CCSU Celebrates Wellness Week

The Central Connecticut Department of Athletics announced its plans for "Wellness Week" in support of Mental Health Awareness, beginning Thursday, September 29.

"The mental health of our student-athletes is at the forefront of the mission of our department," said Director of Athletics Tom Pincince. "We recognize the immense amount of pressure that they are under and strive to support all of them in any manner that is needed. It is crucially important that our student-athletes are supported in this area and know that it is okay to not be okay and be able to ask for help when it is needed."

The department will be hosting Sunset Yoga on Vance Academic Lawn Thursday at 6:30 pm, to kick-off "Wellness Week" and recognize the end of National Yoga Month. The Blue Devils Wellness Room will host daily events from October 3-7, with activities and gatherings to support mental health awareness. Perhaps the highlight of the week's activities will be Wednesday with the visit of Phoenix the Pet Therapy Dog. Other events will include making stress balls, rock painting, and a breakfast break, all to provide support and assistance to student-athletes.

The Wellness Room, founded in December 2017, is designed solely with the well-being of our student-athletes in mind.  It is a safe, peaceful space for student-athletes to relax and decompress from their busy, stressful lives.  There are a variety of calming activities available, as well as numerous resources that encourage and assist in relaxation. To learn more about the Wellness Room, visit its home page.

"Our students are embracing the fact that the mind and the body are connected and taking care of both are equally essential," says Molly McCarthy, Assistant AD for Compliance and Student Services. "The Wellness Room is a space where we can provide information to students on mental health including on campus resources, tips to improve their mood and strategies for self-care. It has evolved into a place for them to connect with one another and disconnect from their stressor for some time during their busy schedules."

Mental Illness Awareness Week takes place during the first week of October to raise awareness of the mental health crisis in the United States. Nearly 50 million American adults live with a mental health condition, and more than half do not receive treatment. More than a quarter of 9,800 NCAA student-athletes surveyed in Fall 2021 felt overwhelmed by all they had to do. 

• Monday, 10/3                    Make your own stress ball & rock painting
• Tuesday, 10/4                   Make your own calming tool – pipe cleaner crafts & good mood food
• Wednesday, 10/5               Visit Phoenix the Pet Therapy Dog
• Thursday, 10/6                  Make friendship bracelets & pins for yourself & a friend
• Friday, 10/7                      Breakfast break in the WR for donuts & bagels – and polaroid pictures