More than 70 Huskies from the College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS) came together in the Wirtz Hall Atrium to unwind and connect during the Mental Health Awareness Social, an afternoon event hosted by the CHHS Academic Advising team.
“Events like this are important because they provide our students with helpful mental-health resources on and off campus,” said academic advisor Anthony Gómez. “It’s a chance for students to learn strategies and methods of taking care of their mental health, relax and recharge from the stress of the semester and see how our academic departments support and intersect with mental health.”
By offering a range of activities—such as a therapy-dog visit, rock painting, an affirmation station, and
snacks—the advising team created a welcoming space where students could connect with peers and explore support resources in a relaxed setting.
“We know how important mental health awareness is, especially during this increasingly stressful time when students are worrying about midterms, next semester courses, and juggling all their overarching responsibilities,” Gómez said. “Students expressed how this event gave them time to pause and reflect. It is paramount that we ensure our students know about and feel 
comfortable with the resources they have at their disposal.”
CHHS student Isaias Torres said he was happy to learn about the event and grateful that he attended.
“What I enjoyed the most was the welcoming (atmosphere) of the event and small snacks,” Torres said. “The environment felt very nice and calm and made me more relaxed seeing all these resources – and the dog – I was happy I got to pet the dog.” 
Gómez said the interactions he saw between students and staff, faculty and their peers showed the positive impact this event continues to have.
“The fostering of a strong community is an inherent benefit events like this bring to campus,” he said.
Learn about the many well-being opportunities at NIU.
