Men’s mental health is not a topic that is given a lot of attention in popular discussion. The month of “Movember,” founded by an Australian non-government organization in 2003 with the same name, focuses on raising awareness addressing issues that affect the health of men.

Part of Movember involves growing a mustache for charity, to attempt to “change the face of men’s health.” The organization and its participants raise money for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and prevention of men’s suicide. Movember is an international organization, and the month is observed in locations all over the world.

At the University of Oregon, the Men’s Resource Center utilizes the month to provide contexts for men to engage with one another over a common activity or a discussion of the different facets of men’s health. Many men, especially young adult men, struggle with reflecting on the state of their health, both physically and mentally…

Haven Walters, a UCS Student Advisory Board graduating senior, has taken the time to write a message to their peers. Throughout their stay at UO, they have become integral parts of their community through their hard work and perseverance. Here is their reflection, hopes, and dreams for the future after experiencing their lives as a student and employee at the University of Oregon.

My time here at the University of Oregon has changed the way I position myself in the world. I went through various obstacles in my personal and academic life that have prepared me to jump into my post-undergrad career. Finding the confidence to be myself without worry of judgment is an obstacle I continue to face. Through this, I realized that it’s important to ask for help, especially when life seems too overwhelming to fully participate in. Through reading and writing, I’ve gained an immense amount of confidence compared to my freshman-self. I’ll continue to write, whether my words get…

As we are approaching the year mark of the lock downs and implementation of social distancing measures related to the COVID-19 virus. Many of us may be triggered by the countless experiences that we have lived through during this past year. The effects of this pandemic are far reaching. Regardless of our situation, we have all experienced loss and pain in one form or another. Many of us continue to cycle through a myriad of emotions.

Intense emotions influence each person in different ways. For some, managing strong feelings comes easy and seem to be second nature. For many, the fight toward maintaining their mental health takes constant effort, with repeated disappointment, and the need for recalibration along the way. People around the world are seeking help from mental health professionals, while others continue to turn towards different means to cope.

During these turbulent times may I suggest the use of mindfulness.

Mindfulness can be defined as the…

It is no secret that a strong relationship exists between mental wellbeing and substance use.  Probably at the top of this list is the experience of shame. When talking with students who are struggling with substance use difficulties, shame is often one of the most common and also most painful experiences discussed. Substance use and mis-use comes with a whole host of experiences that aid in the development of this shame.  A few that come to mind include judgment from others, societal stigma and oppression, living in a country that has a long history of villainizing and criminalizing substance use and users, anger at self, and comparison to others. “They seem to be able to keep this under control- why can’t I??” “They go to more meetings than I do- they’re recovery plan must be better than mine.” “They have anxiety too, why can they handle it without smoking/drinking and I can’t?” Take a moment to reflect on any other thoughts of negative self-…