Mondays are often met with groans, endless to-do lists and the weight of a new week ahead. But what if, instead of dreading Mondays, Penn State students could use them as a reset—an intentional space to prioritize mental health?
Mental health remains a pressing concern for college students nationwide, and while Penn State offers a variety of wellness resources, awareness and accessibility can be inconsistent. What if there was a dedicated initiative “Mental Health Mondays” to bring these services into greater focus?
A Weekly Focus on Wellness
Imagine a structured weekly event where students could engage with mental health resources in a more accessible and consistent way. Workshops, therapy sessions, stress-relief activities and open conversations could be scheduled every Monday to help students start their week with a clear and positive mindset.
Resources Already Available
Penn State’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers a wide range of services, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric services and crisis intervention. Programs like CAPS Chat provide informal drop-in consultations, while digital tools like WellTrack Boost allow students to monitor their mental well-being. Without a designated day or consistent event, many students may not be aware of these resources or not prioritize their mental health.
Student Organizations and Peer Support
Groups like Lift the Mask Club, DMAX Club and Lions for Recovery already promote mental health awareness and support. Incorporating them into a weekly “Mental Health Monday” initiative could create a collaborative and engaging space for students to discuss their struggles, learn coping strategies and build a supportive community.
Setting Your Own “Mental Health Monday”
Even if Penn State doesn’t introduce an official initiative, students can still create their own “Mental Health Monday” routines. Setting aside time at the start of each week for self-care through journaling, meditation, exercise or simply unplugging from social media can be a valuable step in maintaining mental well-being. Encouraging friends to join or setting personal wellness goals can make this practice even more impactful. Prioritizing mental health before stress accumulates is crucial in preventing burnout and ensuring long-term well-being.
Could “Mental Health Mondays” Make a Difference?
A structured and recurring initiative like this could normalize conversations about mental health, making it easier for students to seek help without stigma. Universities that have introduced similar programs have reported increased engagement with wellness services and a stronger sense of community.
Should Penn State introduce “Mental Health Mondays”? Let us know what you think! Share @VALLEYmag with your thoughts on how the university can improve student mental health initiatives.
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