From free yoga lessons to petting therapy dogs, students at Cal State Bakersfield got to spend an afternoon learning about different techniques and information on mental health, which students needed at this point in the semester due to burn out.
The mental health awareness event, presented by the counseling center was at the Student Union on April 9, and offered students a variety of booths to visit with information and activities provided by campus and community partners.
Those activities included painting canvases and pots, and also were able to bang congos to release stress. Students who participated in most of the activities were offered free food and beverages.
Two friends, Alondra Carrenos, a child development major and Isabella Atteparmakian, a psychology major who went to the event together have been stressed out thinking about the final weeks of school for two different reasons.
With graduation just around the corner, Carrenos is sad that she is now moving on from school and friends, while Isabella has been stressed about her finals that are coming up, though appreciates these events, especially petting therapy dogs.
Students who visited the Marley Mutts booth got the chance to meet three therapy dogs, which provided students with cuddles and kisses. Madison Emerick, volunteer for Marley’s Mutts says that petting an animal can relieve tension in muscles and helps lower blood pressure.
“I already have a cat at home though I’ve been here for like 20 minutes already, because when are you ever going to pet a freaking dog in a university,” said Atteparmakian.
Though students who were looking for more of a physical challenge got to participate in a small yoga lesson, which included a headstand which most students who participated in the lessons skipped.
“Yoga is the ideal workout for someone who maybe can’t find time, our lesson only took five minutes, little workouts like that go a long way with physical health,” said Sarah Mebane yoga instructor and an assistant at the Icardo Recreation Center.
Eric Lord, counseling director of CSUB understands that many students are feeling stressed from finals and graduation and his goal with this event is to make sure students are in good health and to not be afraid to ask for help when needed.
“We are out here to remind people that mental health isn’t just about a clear mind and eating well, but also having healthy relationships and a safe environment also plays a huge role,” said Lord.
Community partners like Bakersfield Behavioral Health and Recovery services and Clinica Sierra Vista were also invited to talk and help students with issues some might be afraid to find help for.
Janet Diaz who was with Behavioral Health and Recovery services reminded students that issues at home can negatively affect students’ education, whether it be substance abuse or housing issues and that asking for help shouldn’t be something to be ashamed of.
“This is one aspect of mental health that is hard to deal with, because the feeling of it being so stigmatized, maybe we wouldn’t understand, but we want students to know that they don’t have to go through it in silence,” said Diaz.
For students who did not attend the event and are feeling anxious and stressed due to the last weeks of school, the Counseling Center is available with walk-ins or appointments, ready to help during a stressful time.
