One of the key initiatives is the formation of various emotional and mental wellness groups on campus. These groups offer students unique ways to engage in self-care and community building. Among them are a candle-making group, an expressive arts therapy group and a social relationships group. Along with aromatherapy workshops, there are many support activities offered, such as grief and loss support growth and trauma healing sessions that are designed to help students cultivate meaningful connections and combat feelings of isolation.

Other internal wellness organizations include the HOPE initiative which empowers students to disseminate crucial mental wellness information, while the Silence the Shame program provides essential training on addressing mental health and assault. HOPE is a registered organization catered to the mental health and wellness of Spelman students through outreach, peer counseling and education. The Silence the Shame program at Spelman is an initiative aimed at addressing mental health stigma and promoting mental wellness within the community. It often includes workshops, panel discussions, and other events designed to educate and empower individuals to seek help and support each other in their mental health journeys.

The Counseling Center has also established external collaborations to enhance its offerings. For the past year, they have worked with the National Association of Licensed Counselors to conduct small group trainings on campus. These sessions, aimed at students interested in becoming peer leaders, cover topics such as mental health wellness, emergency care and how to be effective gatekeepers.

Several upcoming events are planned to focus on wellness, including   a wellness campaign featuring Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts, C’2001, in collaboration with Peloton on March 5. This event will include a conference and panel discussions involving students, faculty and staff, focusing on health and wellness issues faced by Black women nationwide. It will feature a mindfulness exercise to promote rest and self-awareness, and expert-led conversations with a student moderator. There will be breakout workshops to increase inclusivity and accessibility. The event will also unveil a new wellness space, funded by the Peloton Foundation.

On March 27, there will be a campus discussion on imposter syndrome at HBCU’s led by renowned expert Dr. Kevin Cokley, the event will unpack the underpinnings of imposter syndrome, its prevalence among minoritized groups, and strategies to conquer it. Dr. Cokley will offer actionable tools for building self-confidence, fostering a sense of belonging, and addressing systemic barriers that contribute to imposters’ feelings.

The CARE team, chaired by Daryl Lowe, associate vice president for student affairs, is another critical component of Spelman’s mental wellness strategy. This team allows anyone to report concerns about others, with immediate meetings to discuss imminent situations regarding a particular student. Once the student’s situation has been addressed, the team will devise an optimal solution to provide support.

Dr. O’ Bannon plays a pivotal role in overseeing these initiatives, acting as a liaison between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. She ensures that the Counseling Center’s programs are effective and responsive to student needs. Students who have utilized the Wellness Center are encouraged to provide feedback through surveys and drop-in sessions. Dr. O’Bannon also holds office hours on Mondays, inviting students to share their ideas and suggestions for improving mental wellness initiatives.

Recognizing the diverse needs of students, the Counseling Center provides both virtual and in-person support. Students can access traditional therapy, case management and acute care services, with information readily available on Spelman’s website. Additionally, there is 24-hour support for those in immediate need, ensuring that help is always accessible.

To learn more about the wellness initiatives and services provided on campus, visit the Counseling Center

Source: Spelman College