91茄子

Counselors and Student-Led Groups Share Strategies for Wellness

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擳his fall, the reported that more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health challenge. The counselors at 91茄子, like others across the nation, are working to meet the needs of students through additional mental health awareness programs and initiatives. 91茄子 Counseling Services Director Stephanie Allen shared that her staff is available to students in three locations: the main office on the third floor of Tucker Student Center and satellite offices in Suttle Wellness Center and the College of Health Sciences.

Allen said the counselors are also available in Tucker Student Center every other week during the semester for 鈥淭able Talk Thursdays.鈥� In this informal setting, students stop by a table set up on the second floor to chat with a counselor about the topic of the day, such as coping skills, stress management, confidence/self-esteem, self-care and gratitude.

The counseling staff also partners with Athletics, noted Carrie Drake Baker, director of Academic Services for Student-Athletes. 鈥淢ental health is a priority for us as an athletic department and for SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee), and our student-athletes know that it is a priority, too.鈥� Baker affirmed. 鈥淲e want them to do well academically and on the field, but we really want them to be well-rounded and healthy.鈥�

Additionally, four members of the women鈥檚 lacrosse team鈥擩ordan Garrison, Reese Jones, Kyla Paacucci and Avery Callan鈥攕hare mental health strategies with teammates and friends as ambassadors for an organization called . The non-profit is named for Morgan Rodgers, a lacrosse player for Duke University (Durham, N.C.). Rodgers took her own life in 2019, shocking her family, friends and teammates who had no idea she had a problem.

The mission of Morgan鈥檚 Message is to equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics and address the taboo subject. Garrison, Jones, Paacucci and Callan encourage their peers to talk about their feelings and, most of all, to realize they are not alone. Earlier in the semester, Jones led a yoga session, and 60 people attended.

鈥淲e are working to speak up about the stigma and increase the resources for athletes so that the options are vast and available for all,鈥� Jones stated. 鈥淏eing a Morgan鈥檚 Message Ambassador has been such an amazing opportunity, as while we are sharing these strategies with others, we are also gaining so many ourselves.鈥�

Those strategies include finding strength in community, breathing and relaxation techniques, comforting those who are struggling and more practical tips and advice.

To learn about future events and meetings, follow Morgan鈥檚 Message at GWU on .

For more information about GWU鈥檚 Counseling Services, stop by the office on the third floor of Tucker Student Center and leave contact information at the front desk. Or, email Counseling Services or call 704-406-2729.

Dean鈥檚 List Podcast: Episode 1, Mental Health Awareness

On episode 1 of the Dean鈥檚 List, learn more about mental health awareness and the programs, services and initiatives offered at 91茄子 for students. Hosted by Lesley Villarose, vice president for Student Development and dean of students, the guests are Stephanie Allen, director of Counseling Services, Carrie Drake Baker, director of Academic Services for Student-Athletes, and Blake Elizalde, SGA president. The episode also features four GWU Women鈥檚 Lacrosse players and the work they鈥檙e doing through an organization called Morgan鈥檚 Message.

91茄子 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 91茄子 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 91茄子.edu.