Wellness in Action: LSU College of Science’s Mental Health Campaign

The LSU College of Science (CoS) is committed to fostering an environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being for its students. Recognizing the challenges students face, the CoS has made mental health support an integral part of its mission, ensuring that every student feels empowered, connected, and supported from their first day on campus to graduation.

This commitment was recently exemplified through a five-week campaign, The Science of Well-being. The initiative blended online and in-person efforts to raise awareness about mental health and provide actionable resources for students. On social media, the CoS shared tips for anxiety relief, mindfulness practices, and strategies to curb overthinking. The campaign also highlighted the extensive mental health resources available at LSU, ensuring students know where to turn when they need support.

A key feature of the campaign was Take a Paws, a special event held on December 3 on Tower Drive, between Life Sciences and Virginia Rice Williams Hall, an area well-known to most science majors. This event brought together seven lovable therapy dogs and six enthusiastic volunteers from Bayou Buddies Pet Therapy, offering students an opportunity to relax and de-stress in the company of furry companions.

Research shows that even 5–20 minutes of petting a dog can significantly lower stress hormones like cortisol while boosting oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone. The event drew more than 200 students, who enjoyed not only cuddles with the pups but also refreshments and stress-relieving swag, all part of CoS’s holistic approach to student wellness.

Beyond the joy of interacting with therapy dogs, the event focused on mindfulness and gratitude through a “gratitude board” activity with corkboard and sticky notes. Participants also received thoughtful takeaways, including friendship bracelets with gratitude messages, journals, and breathing exercise cards. Students were encouraged to reflect on what they’re grateful for and to incorporate simple, effective practices into their daily lives.

Gratitude journaling, for instance, has been shown to enhance well-being and reduce depression, with benefits lasting for months. Similarly, mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing, can help regulate physical stress responses, promoting a sense of calm and focus. These practices remind students of the power of small, intentional actions in building resilience and maintaining mental balance.

LSU faculty and mental health professionals also contributed to the campaign. Dr. David J. Vinyard, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, shared insights from his work with students. He emphasized the importance of foundational habits like prioritizing sleep, eating well, and taking breaks, noting that physical well-being is closely linked to emotional and academic performance. Dr. Nathalie Cahill, a provisionally licensed psychologist at LSU’s Student Health Center, also offered practical advice, highlighting the value of “me-time” for recharging and maintaining balance amidst the demands of academic life.

The Science of Well-being campaign reflects the CoS’s dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. By collaborating with LSU’s Mental Health Services and other campus resources, the campaign seeks to empower the entire LSU Science community to prioritize resilience, personal growth, and academic success.

Whether through mindfulness, gratitude, or reaching out for professional support, the CoS reminds students that they are never alone in their journey.

LSU students have access to a range of mental health resources through the Student Health Center, which offers counseling and support services to help with emotional, interpersonal, and academic challenges. The Mental Health Service at LSU provides primarily short-term therapy but also offers referrals to the community for students who need longer-term or more specialized care. To schedule a consultation appointment with a therapist at LSU Student Health Center - Mental Health, students can call 225-578-8774. For after-hours support, students can contact The PHONE at 225-924-5781 for 24-hour crisis and emotional support. The PHONE also offers services via text or chat. The university also directs students to the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline, accessible by calling 1-800-985-5990 or texting "TalkWithUs" to 66746 as well as National Suicide Prevention Hotline, available at 1-800-273-8255. 

These resources reflect the university’s commitment to ensuring that students have the tools and support needed to navigate life’s challenges and thrive academically and personally.

At the LSU College of Science, student well-being is more than a priority; it’s a cornerstone of the college’s mission. With initiatives like The Science of Well-being, the College of Science continues to set the standard for fostering a campus culture where mental health and academic success go hand in hand.

References: 

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• Teo, J. T., Johnstone, S. J., Römer, S. S., & Thomas, S. J. (2022). Psychophysiological mechanisms underlying the potential health benefits of human-dog interactions: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 180, 27–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.07.007
• Vidourek, R. A., King, K. A., Nabors, L. A., & Merianos, A. L. (2014). Students’ benefits and barriers to mental health help-seeking. Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 2(1), 1009–1022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4346065/