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Mental Health Awareness Week

“Grow through what you go through”: Understanding God and Our Mental Health in Our Growing Seasons

Cost and Admission

This event is free to attend.


"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." - John 15:1-4 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like life is a series of seasons, each with its unique challenges and joys? Sometimes, these seasons can be overwhelming, leaving us searching for answers, peace and the strength to grow through it all.

This year, our Mental Health Awareness Week theme is “Grow through what you go through”: Understanding God and Our Mental Health in Our Growing Seasons. Life often raises questions, creates confusion, and leads us to moments of doubt. In these times, it's crucial to take God's truth and let it nourish our bodies, minds and souls.

The Student Health and Wellness Collaborative is here for you. From October 23-26, we're dedicating a week to exploring how we can navigate our mental health in seasons of stress, pain, depression and more. Our mission is simple: to provide you with a safe space to decompress, learn and grow.

Join us for a week filled with activities, fellowship, and opportunities for self-reflection. Everything is thoughtfully designed to foster your growth, restoration and overall well-being. Together, we can discover the peace that comes from God in the midst of life's growth moments. See the full schedule.

Prepare to be rooted, nurtured and grow during Mental Health Week at Biola University. We're here to support you as you navigate your growing seasons and find peace in God's presence.

If you have any questions, contact Melanie Daly at ext. 5834


Questions?

Contact Melanie Daly at:
melanie.daly@biola.edu


Date/Time Event Location
Monday, 10/23


9:30 a.m.

Monday Morning Chapel
Come hear from Reverend Dr. Todd Pickett and learn more about what's happening during Mental Health Awareness Week!
Calvary Chapel
Monday,
10/23

10:15–11 a.m.
Mental Health Week Kick Off after chapel

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

Calvary Chapel Entrance
Monday,
10/23

1–2:30 p.m.
Relax & Watercolor
Join the PWA team for a relaxing time of watercoloring and refreshments.
Fireplace Sub
Tuesday,
10/24

12–2 p.m.

Build a coping skills toolbox
Struggle with knowing what coping skills work for you? Come practice and build a coping skills toolbox! From breathing techniques to stress balls, create a toolbox that helps you care well for your mental health.

Fluor Fountain

Tuesday,
10/24

5 p.m.

Fives Chapel
Come rest with God and each other practicing prayer, led by Lisa Igram, Dean of Student Wellness

Calvary Chapel

Wednesday,
10/25

9:30 a.m.

Chapel
Come hear from special guest speaker, Megan Fate Marshman. You won't want to miss it!

Calvary Chapel

Wednesday,
10/25

12–2 p.m.

Build a coping skills toolbox
Struggle with knowing what coping skills work for you? Come practice and build a coping skills toolbox! From breathing techniques to stress balls, create a toolbox that helps you care well for your mental health.

Fireplace Sub
Wednesday,
10/25

9:10 p.m.

After Dark
Come hear from Professor of Psychology, Liz Hall

Calvary Chapel
Thursday,
10/26

1–2:30 p.m.

Pot Your Own Cactus Plant
Grab a friend and come enjoy potting your own cactus plant that you get to keep!

Library Courtyard
Thursday,
10/26

5 p.m.

Fives Chapel
Come rest with God and each other practicing prayer, led by Lisa Igram, Dean of Student Wellness

Calvary Chapel

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 Grow through what you go through: Understanding God and Our Mental Health in Our Growing Seasons.

Plan Your Week For More Intentional Self-Care

Sometimes, simply creating a calendar for when you will take time for yourself is 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 proactive plan in place.

Consider Taking These Steps For Your Mental Health

Ideas for grounding yourself in the present and 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 judgment.
  • 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 and 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.