Oklahoma State University Promotes Mental Health Awareness
On March 28, 2025, Oklahoma State University’s Department of Wellness organized a campuswide event, aiming to raise mental health awareness among its community. The walk, held at Theta Pond, attracted faculty, staff, and students to engage in a casual stroll, fostering an environment conducive for open dialogues about mental well-being.
Taylor Bailey, the employee wellness coordinator, noted the significance of mental health issues in today’s society, stating, “Mental health has quickly risen to the forefront of the conversation in recent years. We’ve done a few studies, and we do know that depression and anxiety are really common challenges on campus.”
The event was designed not just to encourage physical activity but also to facilitate discussions about mental health, an essential aspect of overall wellness.
Participants were provided with informational handouts and QR codes containing links to various mental health resources. These included the national suicide prevention hotline, 988, and Student Assistance by Mercy (SAM), which offers support to students managing stress and anxiety.
Justin Cypert-Worley, communications coordinator at the Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence, highlighted the importance of workplace wellness in maintaining a balanced lifestyle. “It’s beneficial for employees to take breaks and do something completely different than what we do every day,” he emphasized.
The walk is a component of a larger initiative by the Department of Wellness, which includes various training programs such as Mental Health First Aid and Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) training. These programs aim to equip participants with the knowledge to recognize mental health challenges and provide necessary support.
Rene Compte, a senior administrative support specialist, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Mental health is essential to being a healthy person, much less a healthy employee.”
For more information about available mental health resources at Oklahoma State University, visit okla.st/osucares.
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