Mental Health Awareness Week

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Over 20 years ago the United States Congress established the first full week of October as a national week to create awareness about mental health.  Here at Carlson, we are continuing the tradition and recently launched a successful, second annual, Mental Health Awareness Week. When we speak about mental health, we refer not only to individuals suffering from illness—we include general wellness practices that improve the quality of life for individuals and businesses alike. Recent studies have indicated the corrosive impact a stressful/ competitive work environment can have on employees and office productivity, and so our Student Affairs team brought in a panel of professionals from diverse backgrounds to help shape the way we think about mental health and wellness in the workplace.

We appreciate the high quality work and energy that our MBA students bring to campus every day. The quality exemplified in our students comes at a cost, and we hope that all our students were able to partake of the stress-relieving and mindful activities planned throughout Mental Health Awareness Week. In addition to healthy food options and a health-food session, we hosted an interactive stress-busting presentation, massage chairs, and of course—therapy dogs (brought to us by PAWs). On this note, I would like to highlight our students’ work with Can do Canines, an organization that creates a partnership with specially trained dogs and an individual’s personal assistance needs. Carlson for Community has designated Can Do Canines as the beneficiary of the upcoming MBA Charity Auction, a testament to the healing potential of animals and our students' connection to the community.

Thank you to everyone who engaged in Mental Health Awareness Week. It is a fundamental and educational series of events that our Student Affairs team looks forward to each year, and it wouldn't be possible without your participation. Until next year!