Four-legged Therapy
Hundreds of backpacks dotted the lawns between the campus bookstore and science buildings. Hundreds of backpacks with heart-felt messages. Hundreds of backpacks with messages of hope. Hundreds of backpacks of hope.
Active Minds, a nonprofit organization that serves as a voice for student mental health, hoped to convey that there is hope and help for those struggling with depression during Monday’s “Send Silence Packing” event that featured 1,100 backpacks with photos and letters attached.
Therapy dogs, provided by the Disabled Students Services in conjunction with "Send Silence Packing," also were on hand to alleviate any stress students might be feeling during the day. It’s been shown that animals can promote a feeling of well-being, reduce anxiety and provide mental simulation.
“Petting animals stops you from ruminating because you focus on someone else and not what is bothering you,” said Rachel Mahgerefteh, coordinator of DSS Service and Emotional Support Animals.
The two dogs, Tootsie and Poke, were supplied by Paws 4 Healing. Several counseling organizations also had set up and available to students seeking answers.
Through “Send Silence Packing”, Active Mind organizers work to increase awareness and provide information on depression and suicide, and encourage students to seek help by taking their backpacking exhibit to various college campuses around the country.
Cal State Long Beach was the seventh campus on the tour that began Sept. 1 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
“Our goal is to increase awareness, education and prevention,” said Dani Lukens of Active Minds. “The 1,100 backpacks represent the number of people who die by suicide each year in the United States.
“And we have discovered that two of every three persons who die by suicide tell a friend first."
Lukens said the message also is intended to let others know not to stay silent and to help those struggling with depression by letting them know there are resources available. According to Active Minds, roughly 60 to 80 percent of teens suffer from depression that goes untreated.
