udec Hosts Mental Health Fair, Prioritizes Student Well-being
concepción, Chile – The University of Concepción (UdeC) marked World Mental Health Day with a thorough fair offering resources, advice, and recreational activities to its community. The event, held following a commemoration in the auditorium, took place in the meadows fronting the Faculty and featured participation from DISE Student Health and Welfare units, the Student Development Support Center (CADE), the Ministry of Health, the Faculty of Nursing, NEPSAM UdeC, and the Health and Sports commitee, among other university departments.
Dr. Juan Luis Castillo, a Faculty of Medicine academic, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health openly. “It is crucial to make it visible at a global level, and as an institution we must keep up with the new times. From research we must provide data on these associated phenomena, such as academic stress, and as teachers we are responsible for facing mental health challenges in the classroom, without lowering the demands, but creating spaces for dialog and understanding that favor the mental health of students.”
Sofía Navarro, a member of Health and Sports, highlighted the value of student involvement. ”The fact that we are in these spaces, that we are giving our opinion, delivering our vision and working collaboratively, contributes to us having collectively built solutions around mental health. It is very positive that these spaces for frank conversation and in safe spaces are generated.”
The UdeC’s ongoing commitment to student well-being is demonstrated through the “UdeC Accompanies you” program, promoted by DISE. This year-round initiative focuses on dissemination, awareness, training, and support, encompassing five key areas: Physical and Mental Health; Wellness and Tools for Life; Sports, Recreation and Culture; and Social Action and Volunteering. The program aims to strengthen protective factors and foster a community-focused approach to mental health.
