By By: Candice Slovinski
Staff-Writer
IU’s President Whitten started a Mental Health Taskforce in Feb. throughout the IU schools. The goal of the taskforce is to examine the mental health service delivery on campuses.
According to the Center for Disease Control, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood” (CDC (Centers for Disease Control).
One of the areas on campuses that was found to be needing adjustments was reducing stigma. Advisory board member Dr. Kevin Griffith of IU South Bend campus, was charged with the task of mobilizing the regional campus by utilizing the greenspaces in high traffic flow areas. These engagements are designed to be student led activities.
One of the ways that this has already been done was through the Student Counseling Center with Wellness Wednesdays – Yoga on the Green.
On Wednesday, Sept. 7 at noon. in the Education and Arts Courtyard, students and faculty were led by an international student from Brazil. They participated in simple yoga stretches that promoted mindfulness and breathing exercises.
Wellness Wednesdays are planned to continue and will occur on the second Wednesday of every month. Yoga on the Green is open to all students and faculty.
This student-led initiative is a wonderful way to promote a sense of community and support for one another.
If yoga is not your thing, have no fear; mindfulness and wellness come in many different forms.IU South Bend is working on having multiple events to help support those who need a break, a rest and fellowship with those in our community. You are not alone!
Keep your eyes and ears open for an amazing IU wide event coming on October 12 to the IU South Bend campus. This event will have several pop-up tents, student activities and information to help reduce the stigma. President Whitten has gifted a two-year grant of $25,000 to help support the You Bring Change to Mind initiative. While all IU campuses will receive this grant, the first three campuses to receive it will be Kokomo, South Bend and Bloomington. The goal with this initiative is to reduce stigma, mindfulness, relaxation and wellness.
