National Depression Awareness Month: How we can break the silence together

In recognizing National Depression Awareness Month in October, The University of Akron’s (UA) Counseling and Testing Center (CTC) invites the campus to a day of self-care and mental health resources on National Depression Screening Day, Thursday, Oct. 10. There will be a variety of events from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union in collaboration with Zips Activities Board (ZAB).

• Mental health screenings (Piano Lounge): Get a brief, confidential mental health screening from CTC staff. These screenings will help identify potential concerns and provide personalized feedback and resources.
• Create a self-care plan (International Lounge): After your screening, meet with ZAB representatives to craft an individualized self-care plan. It’ll focus on “protective factors”—the things that help reduce mental health struggles, like healthier habits and stress-relief techniques.
• Free snacks & wellness prizes: Enjoy popcorn, cookies and exciting wellness prizes, including passes to a local rock-climbing gym for 25 lucky participants.

“We encourage everyone to join us and foster conversations around mental health,” said Dr. Natacha Keramidas, a staff psychologist and outreach coordinator for the CTC. "Raising awareness begins with empathy and understanding. If you notice changes in friends, coworkers or classmates, reach out—a simple ‘How are you doing?’ can open the door for someone to seek help.”

Recognizing depression can be challenging, especially when subtle signs go unnoticed. While many are aware of symptoms like prolonged sadness or social withdrawal, other signs often go ignored, including:

• Chronic fatigue or low energy, even with enough sleep;
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions, often mistaken for stress;
• Increased irritability or heightened sensitivity to minor issues;
• Unexplained physical ailments, such as headaches or unintended weight loss; and
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including social events and hobbies.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend a free in-person Mental Health First Aid training in two parts on Friday, Oct. 11, and Friday, Oct. 18, from 8 a.m. to noon.

This training, hosted by the CTC and Dean of Students Office, teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. It focuses on the unique experiences and needs of college students and gives attendees the skills needed to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Attendees must attend both half-day sessions to become certified in Mental Health First Aid.

To register, contact Dr. Natacha Keramidas at nlk16@uakron.edu or Greg Luli at gluli@uakron.edu. Space is limited and there is no cost to attend.

Fall group counseling sessions

 The CTC facilitates group counseling for students to share their emotions and learn from the experiences everyone brings into the sessions. Several types of groups meet throughout the semester, including ones focused on mindfulness, strengthening relationships, managing anxiety and support for underrepresented students and people of color.

More information about group counseling and a schedule for the latest sessions can be found here.

Drop-in intake sessions

The CTC is open for drop-in intake sessions in Simmons Hall, Room 306, on Monday-Friday from 1-3:30 p.m., and from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

For more information, contact the CTC at 330-972-7082 or visit Simmons Hall, Room 306, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The CTC provides free and confidential culturally responsive psychological services for UA students through group counseling, individual counseling and psychotherapy. Online and web-based trainings and assessments are also available.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.