The Xavierite
On September 30, The Saint Xavier Counseling Center sponsored an Avengers-themed Anxiety Education and Screening Day in the Butler Reception room from 11 am to 2 pm. The event, which was designed to teach students about the causes and treatments of anxiety, is considered by many students to be an important SXU tradition.
“I think this event is important to have at Saint Xavier because it provides students the resources and education about how to cope with anxiety in a constructive and healthy manner,” said senior psychology major Anna Goldman.
Besides members of the SXU Counseling Center, the event was also made possible by student volunteers from the Psychology Department. Students from various psychology classes administered many of the different activities of the day.
“I’ve volunteered for the anxiety screenings in the fall and the depression screenings in the spring since my freshmen year. It’s a lot of fun, you have the opportunity to switch around, learn things yourself, and meet new people,” said senior clinical psychology major Diane Simmons.
When they first entered the Butler room, attendees were given an Avengers ID Card that listed all of the day’s activities. Once students participated in an activity, event moderators placed one or two stickers on their card next to the appropriate activity name.
After receiving two stickers’ participants were able to enjoy “Thor’s Smorgasbord” which consisted of tacos with their choice of toppings. Jamba Juice Smoothies were supposed to be given to students who received four stickers, however the smoothies were unavailable so Jamba Juice vouchers were awarded instead.
The prize for filling the Avengers ID Card with seven stickers, which was only possible by completing all activities, was an Avengers-themed T-Shirt. For many students, however, attending the event was about more than just completing the tasks and receiving prizes.
“I decided to go to the Anxiety Education and Screening Day because I’m a huge advocate of mental health awareness and I love showing my support for these types of events. I also went to show my support for the Counseling Center. I know that they put a great amount of effort in hosting these events and this year’s Avengers-theme was totally awesome,” said senior history secondary education major Macy Zamudio.
Attendees had the opportunity to fill out a confidential anxiety screening questionnaire. Brian Kelley, a counselor from the Counseling Center then reviewed the completed questionnaire and met privately with the student to discuss their results. In keeping with the Avengers theme, the meeting with the counselor was referred to as “Consult[ing] with Shield Operatives.”
Other activities were designed to inform attendees about more general knowledge about anxiety. In an event titled “Play Jeopardy with the Brilliant Tony Stark” participants split up into two groups and attempted to answer anxiety-themed trivia questions.
There were also stations designed to allow students to participate in stress relieving activities. In “Treat Yourself to a Massage with the Hulk” students were provided with free five minute massages. Students were also able to participate in a Pilates session called “Learn the Power of Physical Training with Black Widow.”
“I really enjoyed doing the Pilates session. I may have been out of breath by the end of it, but it was funny seeing other students – besides myself – completely worn out and just lying on their mats absolutely defeated by the routine.
There are some things in life I’m not cut out for and Pilates is one of them,” said Zamudio. One of the goals of the Anxiety Education and Screening Day, as well as other Screening Days offered by Counseling Center, is to bring attention to mental illnesses that are not often discussed.
“People often don’t like to talk about mental illnesses because there’s still a strong stigma attached it. Because of this stigma, people are unaware of the causes and symptoms of a certain mental illness as well as the difficulties that people living with a mental illness may experience,” said Zamudio.
The Counseling Center offers year-round services for people dealing with anxiety and other issues including personal counseling which is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To learn more about the services offered by the Counseling Center call 773-298-3131 or visit the center which is located in the modular unit behind Pacelli Hall.
Yasmeen AbdellatifNews Editor
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