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Mental Health Awareness Week

PUZZLED Finding Peace in the Pieces

Cost and Admission

This event is free to attend.


Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
with grief my eyes are wasted, my soul and body are spent.
But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.”
(Psalm 31:10, 15)

Do you feel overwhelmed by your workload, commitments, and responsibilities? Do you feel anxious about things that are coming up in the next few weeks? Do you feel like you are unable to accomplish everything on your to-do list and still find time to take care of yourself?

Recent studies have shown that stress, anxiety, and depression are increasing in college students. Many students are feeling anxious being back on campus and now surrounded by people. Those who struggle with socializing and being in group settings now feel completely drained being in a classroom or auditorium with so many fellow students. The grind of college has hit every student again, with a swift return of academic responsibilities.

Have you been feeling this lately? Have you been looking for activities to destress and connect with friends? Have you been wanting tools to handle the challenges life is throwing at you? 

The Student Health and Wellness Collaborative is putting on a week of events, October 17-21, focused on providing you with space to decompress, learn, and grow.

Our theme this year for Mental Health Awareness Week is Puzzled: Finding Peace in the Pieces. We often ask many questions of life, we can feel confused, and sometimes we can feel hopeless. Sometimes, we are left puzzled over what to do and where to start. Be encouraged this week to take God’s truth and let it fill our bodies, minds, and souls.

Join us over the next few days for activities, times of fellowship, and times of reflection — all planned with the desire for your growth, restoration and well-being. We can find peace from God among all the pieces of our lives! As Christ says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).


Questions?

Contact Melanie Maddox at:
Ext. 5834
melanie.maddox@biola.edu


Date/Time Event Location
Monday,
10/17

9:30–11 a.m.

Morning Chapel followed by Donuts and Debrief

Learn more about what events will be happening for Mental Health Awareness Week and enjoy a donut to start off your week!

Sutherland Auditorium
Tuesday,
10/18

6–7 p.m.

Live Music Led by a Peer Wellness Ambassadors

Take a break from studying and homework and come enjoy some worship music and original songs led by fellow peers.

Fireside Pavilion

Wednesday,
10/19

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Morning Chapel

Guest Speaker, Willa Williams will be speaking on Philippians 3:1-11. Willa Williams is a Marriage and Family Therapist with the Biola Counseling Center.

Sutherland Auditorium
Wednesday,
10/19

12–3 p.m.

Mental Health & Well-being Playground

Enjoy a variety of booths and activities to engage your senses, release some energy and ease stress and tension that has been building.

Faculty come participate in activities and pick up a gift of appreciation.

Metzger Lawn
Wednesday,
10/19

9–10 p.m.

After Dark Chapel

Professor Matt Williams will be speaking on John 14:1. He will be sharing about living with anxiety.

Sutherland Auditorium
Thursday,
10/20

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Bingo Night

Bring your own blanket, enjoy snacks, and play Bingo. There will be GIVEAWAYS! Come for as many rounds as you’d like.

Metzger Lawn

Need encouragement and resources for Mental Health Awareness Week? Check out the ideas below and follow us on @biolapeerwellness or @biolauniversity on Instagram to engage more in Puzzled: Finding Peace in the Pieces.

Plan Your Week For More Intentional Self-Care

Sometimes, simply creating a calendar for when you will take time for yourself is so helpful to prioritize that time into your week. A calendar can also be helpful for scheduling when you will get things done. Doing this can decrease stress levels because you have a plan in place.

Consider Taking These Steps For Your Mental Health

Ideas for grounding yourself in the present to help manage anxiety

  • Press your feet firmly to the ground to remind yourself where you are
  • Eat or drink a favorite food. Enjoy it slowly. Don’t do anything else while you are consuming it except focus on enjoying and savoring it.
  • Spend time with a friend and talk to them about something you have recently done together or want to do together.
  • Find your pulse on your wrist or neck and count the beats per minute.
  • Go outside, feel the sun shining down on your face or feel the breeze tickle your skin.
  • Write in your journal. Pay attention to yourself holding the pencil and just let the words flow without judgement.
  • Find a quiet space and pray.
  • Work on a puzzle!

Basic Skills to Practice for Your Mental Health

  • Value yourself
    • Remember that you are uniquely made in the image of God
    • Write down three things you are grateful for
    • Make time for your hobbies, your interests
    • Consider your boundaries and determine what is life-giving for you vs. what is not
  • Take care of your body
    • Eat nutritious meals
    • Drink plenty of water
    • Exercise
    • Get enough sleep
  • Serve others
    • Write a thank you note to someone you appreciate or who has done something for you
    • Serve in a group on campus
    • Serve in a local church
  • Spend time with people who fill your cup, not leave you drained
    • Make plans with supportive family members and friends
    • Seek out activities where you can meet new people such as a club, class or support group
    • Set healthy boundaries with others and loved ones
  • Address your stress
    • Stress is a common experience in life – it’s important to address it by:
      • Writing a To-Do List
      • Exercising
      • Spending time outside
      • Practicing breathing exercises
  • Set realistic goals
    • Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally this semester/year.
    • Write down the steps you need to realize your goals.
    • Aim high, but be realistic and don't over-schedule.
  • Get help when you need it
    • Seeking help is a form of strength, not weakness
    • Rely on others who are willing and able to help you
    • Struggling means you're not giving up

For more resources check out:

Check out these blogs, books, and talks on Mental Health:

Start your class with a check-in question about well-being. Here are some example questions:

  • What are you doing to take care of your mental health this week?
  • When was the last time you paused and assessed what you were feeling?
  • What are some things that keep you from taking care of your physical well-being, emotional well-being, relational well-being?

Encourage Student Engagement 

  • Consider lightening student course work this week, or being flexible on a due date of an assignment this week
  • Participate in a Mental Health Awareness event – check out the schedule for the week to stay informed on what’s happening around campus
  • Learn from this week’s chapels on mental health and well-being

Point Students to Resources on Campus

  • Share the Mental Health Awareness Week resources with your students
  • Offer Biola’s Well-being Toolbox, which was developed by students, for students, with practical tips and tricks on caring for one’s own well-being

Don’t forget to take care of your own well-being as well. Student resources might offer some ideas, but also consider:

  • Take short walks throughout the day to get some sunshine and exercise
  • Schedule short, frequent breaks from your computer or work
  • Eat lunch, don’t skip out on a time to eat and take a step away from work
  • Drink water
  • Spend time with loved ones
  • Read a book for fun
  • Disconnect from work when you get home – do something that is rejuvenating
  • Reflect on what motivates you, why you wanted to pursue your current job, the people you’ve blessed by your work
  • Do a breathing exercise to pause and observe your immediate surroundings. The Headspace App is a great resource.