World Mental Health Day, observed annually on Oct. 10, highlights the importance of mental health awareness and access to support. At Mercer, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is using the month of October to promote mental well-being through campus partnerships and educational initiatives.
CAPS Assistant Director Shaun Kell said CAPS’s theme for October is “Mental Health Every Day” to highlight small ways to take care of mental health. Scoggins also said CAPS’s Instagram includes their favorite everyday mental health practices that make a big difference.
CAPS is partnering with Z Beans, the Student Government Association (SGA) and AWARE, Mercer’s mental health awareness and advocacy organization, to encourage students to prioritize their mental health. The initiatives include mental health-themed drinks at Z Beans and the fourth annual Wellness Fair on Oct. 21.
During October, Z Beans is offering two drinks: the “Brighter Days Matcha” and the “In My Feels Mocha.” According to the press release, the Brighter Days Matcha combines honey and lavender to encourage relaxation and hope, while the In My Feels Mocha features cherry and promotes emotional grounding and acceptance.
“I think that these events are important because they can allow for more conversations about mental health,” AWARE Co-Lead Rose Nadershahi ‘28 said. “The drinks at Z Beans help bring students together to support mental health by contributing to an organization that promotes trauma-informed care in Middle Georgia.”
Z Beans will donate a portion of the proceeds from the drinks to RADical Hope, an organization that promotes mental health.
“This is an opportunity for students to learn not only how to better take care of themselves, but also what resources on campus can help promote their wellness,” AWARE President Kaitlyn Marie Wright ‘27 said.
In addition to the Z Beans partnership, CAPS is collaborating with SGA and AWARE to host the fourth annual Wellness Fair on Cruz Plaza from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 21, Kell said.
The fair, themed “Stronger Together,” will feature activities, food and opportunities for students to learn about the resources Mercer offers to support their well-being, Scoggins said.
Nadershahi said the event will include a petting zoo and a hot chocolate bar. Students will also be able to visit various tables and collect signatures on a card as they explore the fair.
“Every year I believe we improve, adjust to student life, and become more organized to make sure students who attend this event have the resources they need,” Wright said.
SGA Senator-at-Large Hasania Clarke ‘27 emphasized the importance of making students aware of the support available to them.
“Students need to know that their mental health matters,” Clarke said. “You never know who’s feeling alone.”
