Did you know that in a given year, about one in five adults suffer from a diagnosable mental illness? And for college students, the number is increasing. In fact, according to researchers at Boston University, depression among college students has increased by nearly 135%.  

That’s why the Texas Wesleyan chapter of The Bandana Project is raising awareness and providing stress-reducing activities for students during Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) during the first week of October.  

The chapter is part of a nationwide movement that was founded by the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to prevent suicide and raise mental health awareness on college campuses. Members tie a lime-green bandana, the color of the mental health ribbon, to their backpack to signify they have mental health resources available.  

Take a look at the MIAW events coming up this week hosted by TXWES’ chapter: 

Positivity Board/Bandana Project Tabling 

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3 at Gina’s Café 

Learn more about the Bandana Project and add a note to their positivity board. 

Random Acts of Kindness 

12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 in the Martin Center 

Perform a random act of kindness and be entered to win a self-care basket. 

Painting on the Lawn 

3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 on the Kay Granger Mall 

Come relax and de-stress with a painting event. Supplies will be included! 

Donuts and Gratitude Cards 

8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 in the Martin Center 

Grab a donut and write a thank you card to someone in your life to spread kindness.  

 

You can learn more about the events on RamSpace. 

Texas Wesleyan also provides free mental health services to students. Students can use TimelyCare, a virtual health and well-being platform available 24/7, or visit the on-campus counseling center to talk with a counselor.  

To learn more about the Bandana Project, view Texas Wesleyan’s chapter on RamSpace or visit thebandanaproj.org.