Maintaining Mental and Emotional Strength in the Face of Adversity
Mental Wellness involves the ability to communicate and express both positive and difficult emotions, as well as to cope with emotions in a productive way, with a goal of achieving all-around well-being.
Mental Wellness is about learning to better understand your internal responses and emotions, as well as working to communicate these in a productive way. Learning to communicate and process feelings, no matter what the feelings are, can help with creating more productive relationships, as well as with developing healthy strategies to manage these emotions, which could include activities such as mindfulness, exercise, talking to a friend, or seeking professional help when needed. The goal is to understand and process emotions in ways that contribute to your overall well-being, rather than letting them overwhelm you.
At Gonzaga, mental wellness is seen as a key part of overall health. Just like physical training helps with staying fit, mental wellness practices help with staying resilient, or mentally fit. We provide resources and support to help develop these skills, ensuring thriving both in sports and in life.
On site within athletics, the Director of Student-Athlete Mental Health Services provides confidential short-term, individual counseling, crisis, sport performance and consultation services. The goal of these services is to provide direct support to the student athletes within their space when it is needed. Often, athletics will have counselors-in-training as well, who provide direct care under the supervision of the Director, which allows for broader services and more availability. Additionally, the Director of Student-Athlete Mental Health Services or the clinicians in training can help connect student-athletes to appropriate outside counseling or psychiatric services, with a goal of helping find a provider that fits their needs.
Mental Wellness Resources for Student Athletes
A partner of Gonzaga Athletics in empowering, accompanying and supporting student-athletes, by proactively addressing the mental health trend with a focus on empowering teams and individuals to be fulfillment driven.
Center for Cura Personalis at Gonzaga University is dedicated to the holistic well-being of students, embodying the Jesuit principle of "care for the whole person." This center offers a range of services designed to support students' physical, mental, and emotional health. It provides health and wellness education, counseling services, and initiatives that promote self-advocacy and resilience. By fostering a supportive and caring environment, the Center for Cura Personalis ensures that students have the tools and resources they need to succeed both academically and personally. The goal is to help students feel connected, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential, reflecting Gonzaga's commitment to nurturing the whole person.
Health and Counseling Services at Gonzaga University is dedicated to supporting the overall well-being of students. They offer a range of medical services, including check-ups, treatment for illnesses, and health advice to keep students physically healthy. For mental health support, they provide confidential counseling to help students manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other personal challenges. Additionally, psychiatric services are available for those needing specialized care. The center also focuses on health education, offering resources and programs on topics like nutrition, exercise, and substance use prevention. By providing comprehensive care and support, Gonzaga's Health and Counseling Services aim to create a nurturing environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
The Office of Health Promotion at Gonzaga University is dedicated to fostering student well-being through proactive and inclusive public health practices. Their mission is to create a campus culture where health and well-being are valued and integrated into everyday life. They focus on educating students about healthy behaviors, providing resources for mental and emotional well-being, and promoting a balanced lifestyle. The office offers various programs and initiatives to help students thrive, such as workshops on nutrition, stress management, and substance use prevention. They also provide support for students in recovery and offer guidance on building healthy relationships. By addressing the diverse needs of the student body, the Office of Health Promotion aims to ensure that every student feels supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Referral form for a student who may be facing a personal struggle, is in distress, and could benefit from additional support and resources.
The Student Outreach and Support (SOS) program at Gonzaga University provides comprehensive support to students facing personal challenges or distress. Part of the Center for Cura Personalis, the SOS program connects students with appropriate campus and community resources. When a faculty member, staff member, or friend notices a student struggling, they can submit an SOS form to alert the support team. Case managers then work closely with the student to create a personalized support plan, which may include academic advising, counseling services, health care, or other resources. The goal is to provide holistic care that helps students overcome obstacles and thrive in their academic and personal lives. By fostering a collaborative approach, the SOS program ensures that students feel supported and connected, embodying Gonzaga's commitment to caring for the whole person.
Other resources include the following:
- GirlTalk
- WeTalk
- Health & Wellness Movie Nights!
