WMU Hosting Mental Health Week For Students

KALAMAZOO, MI. (WOOD) — Western Michigan University is encouraging students to “be kind to your mind” this week with activities that focus on their emotional, psychological and social well-being.

Mental Health Week is also based on WMU's updated set of guiding principles, called the Okanagan Charter, which encourages colleges and universities to create healthier campuses and communities.

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“How can we help them graduate and really develop their skills and connect to the community on our campus and protect and prioritize the health and well-being of everyone in the world,” said Kerry Robertson, director of health promotion and education. VMU.

The dozens of events Western Student Association has planned for Mental Health Week next week are clearly in line with its charter mission, staff say.

“It is student-led and focuses on holistic wellbeing and mental health as a priority. This is a priority need, people are talking about it. It's great to see that students are really excited to lead.

“A way to show others that we go through this too, that we need a break and that maybe we can’t all win the lottery and take a year off from life.” But we can at least acknowledge our humanity for one week, and I hope this behavior continues for the remaining 51 weeks of the year,” said Janay Christian, associate director of mental health at WMU.

The app provides Plainwell students with the mental health support they need.

Janay Christian, West's associate director of mental health, said this united front can help overcome the isolation caused by social media, pandemic restrictions and other modern-day challenges.

“When we bring students here and treat them like they're coming to a city with a community, like they're here, we're showing them how to be citizens like the rest of the world,” Christian said.

A full calendar of events can be found on the Western Student Association website .

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Mental Health Week