By Avery Williams, Keyton Tipple and Chase Mathers
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, students and staff gathered across campus to participate in conversations about mental health, share experiences, and present research by Dr. Devers.
Two main sessions were held in the banquet rooms of Barnes Student Center, one on mental health and the research behind it. The second was a discussion panel where counselors and IWU staff answered questions.
“It says a lot about the university and their willingness to set aside a whole day to discuss such an important topic as mental health,” Jayd Hovey, a senior who attended the anxiety discussion panel, said.
Hovey said at the event, she discussed with her table what it is like dealing with anxiety as a student and was able to listen to staff share their experiences.
The day of common learning, titled Isaiah 1:17 Day, was open to the entire campus, and each session filled one banquet room. It wasn’t required, but many classes had assignments due based on the sessions.
Magdalene Mastin, director of career development, attended Isaiah 1:17 Day.
“I’d love to see this day have more power on campus,” Mastin said. “I don’t think that it needs to happen more often as long as we are having conversations like this on a regular basis, but that more faculty and students are engaged.”
The first main session began with an introduction to anxiety and what it looks like for students. Ava Fisk, a psychology student, shares her testimony with anxiety, explaining that every journey with mental health is different.
Dr. Erin Devers presents her research on the absence of social media and its effect on stress. The book “The Anxious Generation” was the launching point for her research and explores the positive impact of spiritual formation on mental health.
The second session was a panel discussion with social workers, IWU staff, and representatives from Radiant Health, a community mental health center serving the Grant and Blackford communities.
This panel explored ways to cope with anxiety, demonstrating breathing exercises, the importance of slowing down, and explaining the peace that comes when talking to God.
“Sometimes students would rather come to a place like Radiant Health, instead of on campus, because they won’t see anyone they know,” Jenna York, senior director of clinical services at Radiant Health, said.
York said she is hopeful that students feel comfortable visiting Radiant Health so they can receive help in any area they need.
“I would hope that we walk away from days like this motivated to engage topics together and to purposely integrate solutions into the way we engage each other and the topics of the day of common learning,” said Mastin.
