It’s finals week, and students are taking their much-needed break during brunch. The Wellness Center has therapy dogs and snacks set up to help students decompress after their tests. This is just some of what the Wellness Center does for students at the end of the school year.
The end of the year has a lot for the Wellness Center to focus on. Mental Health Awareness Week and finals can be a lot for students to take on, but the Wellness Center is here to support and comfort students in any way they can.
“The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we’re highlighting it here at the school,” clinician-in-training Kimmy Demkovich said.
The Wellness Center works hard to bring awareness to mental health. Demkovich said they make sure that it is well-known that students can always drop in whenever they need a break, as well as providing amenities to take away stress, such as therapists that a student can have a conversation with when they need it.
“I think with physical health, it’s easier to get in touch with because you can see the symptoms more. But mental health is quite internalized,” Demkovich said. “We’re here to bring awareness that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or depressed for periods of your life. You can use therapy and skill building that you learn through therapy [to deal with stress]. That can bring benefits for the rest of your life.”
Demkovich runs a few different groups, some of which include a group for upperclassmen girls and a mindful art group.
“Not only do we have five therapists, we’re gonna have enough funding next year to have seven therapists,” Wellness Center Founder Brooke Zimmerman said. “Two of the therapists this year are getting their doctorates.”
Students said their favorite part of what the Wellness Center provides during finals week are the therapy dogs and snacks provided at brunch to help with mental health.
“I think dogs are really helpful during finals week because when school gets stressful, they’re really comforting and adorable,” freshman Ellia Sharafi said.
During finals week, Demkovich said Wellness Center staff will be outside during brunch at tables with snacks and pamphlets to inform students about the Wellness Center.
“I think an important part of the Wellness Center is the awareness they bring to mental health and how it can bring people together,” freshman Stella Stureson said. “The Wellness Center and mental health awareness should be more appreciated because of the people and community, not just the dogs and snacks, but of course I appreciate that as well.”
Therapy dog owner Jennifer Poole said that it’s easier for students to talk to the dogs and express their emotions rather than communicating them with humans.
“We will come during finals and hang out on the quad with the Wellness Center. In between finals, the kids will come out [of testing] and be stressed. They will pet, hold the dog, and sometimes talk to the dog,” Poole said.
According to the Therapy Dog Alliance, therapy dogs provide non-judgmental and instant emotional support that humans cannot always replicate. This makes them exceptionally effective at reducing anxiety and increasing empathy.
“I think I would send a blanket reminder to students about their mental health and well-being. Learning to cope well through difficult periods is like a lifelong skill that you can learn to build. Getting the chance to learn the skills now is a great thing to bring to the rest of your life,” Demkovich said.
