WCU Counseling Center

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We at the counseling center are committed to supporting students and the WCU community and having discussions around mental health year round. We are excited to spend this month, in particular, highlighting valuable resources, breaking down stigma related to mental health, exploring tips and strategies to navigate mental health concerns, sharing more information about common mental health concerns, bringing awareness to important data, an...d most of all connecting with other students, staff, and faculty in exploring how to have good mental health! The amazing image below, by @simplysophiedesigns on Instagram, highlights the need for self-compassion, rest, how we all have mental health, and that it’s OK to reach out for support. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #selfcare #selfcompassion Artwork credit to @simplysophiedesigns on Instagram

Today is Denim Day, where we stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault. We include information on the history of Denim Day and its’ significance. We also share information about a virtual rally taking place today at 5pm ET. #denimday2021 #mentalhealth #sexualassaultawarenessmonth #supportsurvivors Credit to: @peaceovrviolnce and @letstalkabtconsent on Instagram

The counseling center is excited to share that we have a podcast, Can you say more about that?! The podcast is hosted by our very own counselor and outreach coordinator, Liz Carper. Liz talks to various clinicians and experts around relevant mental health topics and counseling center information. The first episode was a discussion with our director, Rachel Daltry, around common myths about the counseling center. The second episode was with one of our counselors and AOD specialist, Tammy Hock, on the topic of drug and alcohol counseling at WCU. We look forward to continuing to connect with students in this meaningful way and explore further topics such as referral services, body image, return to campus in the Fall, and many more topics! You can find our podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1645834 #mentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We at the Counseling Center support, believe, and value all survivors. @letstalkabtconsent on Instagram is a wonderful resource that is a safe space that offers support to survivors and provides education about sexual violence. We have included a list of helpful resources and content they created that focuses on what supporting survivors looks like. If you are ever in need of support, please reach out to the counseling center. West Chester University, Center for Women and Gender Equity is another safe space and resource on campus. #saam #sexualassaultawarenessmonth #mentalhealth #supportsurvivors

This has been a heavy week filled with violence and many people feeling overwhelmed with various emotions such as sadness, anger, and perhaps hopelessness. In addition, we continue to navigate roles as students, friends, family members, employees, etc. Take the the time to protect your energy, focus on giving yourself space and allowing for rest, and take care of yourself as needed. #selfcare #mentalhealth Artwork credit to @selfcarespotlight on Instagram