1.Providing Students with Access to Mental Health Support
In alignment with SDG 3’s mission to promote well-being and ensure healthy lives, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) has implemented a range of mental health support initiatives designed to actively promote mental wellness and provide free access to mental health resources for students. These efforts create a supportive campus environment that addresses both preventive and responsive mental health needs, ensuring students have the resources and assistance they need to thrive.
One significant initiative is the “Mental Health Check-In” program. This event invites students and faculty members alike to regularly assess their mental well-being, asking questions such as, “How are you feeling today? Are you tired? Are you okay?” This program, held in partnership with the Student Affairs Office and Mental Health Center Region 13, aims to foster a supportive environment where individuals can reflect on and prioritize their mental health. Through these simple yet impactful check-ins, BSRU encourages students to openly discuss mental well-being, providing accessible pathways to further care and guidance when needed.
BSRU has launched several innovative mental health programs to foster a culture of openness around mental health. One key initiative is the “Don’t Worry, We Can Talk” VDO Presentation Competition, organized in collaboration with Mental Health Center 13. Through this competition, BSRU students are encouraged to create video presentations aimed at normalizing mental health discussions and promoting mental wellness within the campus community. The competition not only raises awareness but also rewards students for their creative contributions, with scholarships and certificates awarded to the top submissions. Prizes include THB 5,000 for the first-place winner, THB 3,000 for the runner-up, and THB 2,000 for the third-place winner. By encouraging students to engage in conversations about mental health, this initiative plays a vital role in reducing stigma and fostering a culture of mental well-being.
The university’s commitment to supporting student mental health extends beyond awareness programs to include structured support planning. On March 3, 2023, BSRU’s Health Division, under the leadership of Associate Professor Sayan Putthala, Vice President, and Assistant Professor Theerathawan Panklang, Director of Student Affairs, held a strategic mental health meeting. This session focused on identifying actionable ways to enhance mental health support services for students, including the development of a formalized support plan. Discussions centered on providing practical resources to help students manage stress and mental health challenges. The Health Division’s efforts reflect BSRU’s proactive stance on creating a nurturing campus environment where students can receive the care and attention they need for their well-being.
BSRU faculty and staff have also received specialized training in student mental health support. On February 16, 2023, representatives from the Student Affairs Division attended a mental health workshop organized by the Bangkok Mental Health Institute. This workshop, attended by BSRU’s Assistant Professor Cherdsiri Nilphai, Deputy Director of Student Affairs, included lectures by Dr. Sorut Phan Chakkraphan, Director of the Institute, on mental health trends among university students. The session covered essential topics, such as identifying mental health risks, providing effective interventions, and navigating students’ mental health rights and service options. The goal of this training was to equip BSRU’s staff with the knowledge and skills needed to support student mental health effectively, creating a safer and more informed campus environment.
BSRU’s mental health support initiatives further include dedicated seminars aimed at empowering students to manage their own well-being. On March 23, 2023, the Faculty of Education will host a psychology seminar titled “Good Health and Well-being: Identifying and Managing Toxic Relationships,” with the objective of equipping students with tools to maintain healthy relationships and recognize toxic behaviors. Led by Mr. Warakorn Sornsarin, a psychologist and founder of On Person Counseling, the seminar will delve into topics such as self-assessment, toxic relationship patterns, and strategies for mental resilience. This seminar encourages students to take proactive steps to safeguard their mental health, providing them with valuable insights and strategies to navigate personal relationships.
Through these varied initiatives, BSRU has established a comprehensive support system that promotes mental well-being across campus. By offering resources, workshops, and direct access to mental health professionals, BSRU ensures that students can find the support they need to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. The university’s commitment to mental health aligns directly with SDG 3’s goal of fostering healthy lives and well-being, creating an inclusive and caring academic community.
For more information
– “Don’t worry, we can talk” Competition
– “Good Health and Well-being: Identifying and Managing Toxic Relationships”
– Mental health workshop organized by the Bangkok Mental Health Institute
– Mental Health Check-In
2.Providing Employees and staff members with Access to Mental Health Support
Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) demonstrates a strong commitment to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through a range of initiatives aimed at supporting the mental health of its students, faculty, and staff. Each program contributes to an inclusive environment where mental health is prioritized and resources are accessible to all, promoting a supportive community focused on well-being.
One of the university’s cornerstone initiatives is the Mental Health Check-In Program, which has been recently expanded to apply on staff to engage in meaningful self-reflection, asking questions like “How are you feeling today?” and “Are you okay?” This check-in approach creates a safe space where mental health is openly discussed and valued, fostering a campus culture where support is both readily available and actively promoted.
In addition to mental health check-ins, BSRU offers free health screenings for both physical and mental well-being. Collaborating with Public Health Service Center 26 Chao Khun Phra Prayurawong, the university provides students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to monitor their health regularly. On December 19, 2024, BSRU hosted a health screening event where members of the university community could receive free assessments, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health as part of a holistic approach to well-being.
To equip individuals with tools to manage stress, BSRU organizes stress management workshops. One recent event, titled “Managing Stress and Finding Joy in Work,” brought together students and staff to learn effective coping mechanisms and strategies for maintaining balance in a fast-paced environment. Led by Assistant Professor Dr. Supalak Kemthong from Mahidol University, the workshop provided attendees with actionable strategies to navigate stress and build resilience, reinforcing the university’s commitment to fostering a supportive community.
BSRU also provides its advisors with targeted training to support students’ mental health. The Advisor Training for Mental Health Support program, held annually, empowers faculty with psychological counseling skills. This year’s training, scheduled for November 3, 2024, is specifically designed to enhance advisors’ roles as supportive mentors and trusted figures for students. By equipping advisors with these skills, BSRU strengthens its mental health support network, ensuring that students have access to knowledgeable, compassionate guidance throughout their academic journey.
Through these diverse initiatives, BSRU actively promotes mental well-being and ensures that resources are accessible and widely publicized, establishing the university as a proactive and supportive environment for mental health.
