Counseling Center Presents Series of Mental Health Wellness Events Nov. 17-19

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University’s Counseling Center will present a series of events in recognition of Mental Health Wellness Week.

• Beginning at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, in the Student Union theatre, Jordan Burnham will share his story of struggle, survival, and healing through counseling. He is a nationally recognized mental health advocate who received the 2012 Emerging Humanitarian Award from the Asomugha Foundation and has been featured in The Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, and USA Today and has appeared on ESPN’s E:60 and Outside the Lines, CNN, and Good Morning America. His presentation will highlight such topics as anxiety, trauma, advocacy, depression, suicide, stigma reduction, athletes and mental health, substance use and abuse, men and mental health, race and ethnic minorities, as well as religious and spiritual communities. Holly Wright, VSU counselor, said, “No matter your status, anyone can experience these same issues [as Jordan Burnham], but with proper support and help, anyone can also overcome these issues.” Representatives from Greenleaf will be in attendance to give out information regarding the Jason Foundation’s B1 Pledge Program.
• The Campus Activities Board will sponsor a game night from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, in Student Union Meeting Room 2. Light refreshments will be provided.
• A free mental health wellness screening will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the Student Union. The screening involves students answering a short mental health questionnaire. A representative will be available to make appointments for students who would like to meet with a counselor. A counselor will also be present for immediate sessions in cases of urgent need.

Mental Health Wellness Week events are open to all students.

Contact Holly Wright at (229) 333-5940 or hhwright@valdosta.edu for more information.

On the Web:

http://www.valdosta.edu/student/student-services/counseling-center/

http://www.activeminds.org/our-programming/speakers-bureau/10-speakers/299-jordan-burnham

http://jasonfoundation.com/get-involved/student/b1-program/