Several hundred students attended Health Services' annual "Spring Oasis" event Wednesday in the Cousens Gymnasium. The event focused on presenting students with ways to relax, unwind and reduce stress. Free massages, Tai chi, pilates and yoga demonstrations all took place.
According to Health Services Director Michelle Bowdler, the "Spring Oasis" event is part of a Health Services mission to support the mental health and well-being of students at Tufts.
"We believe that events like ["Spring Oasis"] emphasize to students that taking care of one's self is important to overall health and academic success," Bowdler said. "During times of high stress and study it is important to take a moment for yourself."
For many students, college is filled with stress that goes far beyond an academic setting. In addition to academic difficulties and stress over choosing a major or career, a student can be confronted with relationships problems, family problems and confusion over sexuality and sexual orientation.
According to a 2004 American College Health Association survey from of a pool of 47,202 college students, more than 40 percent of U.S. students become so depressed during their four years in college that it affects their academic performance, and 15 percent seek help for clinical depression.
In recent years, Tufts has stepped up efforts to support the mental health of students, including offering individual counseling and in-dorm workshops focused on specific issues such as test anxiety, stress management, and eating concerns.
In addition, informal support services have been created on campus such as Ears for Peers Hot Line and peer-advisors networks.
Most recently, the Student Health Advisory Board has focused on overcoming the stigmas that keep students from seeking treatment.
"Basically we think that a lot of times people only pay attention to mental health issues on college campuses after a tragedy occurs, whether it be a suicide or alcohol and drug related," said senior Adam Pulver, a member of the Student Health Advisory Board.
"We're working to encourage students to recognize that mental health providers, particularly on this campus, are trained to deal with issues that college students are faced with," Pulver said. "Students need to feel comfortable going there to receive the proper care when necessary. Even if you don't think you are headed for suicide, there is nothing wrong with admitting that you just want to talk to someone."
According to Bowdler, Tufts has made strides against stigmas associated with depression to the point that 400 of nearly 5,000 undergraduates utilize the psychiatric services offered at Health Services each year.
"We make it our mission to reach out to students and make them comfortable to come to us when they need us," she said.
