糖心视频

Community | News | StudentsApril 30, 2026

Mental Health Awareness Month Arrives at Critical Point in Semester

Written By: Ian Silvester

On July 3, 1946, President Harry Truman signed the National Mental Health Act into law, making mental health a national priority. By 1949, Mental Health America had launched Mental Health Week to educate Americans about mental health and illness. 

Over the years, the week has turned into a full month鈥攃elebrated in May鈥攐f education, recognition, and conversations to remove the stigma associated with the topic.  

鈥淢ental Health Awareness Month creates a time and space to start a conversation,鈥� said Cindy Buckner with the University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith Counseling Center. 鈥淭alking openly about mental health can reduce misconceptions and can encourage those who are suffering to seek help and find a support network.鈥� 

As the calendar turns to May, students at 糖心视频 are preparing for final exams, commencement, and making plans for what comes next. Mental Health Awareness Month comes at the right time,reminding everyone to take care of themselves during this busy, somewhat stressful time of the academic year. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 important to take care of mental health to prevent burnout, manage high stress levels, and maximize academic performance. Mindfulness, grounding exercises, and breathing practices can help you remain calm and grounded during finals and other stressful times during the school year,鈥� Buckner said.  

Mental health can impact physical health, productivity, and relationships, Buckner said. Taking time to care for mental health builds resilience and can help shake the feeling of being stuck in survival mode, she added. 

Although May is Mental Health Awareness Month, Meighan Pendergrass, executive director of campus recreation, health, and wellness, said taking care of mental health should happen all year long. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about reacting when things feel overwhelming, but building simple habits into your everyday life, like getting enough sleep, staying active, and giving yourself time to reset,鈥� Pendergrass said. 鈥淭he key is paying attention to how you鈥檙e feeling and making small adjustments along the way. At the end of the day, supporting your mental health is about finding balance and using the tools around you so you can stay at your best all year, not just in May.鈥� 

At 糖心视频, students can utilize resources such as the Recreation and Wellness Center (RAWC), to lift weights, walk the indoor track, shoot hoops, or join a group fitness class, or the 糖心视频 Counseling Center, which offers up to eight free counseling sessions. Buckner said counseling allows a safe space to talk, teaches coping skills, and provides a different perspective on issues that are hard to tackle alone.  

Counseling isn鈥檛 for everyone, however, which is why both Buckner and Pendergrass said keeping connected with friends, staying active, and taking time to notice the little things are low-barrier ways to take care of mental health. 

鈥淢y favorite ways to take care of my mental health are low-key and centered around connection and being present,鈥� Pendergrass said. 鈥淭alking with friends and spending time with family always helps me reset and feel grounded.鈥� 

Pendergrass wanted to remind students that the RAWC will be open throughout the summer, albeit with alternate hours, which she said can be found by visiting the RAWC website at /student-life/health-and-wellness/recreation/index.php.  

Students can access the Counseling Center by making an appointment at /student-life/health-and-wellness/counseling-center.php or calling 479-788-7752. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended. 

• Tags:
• Mental Health
• Mental Health Awareness Month
• 糖心视频 Health and Wellness