Welcome to your new wellness haven.
In partnership with Students Helping Students, a committee within the IU Student Foundation (IUSF), the Office of Student Life has opened an on-campus wellness space for students. Located at 625 N. Eagleson Ave., the Wellness House provides a serene environment for students, with drop-in spaces like the Fireplace Room, Meditation Space, Quiet Room, and Collaboration Space. There are also two reservable spaces for meetings and events. Additionally, the Wellness House is home to three departments from the Office of Student Life: Student Wellness, Substance Use Intervention Services, and the Collegiate Recovery Community.
Mental health and well-being mean something different for everyone. This year, the Students Helping Students campaign focuses on destigmatizing mental health care on the Bloomington campus. Members of the IUSF Steering Committee were asked to share their thoughts on the Wellness House and the lasting impact it will have on students.
Q: What are the mission and goals behind the annual Students Helping Students campaign?
Ava Tuschman: “Students Helping Students is exactly what the name says. It is a student-led campaign that benefits students on campus. There is something so special about the fact that students put this together. It is all about empowering each other and creating a better campus for everyone. Focusing on mental health these past two years has been so special because, in one way or another, we have all been affected by it.”
Caroline Buhner: “Students Helping Students is dedicated to destigmatizing mental health and fostering open, shame-free conversations about the topic. Our overall goal for the annual spring campaign is to empower students to support one another, creating a community where students are actively helping other students achieve this mission.”
Adam Delumpa: “The mission of SHS is to serve the entire student body to address concerns that students regularly face, such as mental health problems or food insecurity. In our partnerships with other IU student organizations, we brainstorm ways to address these concerns, such as hosting engagement events that bring students together. This year, the goal of our spring campaign is to promote more mental health initiatives that benefit students and their mental health, such as designating more mental health spaces and/or services for easier student access. Ultimately, our goal is to emphasize the significance of supporting student mental health care, helping destigmatize mental health, and boosting student success.”
Margaret Barnett: “Students Helping Students has a goal to give back to the community and foster a culture of giving here at IU. Our spring campaign focuses on student giving, and this spring is our second year raising money for mental health initiatives. It’s really special to see so many students buy into one cause!”
Q: Why was it important to prioritize mental health initiatives? How will the Wellness House benefit students?
Caroline Buhner: “I believe there is still significant stigma surrounding mental health, and breaking down these barriers is crucial in helping students seek the support they need. The Wellness House will serve as a sanctuary, providing resources and a quiet space for students to reflect and recharge.”
Margaret Barnett: “In order to be your best self, friend, and student, you need to feel your best. In college, mental health is something that needs to be maintained like physical health to get the most out of the college experience. The Wellness House is so cool because it’s a place specifically dedicated to the mental well-being of students, and it is in an accessible location on campus.”
Ava Tuschman: “College is such a special time in your life, but that does not mean it is all picture perfect. Being open and honest about the stigma that is created around mental health is so important. Having the Wellness House on campus creates a one-stop shop for students to prioritize their mental health. It is a calming and welcoming space which will be a game-changer for students.”
Adam Delumpa: “We prioritized mental health initiatives for the 2025 campaign because it was important for us to continue where we had left off following the success of last year’s campaign. Our pursuit to destigmatize mental health care and help foster student resources on campus remains a priority, as we acknowledge our role to serve and support students in the ways they need and deserve.”
Q: What is your favorite Wellness House room?
Caroline Buhner: “My favorite room in the Wellness House is the Fireplace Room. I love all of the natural light and how cozy it is.”
Ava Tuschman: “I love the natural lighting and childlike wonder the Collaboration Space has. Being able to do puzzles, color, play board games, create origami, and so much more brings out my inner child. I always leave the room reminding myself what a joy it is to be able to do those things.”
Adam Delumpa: “My favorite room is the Quiet Room because it can be difficult to escape the hustle and bustle of college life, the busyness of academics, and worries about the future. It provides the perfect environment for peace, allowing me to be fully present, reflect, and practice mindfulness.”
Q: Any other ideas about SHS, mental health, or the Wellness House that you would like to share?
Margaret Barnett: “I urge everyone to take some time to focus on their mental well-being. Whether it looks like taking a trip to the Wellness House, going on a walk, or catching up with a friend, it’s so important to put time aside for your mind. You are loved and appreciated!”
Ava Tuschman: “Indiana University is a large campus, so it feels daunting to know that you only have 4 years to make an impact. The best thing you can do with your time here is to figure out how to leave it better than you found it. I am lucky that the Wellness House is part of my legacy at Indiana University, and I hope it creates a safe space for years to come.”
If you would like to learn more about Students Helping Students, visit the IU Student Foundation website. Drop by the Wellness House in person or find out more information on the Student Life website.
Leave a Reply