Category: Mental Health

The first step to being a Suspenders4Hope mental health advocate is to utilize the “WeSupportU” mental wellness in the classroom cards, which offer guidance on exercises faculty and staff can give to students to help improve their mental health.

Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) will feature one step a day for the following two weeks on how to be a mental health advocate. Stay tuned for the next steps.

For Wichita State faculty and staff, there are seven steps to receive a certificate and recognition as a mental health advocate on campus.

Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) will feature one step a day for the following two weeks. Stay tuned for how to become a mental health advocate.

The Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Support Group creates a safe space for students and builds a personal support network on campus, while processing challenges in a supportive environment.

This group will be hosted from 1 to 2 p.m. every Thursday starting Feb. 16 on Zoom. To attend or to learn more about this group, email Rachel Amerson at rachel.amerson@wichita.edu.

The LGBTQ+ Support Group creates a safe space for students and builds a personal support network on campus, while processing challenges in a supportive environment.

This group will be hosted from 2 to 3 p.m. every Monday starting Feb. 13 on Zoom. To attend or to learn more about this group, email Rachel Amerson at rachel.amerson@wichita.edu.

In collaboration with the Wichita Journalism Collaborative, Wichita State University invites you to attend the #WeSupportU Suspenders4Hope Preventing Suicide Training from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 at CityArts, 334 N. Mead in Wichita.

This evidence-based workshop geared toward members of the arts community is free to attend and open to the public.

Pizza will be provided, and the first 100 registrants receive a free #Suspenders4Hope t-shirt. Registration is encouraged but not required.

During the month of September, the CARE Team saw fewer cases in 2022 than in 2021.

The start of the fall semester means we see fewer cases as many students are still getting familiarized with the campus, enjoying their freedom, and making friends. Students tend to have more of a buffer for their mental health. 2021 saw an increase in cases primarily due to more students isolating because of COVID-19.

A bar graph is provided to compare the number of CARE cases between academic years 2021 and 2022. See the total (care team and student of concern) data above.

From Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, there were 205 cases this year and 257 in academic year 2021-22. That’s a 20.23% decrease. For the month of September, there were 134 cases in 2022 compared to 183 in 2021, representing a 26.78 decrease.

Common concerns to look for in October: Midterms bring about anxiety and high-stress levels for students because of academic pressures, seasonal changes and homesickness. In October, CARE Team typically sees:

• Academic concerns
• Increased stress and anxiety related to academic pressure
• Homesickness and loneliness
• Roommate problems

If you are concerned about a member of our campus community, please don’t hesitate to submit a concern. If you’d like to learn more about Care Team, please check out our website.

Counseling and Prevention Services is offering the #WSUWSupportU Preventing Suicide training for students, faculy and staff at two events at 1 p.m. Oct. 28 and Nov. 18 at 231 Hubbard Hall. This in-person training is approximately 1.5 hours. Thos who complete the training will receive a free #WSUWeSupportU T-shirt.

The course aims to help students, faculty and staff learn how to recognize, intervene and provide resources for at-risk individuals who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. Registration is required to attend.

Students can register at the link below. Faculty and staff can register in myTraining. 

Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) provides a variety of group counseling services to students in multiple areas of focus or concern.

Group therapy is offered due to its effectiveness in addressing multiple challenges individuals face in their lives as well as the unique experience it provides. CAPS runs various groups per semester to address the ever-changing needs of the WSU campus and group therapy is always free. CAPS services are available in a variety of modalities at this time.

Groups are in-person at the Student Wellness Center unless otherwise specified. No appointment is needed to join a support group. However, to join a process group, speak to your counselor or call 316-978-4792 to set up a consultation.

• Healing from Trauma Support Group: 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays starting Sept. 21. Email mary@wichitasac.com for more information.
• LGBTQ+ Support Group: 2-3 p.m. Mondays starting Sept. 19. Email rachel.amerson@wichita.edu for more information.
• Transgender Support Group: 1-2 p.m. Thursdays starting Sept. 22 on Zoom. Email rachel.amerson@wichita.edu for more information.
• PROCESS GROUP: Understanding Self and Others
  • 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays starting Sept. 20
  • 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays, starting Sept. 21 on Zoom
  • 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays starting Sept. 22
  • 2-4 p.m. Fridays starting Sept. 23.

May is mental health awareness month. Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) has designed Mental Wellness for Students cards to promote mental health. Each card includes simple, practical tips that encourage students to engage and connect. Today’s card focuses on belly breathing. Belly breathing is an easy exercise to do and it is very relaxing. Try this anytime you need to relax or relieve stress:

• Sit or lie flat in a comfortable position.
• Put one hand on your belly just below your ribs and the other hand on your chest.
• Take a deep breath in through your nose, and let your belly push your hand out. Your chest should not move.
• Breathe out through your lips as if you were whistling, feel the hand on your belly go in, and use it to push all the air out.
• Do this breathing three to 10 times; take your time with each breath.
• Notice how you feel at the end of the exercise.

May is mental health awareness month. Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) has designed Mental Wellness for Students cards to promote mental health. Each card includes simple, practical tips that encourage students to engage and connect. Today’s card focuses on an activity that will help you practice mindfulness and provide the guidelines on practicing mindfulness quickly in any situation.

All you need to do is notice something you are experiencing with each of your five senses. Do this using the guide below spending about one minute for each sense.

• Notice five things you can see.
• Notice four things you can feel.
• Notice three things you can hear.
• Notice two things you can smell.
• Notice one thing you can taste.