Counseling Center’s Self-Care Drive-Thru
Image credit: Taylor Dove for The Campus Trainer
What better way to highlight the importance of mental health to college students than by bringing pets, prizes and people together? The Counseling Center hosted its second annual Self-Care Drive-Thru on Friday, where students and mental health representatives came together to promote self-care. This event marked the end of Mental Health Awareness Week.
While the Counseling Center gave away stickers, shirts and other various prizes, they also gave away something invaluable: information. Representatives provided information on how students can seek help should they, or someone they know, need it.
Image credit: Taylor Dove for The Campus Trainer
Allison Asarch, the organizer for consultation and outreach services for the Counselling Center, chose to repeat the event this year following last year’s success.
“Last year, we were able to chat with about 300 or so students about mental health,” Asarch said. “Being able to engage with that many students and talking about their mental health is important to us.”
For students, the event was a great opportunity to relax after a week of classes, midterms, homework and projects.
Jessica Fuentes, a junior, came to the event to remind herself to slow down.
“Sometimes we can forget to take care of ourselves,” Fuentes said. “It’s easy to get caught up in other things, so I try to find ways to take a step back and unwind.”
A new addition to the event this year was therapy dogs. The event allowed students to spend time with the animals and was the main attraction.
Jackson Pielstick, a sophmore, stopped at the event for the dogs, but left with more than he expected.
“I saw the therapy dogs and right away I was pulled in,” Pielstick said. “But I also learned some pretty important stuff about mental health.”
Image credit: Taylor Dove for The Campus Trainer
The Self-Care Drive-Thru helped students connect with the Counseling Center in a fun and casual way, allowing them to unwind and come together to connect - something their busy lives normally don’t allow for.
“I think we often find that what helps people to stay mentally healthy is to be around people in an authentic and meaningful way,” Asarch said. “I don’t think college students remember that sometimes.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to any of the resources below:
Counselling Center After-Hours Crisis Support: (301) 314-7651
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Campus Advocates Respond and Educate (C.A.R.E.) to Stop Violence 24-hour Hotline: (301) 741-3442
