As any of you returning Terps might remember, we’ve highlighted the Terps Take Care Interactive Mental Health Fair every year since it began. Originally developed by former case manager (and current TerrapinSTRONG Program Manager!) Dr Leslie Krafft, the Terps Take Care Fair gathered partners from all across campus to join in a wonderful day of therapy dogs, outdoor activities, free massages, and more. After an incredible partnership with the Mental Health Coalition in 2021 (and their addition of giant inflatables!), the Terps Take Care Fair has “graduated” in its ownership and is now being completely coordinated by the Mental Health Coalition. The 2022 “Self-Care Fair”, which will take place on Friday, October 7th from 12noon to 3pm in McKeldin Mall, will serve as only one event in a week-long series of fun, exciting, and important programs highlighting Mental Health Awareness Week. Are you ready?!
We’ll continue to update this list as we get closer to Mental Health Awareness Week, so check back often! There will be events all over campus (including in various residence hall communities!), and they’ll include everything from yoga to creating sleep kits and more.
Monday 10/3
Mind over Mat(ter) Yoga: 7:30 pm, Jones-Hill House
The ancient practice of yoga, with various origins and evolutions, focuses on creating harmony between the mind and body. Whether you are new to yoga or are an experienced yogi, join RecWell instructors who will guide you in reconnecting your breath and movement to your body and, in doing so, empower you through a healing practice. Participants should bring a yoga mat or beach towel. A limited number of mats will be available for those who may need to borrow one. >>Register for the Event
Tuesday 10/4
Healthy Roots: A Plant-Decorating Event: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 pm, McKeldin Mall Steps (right outside McKeldin Library)
Did you know that caring for a plant is good for your mental health? Join us in this plant decorating event–you even get to take home your own potted succulent! Grab a friend, grab a plant, and come have some fun!
Thursday 10/6
Depression Screenings: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, STAMP Southeast Entrance and Student Involvement Suite (SORC)
Depression is one of the most common mental health concerns, so let’s learn the signs to help prevent and treat it. Take a brief depression assessment and talk privately with a Counseling Center staff person about the results. Stop by to learn more about your mental health, find ways to help a friend, or get some information about mental health services on campus.
Community Canvas: Painting to Heal from Injustice: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Stamp Studio A
We invite our marginalized students to come together in the community to create and cope. You’ll find collective healing through painting two pieces of your own, one to keep and one as part of a mural showcased on campus. This event is free and all supplies will be provided. RSVP is required and space is limited. *Please note that this is a space dedicated for underrepresented students on campus. >>Register for the Event
Sleepytime Showcase: in-residence-hall events! 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Denton Community location: Elkton Lobby
Ellicott Community location: Hagerstown lobby
Heritage Community location: Johnson-Whittle Multipurpose Room (#1117)
Leonardtown location: Leonardtown Community Center (LCC) Multipurpose Room
North Hill Community location: Prince Frederick Multipurpose Room
South Campus Community location: Commons 1 Seminar Room (#1102)
South Hill Community location: Annapolis Hall Multipurpose Room
7:00 pm-8pm, McKeldin Library
Learn more about helpful sleep practices, grab a cup of hot tea, gain access to an exclusive pre-recorded meditation to help with sleep, and create your own sleep & relaxation kit!
Friday 10/7
Self-Care Fair: 12:00 p.m – 3pm, McKeldin Mall
Join us at the Self-Care Fair–an interactive celebration of mental health–to start your weekend off right! We’ll have therapy dogs, free food, games, carnival activities, prizes, mental health resources, and more! Learn from campus departments, student orgs, and community partners about how we can take care of ourselves and each other.
Saturday 10/8
Nurture with Nature Hike: 10:00 am, Meet at Community Learning Garden
Join us for a nature hike, led by the Arboretum, that encourages participants to be present in the moment by tuning in to our five senses. This low-impact hike starts at the Community Learning Garden, will cross Campus Creek, and then explore the Wooded Hillock. Participants will be strongly encouraged to turn devices completely off during this program.
Supplemental Events
Though not part of the official Mental Health Awareness Week schedule, check out the following events that are sure to benefit your mental health!
Wags for Wellness
Monday, October 3
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
STAMP Student Involvement Suite (SORC)
Wags for Wellness is an Animal Assisted Activity sponsored by the University Health Center, featuring well-trained and highly skilled volunteer pups. Stop by for lots of love and pets!
Optimizing Energy For Better Focus and Relaxation Through Breathwork
Tuesday, October 4
6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
STAMP Charles Carroll B 2203K
Stress is caused when there is too much to do but too little time. In order to make the most of our time, we have to optimize our energy. In this hands-on session, we will discover the main sources of energy from Yogic Science and learn breathing techniques to use in daily life. The session will be led by a 1000-hour breath-Meditation teacher from the SKY Campus organization at UMD.
Declutter The Mind For Clarity Through Breathwork
Wednesday, October 5
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
STAMP Juan Ramon Jimenez 2208
Mental Overload? Learn These 3 Hacks to Declutter Your Mind, Rediscover Peace, and productivity in this experiential session involving breathwork, games, meditation, music, and dance. The session will be led by a 1000-hour breath-Meditation teacher from the SKY Campus organization at UMD. Participants will get to take away some breathing techniques that they can use in daily life.
RecWell Yoga
Days and Times are available at the link below
Classes occur in Eppley Recreation Center or Regents Drive Garage Multipurpose Room
RecWell offers yoga 7 days a week – check out the schedule and register for a class on the Active Terp Website.
Daily Meditation with the University Health Center
Days and Times are available at the link below
Virtual
The University Health Center offers meditation 5 days a week – check out the schedule and register for a session on the Meditation page.
Community Learning Garden Drop-In Hours
Monday and Thursday
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Community Learning Garden (located between Eppley and SPH)
Stop by the Community Learning Garden to play in the dirt, improve your mental health with time outside, and meet other cool gardeners. No experience necessary!
In the meantime, make sure to follow the Mental Health Coalition (@mhc.umd) across any & all social media platforms – for updates on Mental Health Awareness Week, and all future events!
- the Mental Health Coalition on twitter,
- the Mental Health Coalition on Facebook, or
- the Mental Health Coalition on Instagram
