BU Offers Free Confidential Mental Health Screenings for World Mental Health Day Thursday

BU Offers Free Confidential Mental Health Screenings for World Mental Health Day Thursday

Event is part of monthlong programming designed to help students, faculty, and staff

Your mental health status can be complicated and ever-changing. That's why it's always helpful to check in with yourself-and familiarize yourself with the resources available to you.

Such is the purpose of World Mental Health Day. The annual global event is designed to remind people that paying attention to their mental health is a worthwhile-and vital-action.

This year, Boston University will observe World Mental Health Day on October 9 and is offering free and confidential mental health screenings and more.

"The World Mental Health Day events at BU strengthen our sense of community care and create a climate where we can talk openly about mental health challenges and where to find help," says Katharine Mooney (SPH'12), director of Health Promotion & Prevention within BU's Student Health Services (SHS).

And new this year, BU is expanding its spotlight on mental health to include programming throughout the entire month of October.

On Thursday, October 9, BU students, faculty, and staff can access the free screenings and participate in resource fairs on the Charles River Campus and on the Medical Campus, thanks to a partnership between the University's Chief Health Office (CHO), SHS, the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO), and Employee Wellness. The confidential screenings check for symptoms of anxiety and depression and take only two minutes to complete. Once you get your results, you can talk to a trained volunteer about your mental health and learn about applicable resources at BU and beyond. The screenings are also available online for anyone who cannot attend in person.

A post from Student Health Services features BU students explaining why they're participating in World Mental Health Day October 9. Courtesy of BU Student Health Services/Instagram

An accompanying resource fair on the Charles River Campus will have tables featuring representatives from organizations that include Student Wellbeing, the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, and BU Student Government's Mental Health Committee. Among organizations with tables on the Medical Campus are the SHS BU Recovery Community and Wellness Initiative, a medical student group. Plus, the SHS Paws & Reset therapy dogs will pay a visit to both locations.

The World Mental Health Day events will be held on the GSU Plaza on the Charles River Campus, from 11 am to 3 pm (rain location: GSU Room BO3A), and on the Talbot Green on the Medical Campus, from 11 am to 2 pm (rain location: Instructional Building Room 109A/C.

It's easy for anyone to feel swamped by the pace of campus life, says Kara Cattani, SHS executive director of mental health services and director of Counseling & Psychiatry Services.

"Remember, feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or burned out doesn't mean you're weak; it means you're human," Cattani says. "It's a great idea to give yourself a quick mental health check with a screening and take a look at the supports available. You deserve to be cared for."

A month of offerings

Many of us may have noticed that this year has been particularly stressful. From global politics to healthcare to the economy-to say nothing of academics and work-people are reporting increased anxiety.

Hence, the University's monthlong spotlight on mental health.

"This year, with so many significant stressors impacting our community, we're expanding to highlight some additional programs, events, and resources that make up our BU support system," Mooney says. "We hope this curated calendar of offerings will encourage students, faculty, and staff to connect with one another around the challenges that we face and take small actions to support their well-being."

BU community members can choose from a wide range of programming. Options runs the gamut from weekly de-stress activities on the Charles River and Medical campuses to educational panels and wellness workshops. (And remember to keep an eye out for the Paws & Reset therapy dogs, who will be at locations across BU all month long.)

Specific events include an October 9 event at WBUR's CitySpace with Patriots legend Ted Johnson discussing his journey to mental well-being, open to the whole BU community; weekly workshops for students, like Student Wellbeing's Stress ReLeaf; and a series of webinars for faculty and staff on topics like mindfulness and coping strategies, courtesy of the FSAO.

Also for faculty and staff: SHS, Chief Health Office, and the Dean of Students Office are hosting an in-person Mental Health Summit on October 23at One Silber Way (the keynote address will be livestreamed), on how to support students through mental health challenges.

The monthlong programming is designed to inspire people to show up for both themselves and those around them.

"There are many factors that influence mental health, and these factors play a role in how we relate to ourselves, others, and the broader community," says Melissa Paz, Health Promotion & Prevention assistant director of mental health promotion.

"Mental health support is multifaceted, and not one size fits all. We hope that this month serves as a reminder for the BU community that we are stronger together when we lean on resources that help us care for ourselves and others."

Find more information about BU's Mental Health Awareness Month, including a calendar of events, here.

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