Alaska Pacific University
  • Majors & Institutes
  • Admissions & Costs
  • Student Life & Activities
  • About APU & Our Campus
  • Virtual Campus Tour
  • Support
  • Request Info
  • Apply
  • 1 (800) 252 7528
  • myAPU
  • Directory
  • Library
  • Courses
  • Catalog
  • Blackboard
  • (907) 564-8362
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • myAPU
  • Directory
  • Library
  • Courses
  • Catalog
  • Blackboard
  • (907) 564-8362
  • Support
  • Request Info
  • Apply
  • 1 (800) 252 7528
Alaska Pacific University

Discover Active Learning

  • Majors & Institutes
  • Admissions & Costs
  • Student Life & Activities
  • About APU & Our Campus
  • Virtual Campus Tour
  • Support
  • Request Info
  • Apply
  • 1 (800) 252 7528
  • myAPU
  • Directory
  • Library
  • Courses
  • Catalog
  • Blackboard
  • (907) 564-8362

Mental Health Awareness Event Takes Center Stage

November 5, 2018

On November 1, Alaska Pacific University (APU) senior Rachel Fritz walked to the stage to welcome the attendees of Mental Health Awareness Day. Fritz aimed to change how Alaskans talk about mental health.

“The organization of today’s event means a lot to me, honestly. It means that this campus [APU] is putting mental health first. It’s beginning to break that stigma and keep the conversation going.”

During the morning session, keynote speaker Dr. Tina Woods – Director of Community Health at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and an APU Board Member – shared her life’s story including her challenges with positive mental health. Her presentation struck a chord with many and sparked a discussion about different types of mental health treatment. For Dr. Woods, APU’s commitment to changing the narrative about mental health will open the door for further conversations.

“I’m really pleased APU is hosting mental health awareness, especially to help destigmatize this health issue that many of us suffer [from]. Many of us have experienced a form of depression or anxiety, and we always hope it doesn’t exacerbate into something like suicide. I’m really pleased to see APU promote mental health awareness on this campus and to encourage people to seek help. To help them understand that they are normal, that they are no different than any other human being that has a chronic physical illness. Mental health should be looked at a holistic manner, and people should feel comfortable with saying I don’t feel well mentally.”

By the end of the event, one thing became abundantly clear; the only way to change the current narrative regarding mental health is to keep talking. The conversation is key.

“Dr. Tina Woods talked a lot about how the conversation needs to be there, and the conversation needs to continue in order for people to feel comfortable to get the help that they need. Mental health is just as important as your physical health, and it needs to be treated as such. It’s amazing that the campus [APU] is allowing me to put this on and willing to put mental health first.”

Filed Under: Active Learning, APU Spotlight, Community, Counseling Psychology, We Are APU, World Class

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Active Learning (143)
  • Admissions (12)
  • Advancement (7)
  • Alaskan Culture (7)
  • Alumni (12)
  • APU Spotlight (28)
  • Business Administration and Management (12)
  • Business Administration Department (23)
  • Community (39)
  • Consortium Library News (2)
  • Coronavirus Faculty & Staff Updates (21)
  • Coronavirus Updates (23)
  • Counseling Psych & Human Services (7)
  • Counseling Psychology (5)
  • Doctorate of Psychology (4)
  • Early Honors (6)
  • Earth Science (11)
  • EcoLeague (1)
  • Education (6)
  • Environmental Public Health (1)
  • Environmental Science (22)
  • Environmental Science Department (38)
  • Expedition Alaska (5)
  • Faculty (3)
  • Farmers Market (4)
  • FAST Lab (7)
  • Featured Item (19)
  • Field School (1)
  • Geology (2)
  • Graduation (3)
  • Human Services (1)
  • Kellogg Campus (19)
  • Liberal Studies (29)
  • Liberal Studies Department (36)
  • Marine Biology (23)
  • Master of Arts (5)
  • Master of Business Administration (17)
  • MS Counseling Psychology (1)
  • MS Environmental Science (16)
  • MSOEE (7)
  • Newsletter (4)
  • Nordic Skiing (18)
  • Nursing & Health (5)
  • Outdoor Studies (20)
  • Outdoor Studies Department (16)
  • Photobook (1)
  • President's Blog (32)
  • Press Releases (31)
  • Raven Reconnaissance (3)
  • Recently completed theses (7)
  • Recreation Programs (2)
  • Research (2)
  • Scholarships (1)
  • Spring Creek Farm Journal (4)
  • Student Activities (15)
  • Student Enrollment Services (1)
  • Student Stories (12)
  • Sustainability Studies (22)
  • Testimonials (1)
  • Uncategorized (11)
  • We Are APU (35)
  • World Class (24)

Recent Blog Posts

APU Faculty Volunteer to Give COVID-19 vaccinations

January 20, 2021

December 17 – Message from President Valerie Davidson to the APU Staff and Faculty – Telecommuting extension through March 14, 2021.

December 18, 2020

Class of 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony

December 12, 2020

branded shirt hanging on a rackCampus Store opens in-person and online

December 11, 2020

Ben BaldwinAPU Student Elected to National Indian Education Association Board

November 19, 2020

You Are Here: Home / Active Learning / Mental Health Awareness Event Takes Center Stage

Footer

Alaska Pacific University
4101 University Drive • Anchorage, Alaska 99508
  • Careers
  • Make a Gift
  • Conferencing Services
  • Transcript Request

© 2021 Alaska Pacific University · All Rights Reserved · Notice Regarding Web Accessibility · Privacy Policy · Website Credits