World Mental Health Day

October 10 is World Mental Health Day! Today, we raise awareness of mental health issues across the globe and work to bring support to those who may be struggling. The University Counseling Center is free for students to use and provides mental health care from licensed professionals with a range of specializations and expertise. If you are concerned about your mental health, you do not have to go through this on your own. There are resources available to help! To schedule an appointment with the University Counseling Center on the Allendale or Downtown campuses, call (616) 331-3266.

The Stress Continuum

Stress, while uncomfortable at times, is a normal part of being a college student. The goal is not to eliminate stress, but to learn how to manage it well! The Stress Continuum shows the relationship between stress and performance, and reminds us that stress can be beneficial in many ways. A moderate level of stress can help us be productive and perform our best!

To stay in the green/yellow zone, it's important to engage in activities that replenish physical, mental, and emotional energy naturally lost to stressors. Peak performance is when someone is at their best: they are feeling energized, grounded, and focused on the important task at hand like taking an exam, or having an important conversation with a friend or loved one. This can only be achieved from a place of manageable stress that acts as a motivator.

Peak performance is also time limited! Once the task is complete, it's important to take a break and do something to replenish your energy and reduce your stress level to stay in the green, healthy tension zone. Too much stress carried for too long can push someone into the orange or red zones of the stress continuum where someone may experience total exhaustion, burn-out, or collapse, requiring professional help. Wherever you are on the stress continuum today, know that there are many resources available at GVSU to help you move toward a healthier and more manageable level of stress. If your stress becomes overwhelming, reach out to the University Counseling Center for support.

University Counseling Center Myths and Facts

Seeking professional support for mental health concerns can be intimidating.  It's normal to feel unsure about what your first call to the University Counseling Center will be like, concerned about how long you'll be waiting to see a counselor, or worried that the counselor you do see won't be able to understand you.  We've identified the most common concerns students express regarding University Counseling Center services, and hope knowing the facts about the UCC helps as you take the next step of your mental health journey.

Check out the most common UCC myths and learn the facts that go with them!

Mental Health Screening Days

Are you feeling concerned about your mental health? The University Counseling Center hosts Mental Health Screening Days to shine the spotlight on various mental health concerns by educating our campus, spreading a message of hope, and putting lifesaving resources into the hands of those in need. Get your check-up from the neck up at one of multiple on-campus screening locations on October 10 or February 20.

Can't make it to Screening Day? No problem! Complete a screening anytime by finding our Mental Health Check-In kiosks in the Kirkhof and DeVos Centers or taking an online screening.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month focuses on uniting advocates with those experiencing intimate partner violence t combat and raise awareness about domestic violence. Nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. It is important to remember that intimate partner violence affects not only women, but also men, transgender, and non-binary people, and may include not only physical abuse, but also emotional abuse, isolation, and financial abuse which establish a pattern of intimidation and control in a relationship. 

Many students experiencing intimate partner violence don’t realize that they are experiencing it, which can lead to self-blame and even feelings of worthlessness. This can impact academics, relationships with family and friends, and mental health. If you or someone you know may be experiencing any form of domestic violence, GVSU cares and has resources to support you. Students who are experiencing intimate partner violence can utilize the Victim Advocate, Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, University Counseling Center, and the YWCA in Grand Rapids.

In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, take a moment to process a few reflection questions from the University Counseling Center:

• Women of color are more likely to experience intimate partner violence than White women but are less likely to report. Why do you think that is?
• A common misconception is that both partners are at fault in a relationship that includes intimate partner violence. How does this narrative perpetuate intimate partner violence?
• What is one thing you can change to bring awareness to domestic violence?

Indigenous Peoples' Day

Grand Valley State University’s Native American Student Association advocated for the second Monday of October to be recognized as Indigenous Peoples' Day. Since 2018, GVSU has recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day to acknowledge how the country now known as the United States was founded through brutal and devastating loss of Indigenous culture, rights, and humanity. The United States has a longstanding history of disenfranchising Indigenous people and communities from its conception as a colonized country through today.

To ensure we do not reinforce oppressive structures, we must acknowledge and honor the value of Indigenous culture, traditions, and contributions. It is important for GVSU community members to do their part in healing the impacts of settler-colonialism, which can have negative effects on mental health and overall well-being. To get involved, check out some of the Office of Multicultural Affairs Native American Student Engagement & Resources!

Indigenous Peoples' Day can bring up emotions that may be challenging to navigate. You don't have to handle them on your own! The University Counseling Center is available to help. Call (616) 331-3266 to schedule an appointment to speak with a counselor.