sanvello App
Download in the iOS or Android App Store

All Seattle University students get free, premium access to this very helpful app that provides daily tools for stress, anxiety, and depression alongside a supportive community. The app includes features that are based on cognitive behavioral therapy & mindfulness meditation.

Available 24/7

Student Health Center
studenthealthcenter@seattleu.edu

The Student Health Center provides primary care services, including mental health services, in their on-campus clinic in Bellarmine Hall 108. Learn more about available services at https://www.seattleu.edu/student-health/medical-services/.

Campus Ministry 
campusministry@seattleu.edu
206-296-6075 

Campus Ministry is one of the many resources on campus that provides an open and hospitable community and is committed to caring for students as whole people. All students, of any religious, secular, or spiritual background, can talk with Campus Ministers as they process life experiences such as: grief or loss of any kind, major life adjustments, spiritual or religious questions and practices, stress, interpersonal challenges, finding community, and more.  Fill out the form on our website or stop by our office (STCN 120) to connect with a Campus Minister. We welcome all undergraduate, graduate, and law students to seek support from a member of the Campus Ministry team or other ministry partners at any point during their time at SU. 

Wellness & Health Promotion and Health & Wellness Crew (HAWC)
wellness@seattleu.edu
206-296-2593

Wellness & Health Promotion along with the student-based Health and Wellness Crew (HAWC) empower healthy decision making through education, prevention, and peer support. We think about wellness holistically with physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social components central to how we approach our work. At Seattle U there is more to being healthy than eating right and exercising! Staff are available via phone and Zoom in Spring Quarter to discuss physical wellness, mental health, alcohol, and other drugs, as well as healthy relationships. We work with students individually to provide resources and help develop a plan for sustainable wellbeing. Learn more about how to engage with our team and strategies to stay well at https://www.seattleu.edu/wellness.

Disability Services
ds@seattleu.edu
206-296-5740

Disability Services (DS) partners with the University community to recognize disability as a valued aspect of diversity and to embrace access as a significant component of social justice. The DS office facilitates equal access to courses, programs, and activities through campus leadership on disability access and inclusion issues. 

Crisis Resources

If you are experiencing an emotional or psychological crisis and need immediate assistance, please call the Department of Public Safety at 206-296-5911, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. 

CAPS Mental Health Resources

CAPS has compiled a helpful list of resources related to mental health support on their website at https://www.seattleu.edu/caps/resources. 

Crisis Connections (Off-Campus Crisis Line)
1-866-427-4747

Crisis Connections connects people in King County with physical, emotional, and financial crisis to services that may be of help.

Available 24/7

Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Off-Campus Crisis Line)
1-800-273-8255

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Available 24/7

Crisis Text Line (Off-Campus Crisis Text Line)
Text HOME to 741741

Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line trains volunteers to support people in crisis. 

Available 24/7