UNC Charlotte Hosts Mental Health Awareness Week
Charlotte, NC – The vibrant campus of UNC Charlotte welcomed students and staff for a week dedicated to mental health awareness, running from September 8 to September 14. The events, organized by the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), created a friendly and inviting atmosphere, inviting everyone to focus on improving their mental wellness.
A Relaxing Retreat
From September 10 to 12, attendees enjoyed a range of therapeutic activities designed to ease stress and promote well-being. Activities included the adorable goat yoga, which saw students practicing their poses alongside friendly goats, tote bag painting that allowed for creative expression, and bracelet-making sessions that kept everyone creatively engaged. All these activities were tied to a larger goal: to foster open conversations about mental health and to make vital resources more accessible.
Building a Supportive Community
CAPS, along with various campus organizations such as Student Health and Student Financial Services, provided essential guidance and support throughout the week. Many attendees shared how reassuring it was to see mental health resources available in such a welcoming setting. Third-year student, Monica Layug, underscored the significance of these discussions. “It’s okay to be seen and to be heard,” she expressed. “You can talk to people, but it’s another thing to be actively listened to.”
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
These events were not solely about mental health; they also took a holistic approach to overall wellness. Alongside CAPS, representatives addressed other significant student stressors like financial management and the pressure of academic responsibilities. Layug mentioned that these resources often aren’t prominent throughout the school year, saying, “I hope this becomes a year-round thing. I love CAPS and how easy it is to access help on campus, but I wish events like this were more frequent, not just in the fall semester.”
Convenience Eases Access
Students praised the convenience of having mental health services right on campus, sharing that seeking help felt less intimidating when it was available nearby. “You don’t have to worry about leaving campus to find outside help. It’s all right here,” noted Emmanuel Pedron, a fourth-year student.
Connecting through Creativity
Many took advantage of the relaxing and creative events, discovering a wonderful way to connect with fellow students. Fourth-year student Laura Machuca expressed how calming and creative activities fostered genuine connections. “I just met these girls, started talking, and now here we are. These events make it easy to connect with other students who are likely going through the same things,” she explained.
A Call for More Frequent Events
While students appreciated the Mental Health Awareness Week, there was a common desire for more frequent events throughout the academic year. Machuca shared, “I know we do events like this in the fall, but by spring, it’s like they stop. It would be great if we had something like this every week. I mean, we pay a lot to be here, right?”
Jokes about the need for more free food during events drew laughter but highlighted a genuine sentiment for regular programs to support student well-being. Conversations revealed that while many students face stress and mental health challenges, they feel reassured knowing that campus resources are available to support them.
Encouraging Open Conversations
Participants discovered that mental health doesn’t have to be a heavy or daunting topic. It can be openly discussed within a supportive community. As Machuca wisely noted, “You have to remember that we’re all experiencing similar things. It’s good to talk to anyone—even a random person—because they’re probably going through the same stuff as you.”
The successful mental health awareness events at UNC Charlotte not only provided essential resources but also created a safe space for students to come together, share, and connect.
