October is Mental Health Awareness Month

UIS Rec Sports, the Counseling Center and the Office of Disability Services are teaming up to educate students during Mental Health Awareness Month. The offices are highlighting problems, which often affect students, such as test anxiety and depression.

“We are whole beings with our minds, bodies and spirits in interdependence,” said Sheerine Bazargani, Disability Services graduate assistant. “The way we think has an affect on our health as much as the foods we eat on our mood.”

Mental health is defined as how we think, feel and act as we cope with life. It also helps to determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.

“Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood,” said Ashley Soliday, Counseling Center graduate assistant.

The Counseling Center offers help for those with depression, substance abuse, anxiety, stress, self-esteem or other mental health issues. The Office of Disability Services provides note-taking services, testing accommodations, sign language instructors and other services to students with disabilities. REC Sports offers ways to stay physical active, which are also good for the mind.

“Being physically active releases endorphins and improves your mood,” said Shane Stephens, REC sports graduate assistant. “It also helps you feel better about yourself, which is an important part of mental health.”

A Mental Health and Disability Awareness Event will be taking place on the PAC Concourse on Monday, Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students are encouraged to participate and learn about services offered.