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Mental Health Events March 23 – 26 Dispel Common Myths

March 19, 2015

Las Vegas, N.M. – Highlands University presents a series of free public events March 23 – 26 aimed at dispelling common myths about mental illness and raising awareness about mental health resources on campus.

The university’s Center for Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support (CARES) is sponsoring the week of activities.

“When we think about mental illness there are still so many fear-based stereotypical images that people see in the news media and pop culture that are inaccurate and misleading,” said Corilia Ortega, CARES advocacy and education coordinator. “These events give the students and the community an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and talk about mental illness in a stigma-free and supportive space.”

Ortega said the onset for many mental health issues are the college years.

“We want students to know there are mental health resources available to them on campus. We have great faculty and staff at Highlands who are well versed in mental health issues and will present on a wide variety of topics during the week,” Ortega said.

She added that the majority of people with mental illness live rewarding and enriching lives with the right support and resources.

Most of the events are in the university’s Student Union Building (SUB) at 800 National Ave.

Mental Health 101 – March 23 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. in the SUB Room 321. Lara Heflin, psychology professor, is the presenter.

Rooftop Yoga – March 23 at 2 p.m., SUB Balcony, third floor. DeAnn Berry of Buena Vida Physical Therapy & Wellness will teach the class. Please call 505-454-3529 to reserve a space and a yoga mat, as space is limited.

Brains & Rx Drugs – March 24 from 10 – 11:15 a.m. in the SUB Room 321. Linda LaGrange, psychology professor and associate vice president of academic affairs, is the presenter.

Hollywood vs. Reality: What is counseling really like? – March 24 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in the SUB Room 321. George Leone, counseling professor, is the presenter.

Mental Illness & Pop Culture – March 25 at 7 p.m. in Ilfeld Auditorium with a presentation by David Pan, psychology professor, followed by 7:30 and 9 p.m. showings of the 2014 feature film Gone Girl (rated R). Ilfeld Auditorium is at 900 University Ave.

Men & Mental Health – March 26 from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in the SUB Room 321. The discussion panel includes Ben Bencomo, Social Work Field Education director; Benito Pacheco, Academic Support director; and Kerry Loewen, Media Arts & Technology professor and program chair.

Highlands University co-sponsors include Psi Chi Club, Housing and Student Conduct Office, Cineflix in Ilfeld, and Men’s Initiative.

The CARES office is on the third floor of the Student Union Building and can be reached at 505-454-3529 or via email at preventviolence@nmhu.edu CARES is also on Facebook at No Violence HU.