Wallace State Human Services Department sponsors depression and anxiety awareness event

CONTACT: Russell Moore, Communications and Marketing, Wallace State Community College, 256.352.8443, russell.moore@wallacestate.edu
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State’s Human Services Department sponsored a “Mental Health Matters” and “De-stressing Fun” themed Health Link Tent at the Student Center and Burrow Center for the Fine and Performing Arts on campus recently to raise awareness about depression and anxiety.

The Human Services event was the final fall semester event for the college’s yearlong Healthy Campus Initiative, which continues in spring.
Students and employees who visited the tent had the opportunity to participate in a depression/anxiety screening. The Human Services Department also distributed printed materials, gave away goodies and set up displays specifying the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Referrals to resources for professional help were provided.
A quilt donated from the Blount County Quilters Guild was given to a Wallace State student in a drawing, topping off a two-day campus awareness outreach for the Human Services Department.
“It took a lot of hard work, but we were glad to see the good turnout and the participation we received. We were surprised at the people who completed the screening and wanted someone to talk to about what was bothering them,” said Wallace State student Rhonda Walker of Locust Fork. “The mind is a muscle you’ve got to keep healthy as well, and this time of the year it can be something to become concerned about, considering the holidays and the end of the year is approaching.”
Added student Michelle Hogland of Pinson: “I hope our department made a difference or touched at least one person. We had an awesome turnout and thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Mental Health Matters’ event.”
“Depression hurts and anxiety attacks college students during a time when they experience major developmental and life milestones. Not only did we screen students and employees for anxiety, but we planned activities, which were fun as well as therapeutic. To decrease their anxiety and depression, students and employees had the opportunity to participate in contests such as line dancing, an egg toss, balloon release and feelings identification. Research has proven that people suffering from anxiety and depression experience relief when they laugh and move around,” said Wallace State Human Services Program Director Susan Beck. “My students deserve 100 percent credit for the Health Link Tent success. All events and activities were student driven and student directed.”
Wallace State student Stetson Murphree, a J.B. Pennington grad, inquired about the Blount County Quilters Guild donating a quilt to the Human Services Department, and the group gladly obliged. Karen Thrasher represented the guild on campus.
Previous Wallace State departments sponsoring the Health Link Tent were Diagnostic Imaging and Respiratory Therapy.
“I’m grateful to the Health Link Tent committee for inviting my students to participate and engage in learning outside of the traditional classroom,” Beck said. “We also owe a very special gratitude to the Blount County Quilters Guild for its generous donation of a hand-sewn quilt.”
Wallace State offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Human Services with Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol and Social Work options. For more information call 256.352.8031, or contact Beck at 256.352.8339 or susan.beck@wallacestate.edu.
Spring semester classes begin January 7.
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu
PHOTOS:
Top: Wallace State’s Human Services Department set up the Health Link Tent at the Student Center and Burrow Center last week. Pictured from the department are, front row, from left, Lindsey Slaughter of Arab and Jamie Gandy of Baileyton, middle row, from left, Summer Mullet of Cullman, Jessica Dyer of Hanceville, Rebecca Berry of Huntsville, Patsy Smith of Haleyville and Adela Suarez of Cullman, back row, from left, Stephanie Hogan of Athens, Michelle “Tina” Beason of Hanceville, Michelle Hogland of Pinson, Stetson Murphree of Blountsville, Ann Blackwood of Cleveland, WSCC Program Chair Susan Beck, Emily Alexander of Vinemont and Rhonda Walker of Locust Fork.
Members of Wallace State’s Human Services Department join Karen Thrasher (with quilt in hand) from the Blount County Quilters Guild in the Burrow Center.

 
 

Wallace State Human Services Department students release balloons in recognition of releasing stressful things in life that might cause mental depression.

 
 

Displayed at the Health Link Tent are some of the symptoms and causes of depression.
 
 
 
 
______________________________
Kristen Holmes
Director, Communications & Marketing
Wallace State Community College
P.O. Box 2000, Hanceville, AL 35077
1-866-350-9722 256-352-8118 direct
256-352-8314 fax 256-339-2519 cell
Visit us online at www.wallacestate.edu