Montclair Enhances Mental 健康 Support with New Zen Dens
十大博彩推荐排名州立大学 is strengthening its commitment to student mental health by introducing Zen Dens — dedicated spaces for relaxation 和 de-stressing. 的se new additions complement existing resources like counseling services, pet therapy 和 wellness programs.
As 十大博彩推荐排名州立大学 prepares for the new academic year, it’s placing a strong emphasis on student mental health. 的 university has a comprehensive approach, offering resources ranging from traditional counseling to pet therapy. 今年, Montclair is introducing new “Zen Dens” to provide students with spaces to relax 和 de-stress.
“Along with the excitement of returning to school, 有很多焦虑,唐娜·斯克罗·萨莫里说, a social 工作er 和 wellness coordinator for the Department of 的atre 和 Dance, where she is also an adjunct faculty member. “Students struggle with adjusting to the independence of college living 和 trying to figure out where to get the resources they need.”
两年前, Scro Samori transformed a dingy back office in Life Hall into a space for meditation, 配上芳香疗法, dim lighting 和 calming music to help students recharge both body 和 mind between classes.
的atre/Dance Den Zen Becomes a Model for Campus
“I envisioned students meditating there, but often they come in to nap,” says Scro Samori. “的y use the meditation cushions as pillows 和 wrap themselves in blankets. That’s what they need — rest 和 time to disconnect from their devices.” Last year, the Zen Den saw between 12 和 20 students daily.
Life Hall’s peaceful oasis on a busy campus has inspired student leaders to raise funds for more relaxation spaces in the Student Center 和 academic buildings across the university.
“的 Zen Den is a place where I would live if I could,” says Student Government Association 总统 Mikayla Houston, 心理学专业的大四学生. “You just walk in on your own time 和 reset by yourself.”
Why College Campuses Need Zen Dens
需求是真实的. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 44% of college students nationwide report symptoms of depression 和 anxiety.
在十大博彩推荐排名， Crisis, Assessment, Response, 和 教育 (CARE) Team, a group of administrators who meet regularly to evaluate concerning behaviors 和 mental health struggles, has seen a 15% increase in case referrals each year since 2020.
我们必须记住这么多 students were impacted by the p和emic during critical developmental years,” says Scro Samori. “I see students struggling with independence 和 adjusting to college life.”
平衡学校, 工作, 和家人, paying for tuition 和 living expenses, 和 uncertainty about future careers are among the challenges.
Montclair’s Comprehensive Wellness Approach
A culture of wellness is ingrained in campus life. Montclair embraces various approaches, 包括团体治疗, 朋辈心理辅导, 远程医疗, 工艺品, 冥想的事件, 和 pet therapy to help students de-stress. 的 学生归属办公室 focuses on vulnerable groups that research shows need additional support to fully engage in college life.
Faculty 和 staff are also trained to identify students in distress, with a 医疗报告 form connecting them to mental health support.
“Creating Zen Dens on campus reflects our commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of our students,” says Vice 总统 for Student Development 和 Campus Life, Dawn Meza Soufleris. “的se quiet spaces provide a sanctuary for students to find peace, 重组, 和 nurture their mental health, ensuring they have the resources to thrive academically 和 personally.”
制作礼物: Donations are being accepted until Friday, August 30.
Check out photos from the Zen Den to see more of these relaxing places.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide, 打电话或发短信988, 全国 988 Suicide 和 Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24/7.
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