Students will participate in workshops held by the Center for Belonging and Social Change.Credit: Provided by Madison Eagle
The Center for Belonging and Social Change will commemorate United Black World Month on Thursday with a self-care workshop centered around the Black experience with a discussion about mental health.
Led by Madison Eagle and Dareon Greer, Free Workshop held at Ohio UnionBounce Back: Self-Care and Community Care” takes a deeper dive into topics such as self-care, self-soothing, and community care.
Eagle, CBSC’s affiliation and student support coordinator, said she was inspired to hold the workshop after hearing Megan Thee Stallion’s song “Anxiety,” which is about black mental health care.
“She’s really created a shift in the conversation around mental health and how it doesn’t have to be stigmatized,” Eagle said.
Eagle said the presentation will provide students with concrete and sustainable ways to incorporate self-care into their lives. She said they would discuss “the difference between self-care and self-soothing.”
“There’s this idea on social media that self-care is about bubble baths and treating yourself,” Eagle says.
Mr. Greer is a clinical therapist who provides counseling and consultation services. She said the workshop will allow students to share their personal experiences with self-care and discuss how to take advantage of available resources.
“While not every student may need therapy or mental health treatment, we may have some resources for you that you may not be aware of.” said Professor Greer. “We’ve also heard feedback from many students that the amount of free resources across Ohio State can be a little overwhelming. Let us help you figure it out.”
Eagle said the workshop will give students a way to directly access the services that are best for them.
“This is a really good opportunity to gain some really specific, concrete self-care and mental health skills that they can use as they finish the semester,” Eagle said.
Eagle said the workshop will discuss the various barriers students may face when seeking help, including not being taken seriously, facing discrimination in medical settings, racism, and sexism. ) will also be discussed.
“This can really deter people from seeking mental health services,” Eagle says.
Greer said the purpose of the workshop is to enhance Ohio State’s culture of inclusivity.
“We try not to sound trite by bringing each other together and having interactive dialogue and cultural reflections and discussions, but in order to get to know each other better and understand each other more. We try to do the best we can with meaning and integrity,” Greer said. “It’s about healing the world and trying to make it a better place for each of us.”
The event will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Barbie Tootle Room at the Ohio Union. Dinner will be provided.RSVP online is required.
