World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2023

A Mental Health Day Message From USU President Elizabeth Cantwell

World Mental Health Day Events

Time Activity Location
7:30 AM 5K Run/Walk

Start World Mental Health Day off right with a little bit of movement. Cool temps and amazing sunrise make this a 5K you don’t want to miss. The 5K will start and finish at the Aggie Legacy Fields and you will be rewarded with a World Mental Health Day t-shirt (while supplies last). Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
Aggie Legacy Field

Registration Link
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Dare to Self-Care Fair

The Dare to Self-Care Fair is hosted by the Counseling and Psychological Services office to empower students and employees to prioritize their mental health through self-care! As part of USU’s World Mental Health Day celebration, the fair will include: skill-building practices with the CAPS REACH Peers; make your own self-care kits with materials to make stress balls, essential oils, self-care prompts, stickers, and more; and, a creativity table with Play-Doh, coloring sheets, planters to paint, and beads and string. We will also have snacks! Learn how to take care of yourself as a student and employee! Also joining- PEHP, Regence, Aetna, Talkspace and Charlie Health.
The Student Center - International Lounge
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Drum Circle

Come have fun and express yourself in a new way as you play to the beat. No previous experience with music necessary in order to enjoy yourself. There are many benefits to participating in group rhythm activities, such as stress relief, increased self-esteem, emotional expression, fostering relationships with others and many more.
The Quad

Youtube Livestream Link
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Keynote Speaker: Alex Calder

TSC Ballroom

Youtube Livestream Link

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM A Harmonious Path to Wellness: Exploring Music Therapy and Mental Health

Imagine music as a key to unlocking emotional well-being. This presentation is your invitation to glimpse into the captivating field of music therapy- an evidence-based clinical practice where music plays a key role in addressing overall wellness goals. We'll explore how music therapy combines the art of music and the science of psychology to promote mental health through the intentional use of music within the therapeutic process. But don't take our word for it; we'll dive into the science! Real-world examples will showcase how music therapy positively impacts mental health. Learn how it can reduce anxiety, boost mood, and provide a unique channel for self-expression. Furthermore, we'll provide practical tips on how to incorporate therapeutic music practices into your daily life, regardless of your musical background. Don't miss this opportunity to "tune in" to the power of music therapy as we recognize World Mental Health Day together.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or have never played an instrument, a psychology enthusiast or mental health advocate, a student, faculty, or staff member, we invite you to join us in learning about and celebrating the therapeutic power of music at USU on World Mental Health Day.
Library 154

Zoom Link

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Pawsitive Impact

Feeling stressed or anxious? Want to come and snuggle a furry pet looking for some attention? Maybe even take a furry pet home to be part of your family? Studies have shown that petting and playing with animals reduces stress-related hormones, so come check out our Pawsitive Impact activity on the Quad and bond with an animal today.
The Quad
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Mindfulness Event lead by Joana Magalhaes Franco

Every practice is meant for people without previous or much practice, but non-beginners will also benefit from it. Sessions start every 15 minutes.
LIB 154

Zoom Link
4:00 - 5:00 PM Roller Moves and Stretching Class

Lead by Lois Olson. Say goodbye to tight muscles and hello to flexibility in your movement, By using a soft roller with specific exercises your body will find a new way to stretch that brings back the vitality and ease to move. The roller moves will help improve performance, decrease the risk of injury, and improve your recovery from injury. Roller moves will address the shoulder complex, neck, back, and legs… then we will finish with an integration move to integrate all the release work done during the class. Also remember to sip water throughout the day and especially before class to help hydrate those tight muscles. So be sure to bring a water bottle with you!

Foam rollers available on first come first serve basis. You are welcome to bring your own if desired
ARC Loft (3rd floor)

Zoom Link

Mental Health is a Universal Human Right

This theme has been chosen by a global vote including WFMH (World Federation for Mental Health) members, stakeholders and supporters. I am very grateful to all of you that participated in this process, including those of you who put forward suggested themes and the people that participated in this year's vote, over 2000 of you!

Previous reports by the UN Human Rights office highlight that people with mental health conditions and those with psychosocial disabilities experience disproportionately higher rates of poor physical health and reduced life expectancy. Stigma is also a significant determinant of quality care and access to the full range of services required.

Many people globally tell us what it is like to experience mental illness or to have a member of the family with a mental illness.

Discrimination, harmful stereotypes and stigma in the community, family, schools and the workplace prevent healthy relationships, social interactions and the inclusive environments needed for the well-being of all members of society.

Mental health must be squarely placed in a human rights framework to re-cast the aspiration for sound mental health as a fundamental human right. Ensuring access to mental health services must be an obligation and responsibility of state and global organizations which can no longer be ignored. Access to better living conditions, security, food, shelter and housing are all necessary for people's mental health. Mental health is a universal right to all citizens of the world and consistent with the 1948 founding principles of WFMH.

This year's theme will highlight a range of issues and the WFMH Secretary-General has been mandated to involve a variety of stakeholders and global citizens to work together to ensure that we have a clear message and an effective campaign to support World Mental Health Day 2023 on 10th October, especially as we celebrate WFMH's 75th Anniversary year.

Nasser Loza, WFMH President

Previous World Mental Health Day Photo Gallery