Mental Health & Wellness Week March 2-6: Caring for Ourselves, Supporting Each Other

At OCTC we believe that learning and working thrive best when our people do too. Mental Health & Wellness Week is a time to pause, reflect, and recommit—to ourselves and to one another.

College life is rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Students balance coursework, jobs, family responsibilities, and big questions about the future. Faculty and staff juggle teaching, meetings, mentoring, deadlines, service, and the daily work of supporting others. No matter our role on campus, we are all human first—and mental health matters to every one of us.

Wellness Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Mental wellness doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it may mean managing stress and anxiety. For others, it may involve navigating grief, burnout, depression, caregiving, or major life transitions. And sometimes, it simply means feeling overwhelmed by a full calendar and constant expectations.

Mental Health & Wellness Week is not about “fixing” ourselves or pretending everything is fine. It’s about acknowledging where we are, giving ourselves permission to ask for help, and recognizing that support is a strength—not a weakness.

A Shared Responsibility

Creating a mentally healthy campus is a collective effort.

• Students deserve an environment where it’s okay to speak up, ask questions, and take breaks when needed.
• Faculty play a powerful role in shaping classroom culture—through flexibility when possible, clear communication, and empathy.
• Staff are often the first point of contact and a steady presence, offering guidance, encouragement, and connection.

Small actions matter. Checking in on a colleague. Reaching out to a classmate who’s been quiet. Taking a moment to truly listen. These everyday gestures help build a campus where people feel seen and supported.

Making Time for Well-Being

During Mental Health & Wellness Week on March 2-6, we encourage students, faculty, and staff to explore activities and resources that foster education, reflection, creativity, and connection. Everyone is invited to participate in daily events (Monday-Thursday). A sneak peek includes a Mental Health Kit Station, yoga, workshops by local agencies, a community resource fair, and giveaways! Stay tuned for more details!

Wellness doesn’t require perfection or major life changes. Often, it starts with small, intentional steps—and the understanding that progress is personal.

You Are Not Alone

If you are struggling, help is available. Reaching out can feel hard, but support services exist because YOU MATTER. Counselors Krista Camp and Barb Tipmore can help you discover solutions to academic and personal challenges. They can also connect you with supportive resources, including therapeutic and medication management services. Asking for help is a sign of courage and self-awareness.

If you’re doing well right now, this week is still for you! It’s a chance to build habits that protect your well-being and to help create a campus culture where others feel safe doing the same.

Moving Forward Together

Mental Health & Wellness Week is just one week—but the conversations and care don’t end here. Let’s continue to normalize talking about mental health, supporting one another, and making wellness part of our daily campus life.

Thank you for being part of a community that values compassion, connection, and care. Together, we can make OCTC a place where everyone has the opportunity to learn, work, and thrive—mind and body.

Krista Camp is an OCTC Counselor. Camp has been employed at OCTC since July 2024. Camp holds a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of Louisville and a Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling from Campbellsville University.