COLLEGIATE SELF-CARE FAIR 2019

Keila Martinez • October 13, 2019

Adjusting to the change that comes with college is physically, emotionally and mentally hard on students. College students are the biggest group of students that get missed by mental health services.


Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health (C&A) is partnering with Stark County colleges and universities Oct. 21 to 25 to bring mental health awareness to students at Kent State University-Stark Campus, Malone University, Stark State College and Walsh University

MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY CHALLENGING

College students face a wide range of emotions. For students living on a residential campus, being away from home for the first time for an extended period of time can be stressful. Suddenly, mom and dad are no longer there to help advocate when situations arise. Oftentimes, mid-October can be emotional as mid-terms approach, students return to campus after fall break weekend and the changing of the season signals the start of holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving and then home for the holidays. As the stress of the semester builds, C&A is working with higher education institution's mental health departments to provide strategies for students to have positive mental health.

C&A received a grant from the Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health to provide a range of programs on each campus. Each day, each campus will have a different event. The week will start off for every college and university with a Social Media Kick Off promoting the events on campus each week.


C&A will have their peer-to-peer counselors, Bianca Hooten and Jonny Rice, on campus to speak to students for an hour each about life experiences, and how to overcome the challenges college throws at you. For example, they will discuss how to balance a job and school at the same time. For students at commuter schools, they can help students in applying to rent an apartment or get utilities for their apartment. Our counselors will be at Kent State Stark on Oct. 22, Stark State College Oct. 21, and Malone University Oct. 23.


Angie Haze, from The Angie Haze Project, will be a guest speaker. Haze, who was sexually abused as a teenager by a family member, used music to help her deal with her trauma. Haze has written 36 pieces of music. She will be sharing her story of abuse and how she overcame the situation to live a productive life. Haze will speak at Malone University on Oct. 22, Kent State Stark on Oct 24, and Stark State College Oct. 31.


C&A will provide a D’Stress lounge on all four campuses. The D’Stress lounge will provide a few different activities for students. The lounge will be a place that allows student to relax through calming music. C&A will provide tips on the importance of sleep, exercise, and nutrition. There will be a make and take for students and healthy snacks for students. The D’Stress lounge will be available at Kent State Stark on Oct. 22, Stark State College and Malone University on Oct. 23 and Walsh University on Oct. 24.

INSTAGRAM CONTEST

This week will end with an Instagram contest, where students will post a picture of themselves doing a positive mental health activity. When the photo is posted it should tag C&A’s Instagram, @childadoescenthealth and the hashtage #SelfCareSelfie.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

Each college and university will have their own mental health counselor available at the event. Students are welcome to meet with them, and learn more about what their college offers. We will also have clings provided throughout each college and university that bring awareness to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK, and the Crisis Text Line 741741.

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