Black Mental Health Matters Day 2..An ALANA Student Event

Welcome to DAY2 of Black Mental Health Matters!

(Interpreters Available Upon Request)

Just a reminder that this is a safe space for students identifying as ALANA/BIPOC. If you do not identify as ALANA/BIPOC we encourage you to consider joining a different event on Campus Groups or reach out to Dr. Taj Smith to learn more about Diversity Education at RIT. Currently, this is not an event intended for allyship exploration and education; it is intended for students with shared and lived experiences as ALANA/BIPOC persons.

Counseling and Psychological Services and the Multicultural Center for Academic Success proudly present Black Mental Health Matters; a two day event to focus on the importance of mental health and discuss the stigma of mental health in Black and Brown communities, the impact of racism on individual mental health as well as provide information and resources of services available at CaPS.

Day 2: BMHM Workshops! (Saturday February 19th 12-4:30PM)

12-1pm (in Person)
Anxiety Toolbox, Grace Weinstein
Feeling anxious? Come for an introduction to a regular 3 part workshop offered at CaPS, Anxiety Toolbox, to learn more about how anxiety works and some practical skills for what to do about it. We will also discuss some of the ways BIPOC individuals may experience higher levels of anxiety due to the impact of micro-aggressions, stereotype threat, dual consciousness. You will hopefully leave feeling validated that it makes sense why you might feel anxious, and feel empowered to use some new tips to feel calmer.

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12-1pm (via Zoom)

Sleep Well for Mental Health, Lisa Rizzo and Toni Gauthier
Improved sleep can have a beneficial impact on your mental, physical, and overall wellbeing, including your academic success, memory, and athletic performance. Join us for a fun and interactive workshop about the many benefits of Sleep for improving Mental Health. You will come away with tips and a plan for better sleep.

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12-1pm (in person)
"I'm holding on, but I'm not sure they are." Erin Pomerantz-Castillo

This workshop will cover recognizing when you are stepping into that helper role. We are looking at the impact of others' mental health struggles on our well-being, setting healthy boundaries, and having hard conversations. We will also focus on recognizing how and when a helper needs help and resources available on and off-campus. We will conclude by focusing on putting on your oxygen mask first: reflecting on Self-care and healthy boundaries. Get curious about finding self-care and compassion with personal meaning that feels authentic and impactful to you, and consider integrating them as a part of your healing process.

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1:10-2:10pm (in person)

Confronting Imposter Syndrome, Shannon McCormick
This workshop will take a closer look at imposter syndrome from an intersectional, trauma-informed lens and how BIPOC folks experience a multitude of external messages, especially in predominantly white institutions that can contribute to experiences of Imposter Syndrome. We will discuss examples of those experiences and negative messages that can impact perception of self and explore how self-compassion practices can help with staying grounded and trusting your right to thrive in these spaces.

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1:10-2:10pm
Mental Health Technologies for All, Trevor Jones
This workshop will demonstrate examples of low-cost/free open source technologies for improving mental health and wellness, including a simple biofeedback device for regulating stress. Participants will learn the basic principles of open source and how this applies to personal and community empowerment with health tech.

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2:20-3:20 (in person)
Black Girls Have Eating Disorders Too, exploring body image and increasing positive self-talk, Isabel Chandler
This workshop will explore the history of the scrutiny of Black female bodies and how it relates to unrealistic beauty standards that can influence unhealthy relationships with ourselves, our bodies, and food. This workshop will also provide brief information about eating disorders as Black women are often overlooked and under researched when it comes to eating disorder treatment. You will hopefully walk away with an understanding of the impact that negative self-talk has on the relationship with your body image. As well as learn ways to start building positive self-talk and improve the relationship you have with yourself and your body.
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2:20-3:20
Is it ADHD or something else? Misdiagnoses and health-related disparities in BIPOC communities.- Odessa Despot and Clarissa Wood

This zoom group facilitated by Odessa Despot and new CAPS staff, Clarissa Wood, will talk about commonly missed and misdiagnosed mental health disorders in BIPOC communities. Facilitators will cover a brief history of racism and gender bias in medicine and psychology, the impact of this, and signs and symptoms of disorders such as ADHD, ASD, sensory processing and mood disorders. If time permits Odessa and Clarissa will also do an overview of learning disorders/learning styles and how this can impact academic performance. Students are invited to share their perspectives and experiences in this safe space.

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3:30-4:45 (in person)
Don't Postpone this Procrastination Workshop , Nikki Haynesworth and Susan Chapel
An opportunity for discussion that normalizes and validates procrastination as a tool to avoid the very real stressors of being a student of color in a PWI, and to teach and provide practice in skills to help students move beyond procrastination.

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3:30-4:30pm (via zoom)
Intergenerational Trauma in the Family System, Joshua Dentley
This workshop will explore the meaning of intergenerational trauma and the manifold effects the phenomenon has on the family system. Participants will explore cultural traumas that have impacted people of color historically and discuss how intergenerational trauma may have impacted their own family.


*Please indicate need for interpreters upon registration.
*All zoom links for virtual workshops will be included in the registration confirmation email.

Counseling & Psychological Services | Website | View More Events

Bernard Rodgers
Co-hosted with: Counseling & Psychological Services (OWNER), Multicultural Center for Academic Success

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