Recap: Mental Health Seminar
By Jake Hanchett
On Wednesday, Nov. 10 Southern Virginia University held a mental health seminar in the ballroom of Main Hall. This seminar was supposed to be presented by Dr. Chad Kelland, a full-time clinical psychologist who works in the Student Wellness Center, however, Dr. Kelland had a mental health crisis that he had to attend to, and was not able to participate in the event.
For those who attended the seminar and found out that the original speaker was not going to be there were a bit confused. However, April Harris, Dean of Housing at Southern Virginia University, stepped up to host the event in Dr. Kelland’s absence.
As the University had a mental health week focus from November 8–12, it was not a coincidence that it took place near the end of the fall semester. Finals are right around the corner and at this point in the semester it is crunch time in order for students to achieve success. This can be a time of major stress and anxiety due to the workload and amount of intense study required.
Prior to the seminar, students had the chance to submit questions anonymously to be answered during the session. April Harris had the opportunity to answer these questions and give her own personal recommendations as she has worked with several students in her department.
April Harris explained that one of the best things to do when busy with a task at hand is to “make a plan for break time.” This can look different for everyone. The brain needs time to regroup in order to function at its highest potential.
Some ideas that were mentioned for a break time included, but are not limited to, going on a walk around the block with a friend, listening to your favorite music, working out, or going for a car drive. These are great activities that help the brain take a break from that intense work, and can even allow for refocus after that activity is complete.
Bill Braddy, the Dean of Students at Southern Virginia, was also in attendance and shared with the group a way to help with anxiety and depression.
He said,”Focus on the things you can control.” This seems like a straightforward instruction, but when chaos is around it can be hard to do. Focusing and completing small tasks can limit the stress and this will begin to reduce the workload. Also, completing each task can give students gratification, and the encouragement to keep going.
Lastly, April Harris shared with the group, “The University is currently looking into getting online meetings with professional psychologists for students who want them.”
Tuition would cover the expenses of these visits and students would be allowed to have twelve appointments throughout the school year. These appointments could happen at any time that the student needs. The psychologists would have a specific time blocked out in their day where any student on campus could login and speak with a professional.
Some students have had difficulty setting up appointments with the Wellness Center since they are low staffed and booked out for several weeks in advance. This would help more students get the assistance they need, and increase better mental health throughout the University community. This is exciting news for the campus! More details will be given in the future regarding this new addition.
May everyone finish out this semester strong, and get ready to celebrate with family and friends as the holiday season is almost upon us.
