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About Mental Health Awareness Week

Tufts University was pleased to participate in Mental Health Awareness Week from October 2 - October 8, 2022. Throughout the week, we raised awareness about mental health and emotional wellbeing through events and activities, spotlighted resources and the work underway across the university, and reaffirmed our commitment to increasing awareness and reducing the stigma towards mental health illnesses. Scroll down to find a complete list of the many events and activities related to this effort that occurred across the university.

Tufts is fortunate to have students, faculty, and staff across the university actively engaged in formal and informal efforts to foster an environment that empowers all of us to not only address our own unique mental health and emotional needs, but also support one another within our community.

Thank you to all of the campus partners who hosted mental health-related events during Mental Health Awareness Week and throughout the year, including: Tufts Athletics, Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT), University Chaplaincy, University Communications and Marketing, Counseling and Mental Health Service (CMHS), Cummings School Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, Facilities Services, the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Health Promotion and Prevention (HPP), Human Resources, the International Center, Mindfulness and Wellbeing Collaborative, PHPD Student Wellness and the Student Senate, Student Accessibility and Academic Resources Center (StAAR), Student Wellness Advising, TUSDM Health and Wellness Committee and many more.

We appreciate your work to make Tufts University a healthier and more inclusive community.

Counseling Resources by Campus

Boston Health Sciences Campus:
Talk One2One Counseling Service
800-756-3124 (Available 24/7)

Student Wellness Advising and Health Promotions
617-636-2700

Grafton Campus:
Cummings Support Center
800-756-3124 (Available 24/7)

Medford/Somerville and Boston SMFA Campuses:
Counseling and Mental Health Services
617-627-3360

Tufts has trained first responders and professional support resources available to assist with a variety of emergencies and crisis situations. Call the Tufts 24/7 Help Line at 617-627-3400 to be routed to the Counselor on Call for mental health emergencies.

Students: Complete Kognito and Win Prizes!

Kognito is a free online program designed to educate about mental health. Through role-play with digital avatars, you learn and practice how to identify students in distress, approach peers to discuss your concerns, and make appropriate referrals and support peers. Kognito is self-paced and takes about 30-40 minutes to complete. During Mental Health Awareness Week, students who completed Kognito were able to enter a raffle to win AirPods Pro, a JBL speaker, a $100 Patagonia gift card, a $100 Tufts Bookstore gift card, or an Instax Camera. This raffle has now ended.

Mental Health Awareness Week Events and Activities:

Wednesday, September 28

Time/Location: Event/Activity:
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Tisch Center Film Room, Medford/Somerville Campus Stress Management for Student-Athletes

In this stress management workshop organized by Tufts Athletics, student-athletes are invited to explore stress cycle, management practices, personal/team wellbeing, and other ways to help manage the unique stress and pressures of being a college athlete. Open to: Student-athletes.

Friday, September 30

Time/Location: Event/Activity:
2:00 p.m. at Alewife Brook Reservation (meet on Medford/Somerville campus) Alewife Brook Fall Nature Walk

Looking for a chance to unwind in nature and connect with fellow international students? Please join the International Center for a fall nature walk along the Alewife Brook path. A short walk from campus, you'll discover a hidden gem right here in the city! Open to: Students on the Medford/Somerville and SMFA Campuses. Register here by September 23. The rain date is Monday, October 3 at 2:00 p.m.

Monday, October 3

Time/Location: Event/Activity:
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Tisch Library Rooftop (Rain location: Alumnae Hall, Aidekman Arts Center), Medford/Somerville Campus CMHS Mental Health and Wellbeing Fair

Tufts Counseling and Mental Health Service (CMHS) is hosting a Mental Health and Wellbeing Fair. Different departments will be hosting interactive and engaging booths that aim to help attendees learn about skills and resources to benefit their mental and emotional health. There will also be free food, therapy dogs, and prizes for attending! Open to: Students on the Medford/Somerville and SMFA Campuses.

12:00 - 12:30 p.m., Virtual Meditation Monday

The practice of meditation and connection with others can help us better cope with stress and feel less isolated. Join us in a 30-minute meditation session via Zoom offered by Marathon Health, sponsored by Tufts Human Resources. Open to: Faculty/staff. Click here to join.

1:00 - 2:30 p.m., Virtual Building Resilient Spaces for Improved Learning and Wellbeing

In this workshop organized by the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT), we will share ideas for proactively and consciously cultivating resilience in our learning environments, in ourselves, and in our students. You will leave with both a conceptual framework and practical ideas for how to simultaneously support well-being, improve learning, and improve our collective ability to respond to challenges or crises. Open to: Faculty/staff.

2:00 - 2:45 p.m. at Turnstyle at Ink Block (5-minute walk from the Boston Health Sciences Campus) After Exam Destress at Turnstyle

Aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, and dancing have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression. We also know that regular exercise may release feel-good endorphins and other natural brain chemicals that can enhance a sense of well-being. With that in mind, join Student Wellness Advising at the Turnstyle for some energetic spinning, weights, and dancing along to the music. All experience levels are welcome! Bring exercise clothes, a water bottle, and some energy to get moving! Open to: Students on the Boston Health Sciences Campus. Space is limited; click here to register.

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in Agnes Varis Auditorium, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Wake Up: Stories From the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention

Join us on the Grafton Campus for a screening of the film Wake Up: Stories From the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention. This powerful documentary follows the stories of different communities affected by suicide – college students, LGBT community, veterans, and gun owners. Rather than laboring on tragedy and despair, Wake Up focuses on the leaders on the frontlines of prevention. You will leave feeling hopeful, informed, and encouraged. The screening is jointly sponsored by Tufts' Mental Health Steering Committee and Cummings School Mental Health & Wellbeing Working Group. Open to: All students, faculty, and staff. Click here to learn more.

8:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Tisch Center Multi-Purpose Room, Medford/Somerville Campus Student-Athlete Mindfulness Program Workshop

This workshop organized by Tufts Athletics, in collaboration with Health Promotion and Prevention (HPP), is part of a 4-week long Student-Athlete Mindfulness Program. Through workshops and activities, this program is intended to help student-athletes both perform at a higher level in their sport as well as navigate the daily stress and pressures of being a college athlete. Open to: Student-athletes. Please note: registration for this program is already full.

Tuesday, October 4

Time/Location: Event/Activity:
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at The Atrium, 230 Fenway, SMFA Campus CMHS Info Session and Rock Painting at the SMFA

Join Tufts Counseling and Mental Health Service (CMHS) clinicians on the SMFA Campus to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week! Learn about our services, chat and ask questions with the CMHS/SMFA team, and take a rest as we paint kindness rocks together. Open to: Students on the Medford/Somerville and SMFA Campuses.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. in Lincoln Filene Hall, Room 101, Medford/Somerville Campus Positive, Productive Procrastination: Becoming a Mindful Student; How Doing Less can Help You Do More

We have all avoided doing something we don't want to do and "put it off" only to find ourselves highly stressed. How do you use procrastination in a positive way to improve your productivity? This presentation hosted by Health Promotion and Prevention (HPP) will show the sciences and tips for Positive, Productive Procrastination. Open to: Students on the Medford/Somerville and SMFA Campuses.

12:00 p.m. at the Jaharis Green Space, Boston Health Sciences Campus Messages of Kindness

Join the PHPD Student Wellness Organization (SWO) and the Student Senate in contributing kind messages to a banner which will be displayed on campus and serve as a reminder of our community’s resilience. Snacks available! Open to: All students, faculty, and staff on the Boston Health Sciences Campus.

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Pratt 2 (Psychiatry Department at Tufts Medical Center), Boston Health Sciences Campus. At 3:30 p.m., students are invited for refreshments at Tatte (354 Harrison Ave). Paint Fest with Pratt 2

Join fellow students and the Pratt 2 staff for an afternoon of painting with our patients! Students who have prior experience working with psychiatry patients are invited to paint murals to be displayed in Tufts Medical Center. No previous art experience is required; the murals are painted by color. This is in partnership with the Foundation for Hospital Art, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healing through art in clinical settings. After the event, students will debrief the experience with refreshments at Tatte. Open to: Students, faculty, and staff at Tufts School of Medicine & Tufts Medical Center staff. Space is limited to only 6 students; click here to register.

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Millmore Room, Dowling Hall, Medford/Somerville Campus Practical Work/Life Balance in Graduate School

Graduate school requires unique approaches to work/life balance. Balancing a research agenda, coursework, qualifying exams, and writing alongside family, friends, and daily life can be quite challenging. Participants in this workshop led by the Student Accessibility and Academic Resources (StAAR) Center will learn practical strategies for managing these competing priorities. Open to: Graduate students on the Medford/Somerville and SMFA Campuses. Click here to register.

7:00 p.m., Virtual National Alliance on Mental Illness Presents: "In Our Own Voice"

This presentation led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, organized by the PHPD Student Wellness Organization (SWO) and the Student Senate, aims to change attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes. Two presenters will share their experiences living with a mental health condition and how they found pathways to hope and healing. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more and challenge misconceptions. Open to: All students, faculty, and staff. Click here to join.

Wednesday, October 5

Time/Location: Event/Activity:
12:00 - 12:45 p.m. at Posner Lounge, 200 Harrison Ave, Boston Health Sciences Campus Embracing Winter in Boston and Shopping for Winter Gear

As winter arrives, you may find yourself feeling more irritable, having low energy, or even struggling to do day-to-day routines. Maintaining your mental health through these winter months is important in supporting your overall health, safety, and wellness. Are you from a warmer climate? Is this your first winter in Boston? This workshop organized by Student Wellness Advising is for you! Winters in Boston can be tough, so be prepared by learning about the best ways to stay warm and healthy during the winter months. Open to: Students on the Boston Health Sciences Campus. Click here to register.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. in Lincoln Filene Hall, Room 101, Medford/Somerville Campus Catching ZZZ's to Improve Your Mental Health: Sleep and Mental Health

Students often feel that they need to sacrifice sleep to maintain their busy schedule. This program hosted by Health Promotion and Prevention (HPP) provides the science and tips for getting better sleep and improving your mental health. Open to: Students on the Medford/Somerville and SMFA Campuses.

12:00 - 12:30 p.m., Virtual Chair Yoga

Chair yoga can be done while sitting or using a chair for support. These gentle poses can help with issues such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, arthritis, and more. Join us in a 30-minute chair yoga session via Zoom offered by Marathon Health, sponsored by Tufts Human Resources. Open to: Faculty/staff. Click here to join.

Thursday, October 6

Time/Location: Event/Activity:
9:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Jaharis Center, Boston Health Sciences Campus Friedman School's 3rd Annual Wellness Day

The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy's 3rd annual Wellness Day is a full day event focused on mental health and wellness featuring programs such as Tai chi, chair yoga, meditation, a seminar, therapy animals, information tables, and more. Open to: Friedman School faculty, staff, and students, and all students on the Boston Health Sciences Campus. Click here to learn more and to view the full schedule of events.

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. in Anderson 210, Science and Engineering Complex (SEC), Medford/Somerville Campus The Mindful Athlete: How to Enhance Performance Using Mindfulness

Many professional athletes use mindfulness to sharpen their focus and improve many aspects of their sport. Tufts University Athletics, in collaboration with Health Promotion and Prevention (HPP), have been teaching these techniques to Tufts student-athletes for over 5 years. Come learn how you can improve your performance and workouts using mindfulness. Open to: Students on the Medford/Somerville and SMFA Campuses.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m., Virtual Come in Stressed, Leave Refreshed: Practical Strategies for Reducing Stress

Managing stress is more important than ever, as it is vital for our immune health, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing. In this educational webinar presented by Tufts' Employee Assistance Program, KGA, we will learn practical strategies to help mitigate daily stress which can improve sleep, support immune function, improve health and general wellbeing, and improve performance at work. Open to: Faculty/staff. Click here to register.

4:00 - 4:45 p.m. in the Medical Education Building, Room 219, Boston Health Sciences Campus Tea, Cookies and Calm

Drop in for tea, cookies, and a guided mindfulness meditation experience for connection, clarity, and calm, hosted by the TUSDM Health and Wellness Committee. The meditation will begin promptly at 4:20 p.m. The event is limited to 25 people; no registration necessary. Open to: Students on the Boston Health Sciences Campus.

5:00 - 6:00 p.m., Virtual Beginners' Friendly In-Person Yoga

The aim of this beginner-friendly class organized by Student Wellness Advising is to help students of all levels to relieve and navigate physical, emotional, and mental stress, re-energize and focus, and access moments of peace. Open to: Students on the Boston Health Sciences Campus. Click here to register.

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in the Rabb Room, Barnum Hall, Medford/Somerville Campus Spirituality, Community, and Mental Health: A Multifaith People's Supper

Join members of the University Chaplaincy for a meal to share stories and engage together in meaningful conversation about traditions and practices that contribute to mindfulness, resilience, and wellbeing. Open to: All students, faculty, and staff. Click here to register by October 4 at noon.

6:00 p.m., Virtual Journaling for Jing

This discussion and activity organized by the PHPD Student Wellness Organization and the Student Senate is being held in tribute to Dr. Jing Mai, a resident at Highland hospital in Oakland who tragically committed suicide during her third month of residency. We will be partnering with "Let's Talk and See" for a journaling activity and open discussion about personal and community mental health. Open to: All students, faculty, and staff. Click here to join.

7:30 - 9:00 p.m., Barnum Hall, Room 104, Medford/Somerville Campus Neurobiology of Mental Illness

NeuroNetwork is excited to partner with Active Minds and Ears4Peers to host this event aimed at reducing stigma around mental illness by presenting a keynote speech on the neurobiology of depression and anxiety followed by an introduction to resources at Tufts. We hope people leave with a better understanding of the biological basis of mental illness as well as knowing what support is available to them. Food will be provided. Open to: All students, faculty, and staff.

Friday, October 7

Time/Location: Event/Activity:
3:30 - 4:30 p.m., 574 Boston Avenue, Room 204, Medford/Somerville Campus Mindfulness for Individual and Community Wellbeing

Come learn about and engage in mindfulness practices that foster emotional intelligence (EQ) and wellbeing skills for individual and community wellbeing. Dr. Deborah Donahue-Keegan (she series), a Tufts faculty/staff member representing the Tufts Mindfulness & Wellbeing Collaborative, will facilitate this session and share her expertise as an EQ practitioner and ideas/practices experienced during the recent Wellbeing Summit for Social Change (hosted by The Wellbeing Project). Open to: All undergraduate and graduate students on the Medford/Somerville and SMFA Campuses. Click here for more information and to register.

Saturday, October 8

Time/Location: Event/Activity:
9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Honey Pot Hill Farm, Stow, MA (bus departs at 8:15 a.m. from 145 Harrison Ave, Boston Health Sciences Campus) Annual Apple Picking

People tend to feel down and depressed when fall arrives and the cold weather hits. Going outside and picking apples is a great way to boost your mood, socialize, burn calories, boost energy, and increase happiness while offering a chance for exercise and fresh air. Join Student Wellness Advising for a trip to Honey Pot Hill Orchards, located in Stow, MA. In addition to picking apples and pears, there will be other activities such as farm animals, a hedge maze, and hayrides. Open to: Students, coaches in the MD Program, and significant others/families. Click here to register.

6:30 p.m. at Ellis Oval, Medford/Somerville Campus Football Game In Support of Mental Health Awareness Week

The Tufts University football team is one of 115+ schools around the country that will be participating in the third annual College Football Mental Health Week by playing in support of Hilinski's Hope Foundation (H3H) in their Homecoming game against Bowdoin College. The team will be showcasing a lime green ribbon on all player's helmets with a "3" in the middle to honor Tyler Hilinski and remember those lost and those suffering in silence. Attendees will be asked to participate in showing solidarity and eliminating stigma around mental health by holding three fingers in the sky during the first play of the third quarter. Open to: The entire Tufts community.

Tuesday, October 11

Time/Location: Event/Activity:
12:00 - 12:45 p.m. at Tufts Center for Medical Education 114, Boston Health Sciences Campus Tips to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder

Do you feel a little down during the winter and crave the sun? Come learn some tips to get through the upcoming cold months at this presentation and discussion offered by Student Wellness Advising. Learn some approaches to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and some practical tips to beat the cold temperatures. Open to: Students on the Boston Health Sciences Campus. Click here to register.

Wednesday, October 12

Time/Location: Event/Activity:
12:00 - 1:15 p.m. at Chase Center, Medford/Somerville Campus Sound Bath Mindfulness for Rest, Relaxation and Calm

During this sound bath session hosted by the Tufts Mindfulness & Wellbeing Collaborative, students will experience rest, relaxation, and calm through listening to crystal singing bowl sounds and guided mindfulness practices in a group setting. The session will be led by Ebony LePenn (she series), founder of the Boston-based Anthony P. Clay Healing Project and the affiliated High Frequency Academy (HFA) Ltd, a school and healing oasis for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Allies. Light "to go" lunch and beverages will be available for session participants. Attendance is limited to 20 participants. Open to: All undergraduate and graduate students on the Medford/Somerville and SMFA Campuses. Click here to register.

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Millmore Room, Dowling Hall, Medford/Somerville Campus Mindfulness for Academic Success

Research shows that mindfulness – the practice of focusing on the present moment – can increase wellbeing, decrease stress, and enhance academic performance. Join the Student Accessibility and Academic Resources (StAAR) Center for this interactive workshop where students will learn and practice several approaches to mindfulness for implementation in their academic and personal lives. Open to: Undergraduate students on the Medford/Somerville and SMFA Campuses. Click here to register.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 was an effort coordinated by the Office of the President and the Mental Health Steering Committee. If you have questions or feedback related to Mental Health Awareness Week, please e-mail the President's Office.