MADISON, Wis. — The University Health Services (UHS) held its annual Mental Wellbeing Resource Fair at Library Mall today, marking World Mental Health Day. The event showcased various mental health resources available to students and aimed to promote awareness of mental wellbeing.
The fair featured information booths detailing UHS services, along with engaging activities such as pumpkin painting and the opportunity to create wellness kits.
“We do this annually as a collaborative effort to talk about health and well-being for students,” said Brittany Howell, Associate Director of Campus and Community Engagement at UHS. “We invite our campus partners and student organizations with a mental health focus to provide resources to students, ensuring they are aware of what’s offered on campus.”
This collaboration underscores the importance of community involvement in fostering mental health awareness and expanding students’ understanding of mental health care. “Students should understand that there is a lot more to mental health in addition to individual counseling,” Howell added.
UHS Mental Health Services, located on the seventh floor of 333 East Campus Mall, offers a variety of support options beyond individual counseling. Howell highlighted the “Thrive” workshops, designed to cater to students’ individualized needs.
Among the student organizations present at the fair was Badger Spill, represented by Recruitment Chair Zachary Fernandez. “We’re a mental health organization where Badgers help Badgers,” Fernandez explained. “You submit a spill, a problem you’re unsure about, and you receive a response from an anonymous Badger within 24 to 48 hours.”
Badger Spill provides students with valuable advice and support during difficult times, allowing them to either seek help or become volunteer supporters themselves.
For those seeking mental health services, the UHS website offers a comprehensive list of no-cost resources available to students, including opportunities to join the Mental Health Services Student Advisory Board. This board serves as a vital link between students and the administration, sharing insights to improve UHS Mental Health Services and its offerings.
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