By Grace Long, Guest Writer
Anna Waggoner, Newman’s new Mental Health Project Coordinator, has organized several mental health service events this semester for students to attend. Information about these events can be found on Jet Broadcast, flyers around campus, the front desk at the Student Success Center, and on social media.
Waggoner gives opportunities for students to present at these events.
“I’ve recently started collaborating with students that are going into mental health professions and nursing majors to make this a good learning opportunity for them, but also know that they can present to their peers,” Waggoner said.
On March 4, there will be an event over the importance of sleep hygiene in collaboration with Newman nursing students. It will cover how sleep affects your physical and mental health. This will take place from 11 to 11:50 a.m. in Eck 124.
On March 6, there will be a mental health app workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Eck 124. Students will learn about an app that can help their mental health.
“The app meets you where you’re at,” Waggoner said. “It has breathing exercises if you’re having anxiety, grounding exercises, little workouts, ways to send your friends encouraging notes, and other features.”
Waggoner’s goals with these events are to help remove the stigma around mental health.
“I want to make mental health like physical health. When you break your arm, you’re not embarrassed about that. You go to the doctor. The same thing should happen if you’re struggling with depression. You should feel comfortable seeking help,” Waggoner said.
This past Monday was the first mental health service event of the semester. Stacy Crowin, in her second year of pursuing a Masters in Social Work, gave a presentation on substance abuse. Crowin provided general education regarding illicit substances and alcohol usage. Furthermore, Crowin handed out free Narcan to each individual with instructions on how to use it. Crowin also gave a personal testimony.
“I hope I helped someone learn how to recognize if an overdose is happening and how to treat it. I also wanted people to understand why people turn to usage,” Crowin said.
PHOTO: Courtesy photo, Unsplash
