As college students, we have a responsibility to nurture our mental and emotional health in order to thrive. Yet, we know this is easier said than done; at Syracuse University and at colleges across the nation, the struggle with mental health is all too common. Sometimes, just finding the resources to help yourself is half the battle.
That’s why The Barnes Center at The Arch is partnering with the Onondaga County Suicide Prevention Coalition (OCSPC) to host Chalk the Walk 2023. The aim of this event is to shed light on the importance of mental wellness as a sector of public health, and to help promote the resources that the Barnes Center has available for students struggling with their mental health.
Chalk the Walk 2023 is taking place Sept. 26-28 on the Shaw Quadrangle, and we encourage the entire campus community to beautify the sidewalks of our campus with heartfelt and uplifting messages written in chalk. Chalk can be found at the Barnes Center Health Promotion front desk (located next the pharmacy), on the Quad and at the Health Hub. Use your imagination to create messages of encouragement so that we can foster a loving and supportive environment!
Student Mental Health and Wellness Resources
Here at Syracuse University, there are a variety of wellness resources offered to students to help manage their stress levels and take care of their mental health. For example, we have the Crowley Family MindSpa, where students, staff and faculty are able to practice mindfulness through light therapy, massage chairs and more! All you have to do is make a reservation via the Wellness Portal.
One of our favorite resources at the Barnes Center is Pet Therapy. Pet Therapy allows Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) I.D. holders to enjoy some cute canine company while being able to de-stress after a long day. To get your fix of puppy love, visit the Walters Pet Therapy Room on Tuesdays from 5:30–7 p.m., Wednesdays from noon-1:30 p.m. and 5:15-6:45 p.m., Thursdays from 5:15-6:45 p.m. and Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Together We Thrive is a new initiative for students that focuses on concepts such as recognizing when you are stressed and strategies to manage stress, building awareness of emotions and skills to manage difficult emotions, learning strategies to cope with challenging situations, and how to be kind to yourself. The final deadline to sign up for a Together We Thrive session for the Fall 2023 semester is Wednesday, Oct. 4, so register today!
If you are interested in more mindful practices such as breathing techniques or meditation, Headspace might be for you! Offered free of charge for students on a first-come, first-served basis, Headspace is an intersectional mindfulness app that helps users to create healthier habits to soothe any stress or anxiety-related issues. It offers a customizable experience and features a combination of different meditations such as wind-downs for better sleep, opportunities for movement such as yoga, and even music designed to help with work and study. Headspace is a great beginner resource for anyone trying to implement mindfulness into their daily lives!
The Barnes Center also offers group fitness classes that bridge the gap between mental and physical well-being. Ranging from Stretch and Breathe yoga classes to Strength and Kickboxing classes, the Barnes Center offers a fitness opportunity for a variety of individuals and fitness needs—you don’t have to be an athlete to take part! Similar to the MindSpa, students can register for classes through the Wellness Portal (and we suggest getting the Wellness Portal’s easy-to-use app!).
The 988 hotline is another vital resource for anyone experiencing a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use-related crisis. This nationwide three-digit dialing code routes callers to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline to easily access immediate assistance to trained mental health professionals who can provide a listening ear, offer guidance and even dispatch emergency services, if necessary. With 988, you’re never alone in your struggles—help is readily accessible.
College is a fast-moving part of our lives, and it can be very hard to slow down and think about our mental and emotional well-being. But while we like to think they’re separate issues, so much of our ability to thrive in our studies, relationships, etc. is dependent on our mental health. So whether it is mindfully drawing with friends next week on the Quad, downloading Headspace, signing up for a Zumba class or reaching out to Counseling, be sure to take that time for yourself. You deserve it.
Written By Barnes Center Peer Educators Olivia Fried ’26, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications; Anna Mirer ’26, College of Arts and Sciences; and Nico Perez ’24, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences