#IWillListen: Supporting mental health on campus

September 29, 2022

In support of National Mental Illness Awareness Week, the Towson University Counseling Center has again partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Metropolitan Baltimore to promote mental wellness and health resources on campus.

This is the seventh anniversary of the organization’s I Will Listen initiative, an anti-stigma campaign that engages college campuses across greater Baltimore in programs surrounding mental health.

I Will Listen is held annually during the first full week of October. Towson University has supported the campaign since its inception.

In a video message promoting I Will Listen, TU President Kim Schatzel noted the prevalence of mental health disorders on college campuses. According to NAMI, 25% of adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have a diagnosable mental illness, and more than 70% of students living with a mental health condition will experience a crisis on campus. 

For students who need support, the TU Counseling Center provides extensive resources that are available any time of day, including easy, online scheduling and same-day appointments with a counselor on campus. In an after-hours emergency, students can contact the center’s 24-hour crisis line for immediate assistance. Students can also take part in one of the center’s many engaging workshops and supportive groups or receive anonymous, peer-to-peer support online.

Investing in mental health resources has been a top priority for Schatzel and her administration. In a recent interview with The Towerlight, she described mental health as one of the most important issues facing campus today.

“[Towson University] has done a lot in terms of being able to provide support, and we’ll continue to grow our resources to support our students,” said Schatzel. “That’s one area that we can’t do enough… Mental health on campus is very much a priority for us.”

As part of the I Will Listen campaign, NAMI is providing students with access to workshops and events aimed at teaching signs and symptoms of mental illness, facilitating open dialogues and connecting students to resources on campus and in their communities.

Towson University students can join NAMI and the TU Counseling Center for a variety of events on campus beginning Friday, Sept. 30 through Friday, Oct. 7.

Paws & Relax Event

Friday, Sept. 30 | 12–2 p.m.

On the Health & Counseling Center lawn

Students can take part in an experiential meditation space, get creative with an affirmation photobooth and spend time with therapy dogs.

Mocktails & Mental Health 

Wednesday, Oct. 5 | 5–7 p.m.

University Union Ballroom E

Join the Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug (ATOD) Prevention Center for Mocktails & Mental Health as they kick off their Sober October campaign. Enjoy a refreshing mocktail, paint something spooky and gain resources to better care for your mental health. 

Mental Health Showcase

Thursday, Oct. 6 | 7–10 p.m.

University Union Ballrooms D&E

The Counseling Center, in collaboration with the Towson Student Radio Station (XTSR), invite you to the Mental Health Student Showcase—the first event of its kind that will feature student performers showcasing their creative talents to highlight the connection between creative arts, performance and mental health.

Fire Pit Friday: Let Stigma Burn 

Friday, Oct. 7 | 5–7 p.m.

On the Health & Counseling Center lawn 

Together we will let stigma burn as we unpack stereotypes that relate to mental health and the identities we hold. The event will feature s’mores and community building.

For every event attended, students will be entered to win a relaxation basket full of giveaways and mental-health-related prizes.

In addition to the events above, the healthy & diverse minds peer educators will be holding tabling events throughout campus during the week, where students can meet peer educators, learn about mental health and win prizes. 

Please visit the Counseling Center’s website to schedule an appointment or access additional resources.