On Nov. 13, in the Loris Forum at the Martire Center for the Liberal Arts, Sacred Heart University held an event titled “Helping Friends & Helping Ourselves: A Heart to Heart” to discuss resources and tactics to improve and maintain the emotional well-being of college students.
The event was hosted by Dr. Jessica Samuolis, who works in the department of psychology, Karen Flanagan, Peer Education Coordinator of the Counseling Center, and the Student Wellness Education and Empowerment Team (S.W.E.E.T.) peer educators.
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A banner to promote an event held by s.w.e.e.t. peer educators discussing mental health and emotional well being at the Martire Forum.
It was designed to foster a conversation about navigating the hardships of college life and supporting others on their mental health journey. The event showcased available resources that promote positive mental health and offer assistance on campus through S.W.E.E.T.
“Project Connect is an opportunity to interact with others and make connections, as this is crucial to mental health on a college campus. There are therapy dog events that allow one to take a mental health break that is needed everyday,” said sophomore Lendina Ahmetaj, a S.W.E.E.T. peer educator. “Additionally, the Green Bandana Project is a volunteer driven movement for the prevention of suicide by increasing awareness of mental health resources.”
The SHU Wellness Center offers support and resources through the Counseling Center, Collegiate Recovery Program, Center for Family Justice Advocates, prevention education and early intervention that offers confidential meetings with mental health professionals.
“If you are struggling with an issue or challenge, a counselor in the Counseling Center is unable to talk with parents, staff or peers. We offer individual counseling, group counseling, athletic counseling and medication evaluations. We also have a Center for Family Justice to advocate for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the wellness center,” said Jeffrey LaBella, Collegiate Recovery Program Director of Counseling, during the event.
The program offers assistance for those in recovery for alcohol or drug use.
“We offer supportive housing for students who are recovering from alcohol or drug use that also want the collegiate experience. We have Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings on campus and in residential areas. There are also one-on-one consultations that can help one get connected with resources on campus or in the community,” said LaBella.
Support is also offered through meditation and physical activities on campus.
“Campus-wide meditations with Venerable Shim Bo take place in the Wellness Center. The Move to Heal program appeals to those who love to exercise, located in Bergoglio Hall. This is a workout and support group,” said LaBella.
In another part of the event, speakers addressed the role of students in supporting the mental health of their peers. Students have access to one another due to sharing a collegiate lifestyle. The event taught students how to recognize when a peer is struggling.
“Some signs to look out for when recognizing that something is wrong with a peer can consist of changes in mood or personality, decreased productivity, absences from class, fatigue or loss of interest in normal activities,” said Karen Flanagan, Director of Prevention Education and Early Intervention in the SHU Wellness Center.
The event discussed ways for a student to conduct a conversation after recognizing that someone is struggling.
“To start a conversation on a college campus full of distractions, one must be present and check in with friends. A personal matter should be conducted in a private setting. Asking questions shows compassion for their situation,” said Flanagan.
“After this, encourage action with ideas for their recovery such as calling a resource, showing them a website, walking with them to the location and letting them determine which action will be most helpful. Lastly, be aware that the conversation might not go as planned and being there is enough.”
The event provided students with an awareness of their own resources and newfound ways to help peers.
“I learned about so many resources on campus to maintain my mental well being and things I can share with my friends who are struggling,” said sophomore Mia Berasti.
