Mental Health Is Focus of September Events at Millersville University

Millersville University will host several September student events focused on mental health, beginning on Sept. 2 with Mental Health Matters, the University's signature mental health awareness and suicide prevention program.

Scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Memorial Center Atrium, Mental Health Matters brings together campus and community partners to connect students with resources while reducing stigma surrounding mental health. Students will have the opportunity to complete free, confidential anxiety and depression screenings, with same-day referrals to Health Services and the Counseling Center, when appropriate. Representatives from campus departments and community organizations will provide information about counseling, crisis support, wellness resources and ways students can support friends who may be struggling. Interactive activities throughout the event are designed to encourage conversations about mental health, self-care and help-seeking.

A 7 p.m. keynote presentation, "Managing Mental Health & Anxiety" by Wes Woodson, focuses on navigating stress, balancing academic responsibilities with personal well-being and developing practical strategies for managing anxiety. Woodson shares an authentic and empowering message that reminds students they don't have to choose between their mental health and academic success. Following the keynote in the SMC Multipurpose Room, Woodson will lead a second interactive workshop at 8 p.m., "Managing Emotions," that offers students additional tools for recognizing, understanding and responding to difficult emotions in healthy ways.

In recognition of 988 Day on Sept. 8, Millersville will host an event highlighting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and helping students understand when and how to access crisis support for themselves or someone they care about. The event is designed to increase awareness that mental health crises deserve the same immediate attention as physical health emergencies, and that help is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988.

Students can participate in activities including sidewalk chalk messages promoting hope and help-seeking; stuff-a-plush that encourages stress relief and connection; interactive educational games and tabling; and distribution of 988 educational materials and campus mental health resources. The event encourages them to learn the warning signs of someone in crisis, practice how to support a friend, and become familiar with the many mental health resources available both on campus and in the community.

Duncan Kirkwood, director of the Center for Resiliency at Villa Maria College and former Master Resilience Trainer in the Army National Guard, will present "Building Resilience: Unleashing Perseverance, Passion, and Purpose" on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in the SMC Multipurpose Room. Through his personal story of overcoming significant adversity, Kirkwood inspires students to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth while emphasizing perseverance, purpose, self-belief and campus involvement. They leave with practical strategies for developing resilience and navigating challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Copies of Kirkwood's book, "Rerouting: Resilience Tools and Tactic," will also be available.