Mental Wellness

As we return to campus from primarily remote learning, we know that stress levels will likely rise.  We want to offer our robust program of educational and stress relieving activities via Zoom and virtually while we transition.  All students are welcome to attend events, regardless of campus.   

Black + Mental Health + Matters
This World Mental Health Day, join the SHaW Center, Student Life, and Boys to Men as we celebrate the mental health of Black individuals using the artistic expressions of poetry, film, and other mediums. Knowing that Black humans in America face unique and specific barriers to mental health, this workshop provides a place for Black students to be seen and heard, both collectively and individually. The workshop also connects students with tools to help them thrive and culturally-specific mental health resources, and empowers them to seek support and heal as individuals and communities. While this event centers Black students, all campus community members are invited to attend, listen, and learn.
Register here for the virtual event on Monday, October 10, 2022 from 4-6pm.new window

Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training
During the pandemic, suicidal thoughts and behaviors have unfortunately become much more common. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) teaches participants how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Shining a light on suicide can save lives.  All dates are offered virtually only, click the date to register.
Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 12-1pmnew window
Wednesday, September 14, 2022 from 2-3pmnew window
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 10:30-11:30amnew window
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 from 3-4pmnew window
Monday, November 11, 2022 from 2-3pmnew window

Mind Body Medicine Skills Groups
Mind-body medicine is based on the scientific understanding of the connection among our thoughts, sensations and feelings, and our mind, body, and spirit – between ourselves and the social and natural world in which we live. Mind-body skills (such as meditation, biofeedback, guided imagery, and self-expression in drawings, words, and pictures) are scientifically validated to reduce stress and restore physical and psychological health.  All dates are held in-person at the Rockville Campus in SV 314 as well as virtually.  Click the date to register if you plan to attend virtually or just come by if you plan to participate in person.
Overview of MBM Program- Monday, September 12, 2022 from 4-5pmnew window
Breathing and Movement- Wednesday, September 28, 2022 from 4-5pmnew window
Drawing- Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 4-5pmnew window
Imagery- Tuesday, October 25, 2022 from 4-5pmnew window
Mindful Eating- Thursday, November 11, 2022 from 4-5pmnew window
Breathing and Movement- Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 4-5pmnew window
Dialogue with a Problem- Monday, December 5, 2022 from 4-5pm

Mental Health First Aid
Since the pandemic, the instances of mental health crises have been on the rise.  This training teaches participants how to identify when someone might be dealing with a mental health problem and how to intervene in a mental health crisis situation.  Upon successful completion of the course, all participants will receive a 3-year Mental Health First Aid certification. For more information and registration, click the date below.
Friday, October 7, 2022 from 9:30am-4:00pmnew window

Educational Workshops
Check back for more dates soon!

Stress Relief Events
While learning about stress management and coping skills is important, it's equally important to practice them!  The SHaW Center offers a variety of stress relief activities during the semester.
"Mindful Moments" via Instagram @mcshawcenternew window

Brain Break
Give your brain a break and stop by our table to play!  We have coloring, Play-Doh, puzzles, and more.  Come by for five minutes or stay a while, it's up to you.  All events will be held from 11:30am-1:30pm
Tuesday, October 25 at Rockville Campus SV Atrium
Wednesday, October 26 at Germantown Campus SA Lobby
Thursday, October 27 at Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus ST Atrium

Peer Support Groups
Whether you're readjusting to classes on campus or attending in person for the first time, being a college student is stressful!  Our Peer Advocates Carlos and Anne, students like you- not a counselor or therapist, and your fellow MC students are here to talk about frustrations, challenges, and successes in a safe space.  

Visit the Peer2Peer page to see the Fall 2022 group schedule.

• Counseling and Advising Office Locations, Hours, and Contact Information
  • Germantown: 240-567-7734 
  • Rockville: 240-567-5063 or 240-567-4104
  • Takoma Park/Silver Spring: 240-567-1480
• Personal Counseling
• Combat to College: Mentoring and support for veterans and military service members.
• Behavioral Intervention Teamnew window
• Title IX
• Public Safety
• Peer2Peer: Students helping students as peer educators, peer mentors, and peer navigators. 
• Mentoring Network
• Disability Support Services

Montgomery County 311new window: Call for information about any Montgomery County program or to request services. Available between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

• Professional Help
• Self-Help Resources

Substance use and abuse doesn’t just have a negative impact on an individual’s mental health but also disrupts the user’s family and social support systems. If you or someone you love has been dealing with the effects of substance use, find out more about different drugs of abuse and community resources for everyone impacted by substance use.

Most people have been touched in some way by substance use and addiction, whether it be their own use, friends, or family.  Sometimes, something that starts out as a way to relax and have fun or to escape pain can turn into a life-threatening problem. 

The national crisis surrounding prescription opioids and heroin has started more conversations and led to a greater understanding of how alcohol and other drugs impact the body and brain.  Montgomery College wants to continue that conversation and provide students with information about addiction as well as treatments. 

• National Institute on Drug Abusenew window 
• Video: NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow Explains the Science of Addictionnew window
• Video: Why Are Drugs So Hard to Quit?new window

Do you think you, or someone you know, has a problem with alcohol or other drugs?  Take this short screenernew window and use the results to start a conversation with your doctor or counselor.  

Mental Health is something that everyone has.  We often separate Physical and Mental Health, but they are actually connected and what goes on in our physical bodies can impact our mental state, and our mental state can impact our physical health.  Taking care of Mental Health includes self-care, a strong support system, rest, and for some people therapy and medication.  To learn more about supporting your Mental Health and relieving stress, check out some of the resources below.

• Terms to Know- A Mental Health Glossary from Mental Health Americanew window
• Life on Campusnew window: A guide for how to deal with the stress and anxiety of college life from balancing school and work to planning for your future after college.
• About Mental Illnessnew window: Learn more about the warning signs that you or a loved one might be struggling with a diagnosable mental health disorder, different types of mental health disorders, and the treatments that are available for you or your loved one.
• Mindfulness as Self-Care:new window Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment without needing to label or judge our experiences.  Mindful.org has plentiful information about using mindfulness as self-care as well as free mindfulness meditations.
• Self-Care and Mental Healthnew window: Self-care is unique to each individual person, learn about some different types of self-care you can engage in and see what works best for you.