The event will begin at 11 a.m. in front of Ottenheimer Library with check in at 10 a.m. with a free brunch, live music, giveaways, and inspirational speakers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with therapy dogs. The campus walk will begin at 12 p.m., after the Chancellor provides a proclamation.

 鈥淭he Campus Suicide Prevention Walk is about bringing our campus community together to send a clear message that you are not alone.鈥� Dr. Aresh Assadi said, 鈥淲e want students, faculty, and the broader community to see that support is available and that their lives matter. Events like this help reduce stigma, build connection, and remind people that it鈥檚 okay to reach out for help.鈥�

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, approximately 1,100 college students die by suicide each year. In Arkansas, suicide is the third leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24 and ranks as the 10th leading cause of death statewide.

鈥淢ental health resources are available, but it鈥檚 crucial that people feel empowered to seek help,鈥� Assadi said. 鈥淲e also want to encourage students to check in on their friends, classmates, or even acquaintances who may be struggling. A simple conversation could make all the difference.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to participate. Registration is for both in-person and virtual walkers. Proceeds from the event will support the Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Please register for the Campus Walk at . 

Though this is a fundraising event, it is free to everyone. Donations are encouraged but are not necessary to enjoy the event.For more information, contact Dr. Aresh Assadi at 501-916-3185, axassadi@ualr.edu, or counselingservices@ualr.edu.

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to Hold Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk April 24 appeared first on News.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock joined the initiative on Sept. 8 during a at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center. Griffin and Chancellor Christina Drale joined student leaders, faculty, and staff to announce the university鈥檚 participation, underscoring the importance of prevention and education at a time when opioids remain one of the nation鈥檚 most pressing public health crises.

鈥淭his continues our commitment to bring this initiative to college campuses across Arkansas,鈥� Griffin said. 鈥淭he education, awareness, and resources this initiative provides will no doubt save lives. 鈥淐hancellor Drale and the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock staff have been great partners in this effort, and I appreciate their commitment to keeping their students safe and addressing this nationwide crisis head-on.鈥�

Griffin, who lost his brother to opioid addiction earlier this year, emphasized that prevention and education are critical steps in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

鈥淥ur goal is to educate campuses by working through student leaders, the media, and word of mouth,鈥� Griffin said. 鈥淲e are providing training here to ensure students are prepared, including in the use of Narcan if needed. We are making progress, but this is a fight we must continue.鈥�

Chancellor Drale echoed those concerns, noting that universities have a unique responsibility to protect students and provide resources for wellness and safety.

鈥淎s an institution of higher education, we鈥檙e committed to being part of the solution,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淭hat means sharing information, having difficult conversations, and connecting students to the resources they need. The reality is that it only takes one moment, one decision, one pill to change a life forever.鈥�

The launch included the first campus training session, where more than 100 participants learned how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, administer Narcan, and use fentanyl test strips. Attendees left with prevention kits containing Narcan, testing strips, gloves, a medication disposal pouch, and information on counterfeit drugs.

Sharon Downs, assistant vice chancellor of student affairs 鈥� wellness and belonging, said the turnout reflects the urgent interest in addressing this issue on campus.

鈥淭he training was a great success with over 100 engaged participants who asked thoughtful questions,鈥� Downs said. 鈥淲e will continue to offer Narcan training each semester, and students can also pick up harm prevention kits at Health Services while supplies last.鈥�

Additional support will soon be available through a new vending machine that will be installed in the Donaghey Student Center. Provided by the Attorney General鈥檚 office, the machine will dispense free Narcan alongside over-the-counter medications, offering students an anonymous and accessible way to obtain life-saving resources.

Student leaders say the initiative is already making an impact.

鈥淚 was very encouraged to see 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock join the 鈥極ne Pill Can Kill鈥� Initiative,鈥� said Ainsley Kendall, a junior business administration major and president of the Student Government Association. 鈥淎ddiction, particularly opioid misuse, is one of the most pressing issues facing college students today, yet many don鈥檛 know how to respond if a crisis occurs. This program is an important step in expanding education and equipping students to make a lasting impact.鈥�

Braden Carr, a junior political science and criminal justice major, said he looks forward to continuing the conversation.

鈥淚 am extremely excited to see the university and the Attorney General come together to tackle this issue,鈥� said Carr, who serves as legislative affairs officer for the Student Government Association. 鈥淭his program is a great first step in educating students on the dangers of the opioid epidemic. As a student leader, I will continue to advocate for increased education and awareness, alongside supporting partnerships such as this.鈥�

Students who need support can access resources through Counseling Services in SSC 118, by calling 501-916-3185, or by emailing counselingservices@ualr.edu. Online resources are also available at ualr.edu/wellness and .

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Expands Student Safety Efforts Through 鈥極ne Pill Can Kill鈥� Partnership appeared first on News.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. in front of Ottenheimer Library with a free brunch, live music, giveaways, and inspirational speakers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with shelter dogs from a local rescue organization. The one-mile awareness walk will kick off at 1 p.m., after Chancellor Christina S. Drale provides a proclamation. 

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young adults, and tragically, our campus community has not been immune to its impact,” said Dr. Aresh Assadi, director of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Counseling Services. “This walk is about more than raising awareness. It鈥檚 about fostering hope, building a supportive community, and reminding those who are struggling that they are not alone.”

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, approximately 1,100 college students die by suicide each year. In Arkansas, suicide is the third leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24 and ranks as the 10th leading cause of death statewide.

“Mental health resources are available, but it’s crucial that people feel empowered to seek help,” Assadi said. “We also want to encourage students to check in on their friends, classmates, or even acquaintances who may be struggling. A simple conversation could make all the difference.”

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to participate. Registration is for both in-person and virtual walkers. Proceeds from the event will support the Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Please register for the Campus Walk at afsp.org/ualr. Everyone is welcome, and you do not have to physically attend or donate to participate. You can still support this important cause by simply registering and showing the campus community how much we care about student mental health and suicide prevention. 

The event is sponsored by Empower Healthcare Solutions, Arkansas Collegiate Network, and MidSOUTH.

For more information, contact Dr. Aresh Assadi at 501-916-3185, axassadi@ualr.edu, or counselingservices@ualr.edu. 

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to Hold Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk April 25 appeared first on News.

鈥淥ur goal is to enhance the wellness and belonging of everyone at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said Una Drake, graduate assistant for Student Affairs.

A key event is the Health Fair on April 2, where students and employees can connect with campus resources like Counseling Services, the Disability Resource Center, and Health Services. Free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, HIV, and syphilis testing, will be available.

Another major event is the seventh annual Suicide Prevention Walk on April 25, which raises awareness and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Students, employees, and organizations are encouraged to participate. Donations are appreciated but not required.

鈥淭hese events help make our campus healthier and more welcoming,鈥� said Sharon Ann Downs, assistant vice chancellor for wellness and belonging in Student Affairs.

For more information on Wellness and Belonging Month activities, visit . 

Week 1

April 1: Balance and Beyond: Design Your Personal Wellness Plan, DSC Leadership Lounge, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

April 2: Health Fair, DSC Ledbetter Rooms, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

April 4: Flow State Freedom: Finding Clarity and Calm through Mandala Art, Ottenheimer Library Room 535, 2:30-4 p.m.

Week 2

April 7: Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Screening, DSC Lobby (near the cafeteria), 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

April 11: Bystander Intervention Training, Ottenheimer Library Room 535, 1-3 p.m.

Week 3

April 14: Drawing and Mindfulness with Clark Valentine, Ottenheimer Library Room 535, 1-2:30 p.m.

April 17: Assistive Technology Interactive Workshop, Ottenheimer Library Room 100A, 1-2:30 p.m.

Week 4

April 23: Narcan Training, DSC Ledbetter A, 2-3 p.m.

April 25: Suicide Prevention Walk, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

11 a.m. Check-in, food, music, and activities

1 p.m. Walk – Meet in front of the Ottenheimer Library

Week 5

April 29: Unstoppable You: Tools for Growth, Grit, and Grace, Ottenheimer Library Room 535, 2-3 p.m.

April 30: Dislecksia: The Movie, DSC meeting room D, 1-2:30 p.m.

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Observes Wellness and Belonging Month in April appeared first on News.

Why do so few male college students seek counseling when compared to women?

鈥淲e kept finding that men went to therapy far less than women, usually at a rate of 3 to 1,鈥� Assadi said. 鈥淚 wondered if this was a coincidence or something that just happened at our campus. There is definitely a gap in treatment that needs to be addressed.鈥�

To find the answer, Assadi made this the research focus of his dissertation, 鈥淢asculinity, Mental Health, and Attitudes on Willingness to Seek Help in Male College-Aged Students.鈥�

Despite the numerous studies suggesting that psychological treatments are equally efficacious for men and women, many men continue to exhibit reluctance toward seeking treatment for their psychological concerns. This significant gender disparity in mental health services utilization persists despite the mental illness severity. There are many quantitative studies regarding men鈥檚 help-seeking behaviors, but qualitative investigations into this phenomenon are scarce.

Assadi鈥檚 research involves data analysis from 12 in-depth interviews conducted with male college students. He found that adherence to traditional masculinity norms, stigma, and a lack of mental health literacy were the three most cited reasons why men did not go to therapy.

鈥淭he male college students wanted to be perceived as masculine, and you can see how that attitude might not mesh well with the counseling and help seeking process,鈥� Assadi said. 鈥淎 lot of men are socialized to behave a certain way. They want to be perceived as masculine, independent, and tough. Admitting you have a problem and asking a stranger for help can be an uncomfortable experience for many men. When men feel that they are falling short of these masculine ideals, stigma may occur. The third issue is a lack of mental health literacy, which is the ability to recognize, understand, prevent, and treat mental health issues.鈥�

Assadi found that the men he interviewed actually thought it was fine for men to go to counseling, but had a blind spot when it came to their own mental health.

鈥淢en saw the importance of going to therapy, just not for themselves,鈥� Assadi said. 鈥淭hey think it鈥檚 okay for other people to go to therapy, but they don鈥檛 extend that same grace to themselves. So they mask, minimize, or compartmentalize their mental health problems. But if this was happening to a friend, they would want their friends to tell them that they were struggling right away. They were more comfortable in the role of helper than the helped.鈥�

There are many solutions to encourage men in college to seek counseling. First off, universities can increase mental health literacy on campus by holding programming that makes mental health a visible topic on campus. Counseling Services can also educate students, faculty, staff, academic advisors, and residential assistants about how to refer students to counseling.

Another solution is to reduce the stigma that goes along with seeking counseling. Technology is an excellent way to combat stigma since online counseling sessions decrease the barrier to mental health access. Seeing a counselor from the comfort of your dorm room is a lot less intimidating than going to an office where you might be recognized, Assadi said.

鈥淲e can also use marketing to rebrand masculinity as incorporating mental health,鈥� Assadi said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e all heard of toxic masculinity. Positive masculinity uses masculine traits as reasons for going to counseling. One example is responsibility. A man takes responsibility for their own mental health.鈥�

Assadi presented his research at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting in Chicago, the world鈥檚 largest gathering of education researchers and a showcase for groundbreaking, innovative studies.

Assadi also discussed his findings on an Aug. 27 episode of 鈥溾�� with Dr. Rikki Turner, suicide intervention expert. He gave insight about how mental health affects men and tips on how to navigate the shame and stigma for this population.

The post Assadi Researches Why Male College Students Are Reluctant to Seek Counseling appeared first on News.

鈥淛ust because something is fun and exciting doesn鈥檛 mean that it won鈥檛 cause you stress,鈥� said Dr. Aresh Assadi, director of Counseling Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淭here is good stress and bad stress. Going to college is a great time in life, but there is also stress that comes with new opportunities and life changes, like moving, meeting deadlines, and managing expectations.鈥�

Adjusting to college life can be difficult, especially for new students and those who are moving from far away.

鈥淪tudents often feel homesick and miss their family, friends, and old way of life,鈥� Assadi said. 鈥淔or a lot of people, college is where they have to take care of themselves for the first time. Independence is nice, but it can be tough. The major stressor  in college is that you are constantly being evaluated. Staying on top of assignments and meeting people鈥檚 expectations can be tough for students.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Counseling Services offers a wide range of resources and support to help students navigate the transition of returning to campus life, such as counseling and mental health programming. You can join them for Movement Mondays at noon every Monday in front of the campus bookstore to go on a walk. Online meditation sessions are offered at 9 a.m. on Mondays and noon on Thursdays.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not a stretch to say that we need our brains to work properly to do well academically,鈥� Assadi said. 鈥淚f someone is too stressed out, they won鈥檛 be able to do their assignments, stay on track, and do everything they need to do to be successful. Before you have a strong anxiety episode, come and ask for help. We can provide you with coping skills and different tools and resources to prevent that from happening.鈥�

Assadi has some tips to help college student learn how to manage back-to-school stress like a pro:

1. Set realistic goals 鈥� Having clear objectives can help you stay focused and motivated. Setting clear goals can keep you grounded and keep you from getting overwhelmed with the new challenges of college.

2. Establish a routine – Consistency is the key to managing your time effectively. This will help you balance your responsibilities and avoid last minute stress.

3. Prioritize self-care 鈥� Self-care is the little things you do just for yourself; it鈥檚 the ways in which we take care of our mental health. For me, it鈥檚 taking a walk, reading a book or meditating. Your mental and physical health are crucial for academic success. If you don鈥檛 feel like exercising alone, you can meet us every Monday at noon in front of the bookstore.

4. Stay organized – Staying organized helps reduce stress, keeps you on track, and makes sure you don鈥檛 miss important commitments during your college career.

5. Get involved – Engaging in extracurricular activities is a great way to meet people, develop skills, and enhance your college experience. Things seem a lot less stressful, especially college, when you are not doing them alone.

6. Maintain a positive mindset 鈥� Having a positive outlook on life will help you navigate the ups and downs of the semester and keep you from getting too stressed out.

7. Seek help when you need it 鈥� Coming to college is a major adjustment, but there is always someone on campus who can help you with your problems. You just have to ask for help. Unfortunately, there can be a stigma when it comes to mental health services, which is why people sometimes forgo asking for help when they really need it. That just makes it all the more important to ask for help.

If you find yourself needing some help adjusting to college, 鈥淐ounseling Services is here for you. We have a great staff with tons of experience. If you or your friends are having any issues that deal with mental health, we are here for you. You don鈥檛 have to go through it alone,鈥� Assadi said.

You can find out more information by visiting or visiting Counseling Services on the first floor of the Student Services Center, Suite 118.

The post Don鈥檛 Let Going Back to School Stress You Out: Essential Tips for Managing Back-to-School Stress appeared first on News.

The lecture will be held from 12:30-2 p.m. Wednesday, July 24. People can register for the lecture, 鈥淐hanging the Narrative on Suicide: How News Media, Social Media, and Hip Hop Artists Can Help Us Prevent Suicide,鈥� by .

Dr. Mark Sinyor, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, will share emerging data over the past decade indicating that public stories emphasizing death and despair are associated with more subsequent suicides, while stories of hope and recovery are often followed by fewer suicides. This lecture will explore hip hop songs to explain how the public can avoid more suicides and save lives through the media we consume.

Sinyor鈥檚 research mainly focuses on population-level strategies for suicide prevention with an emphasis on how media messaging impacts suicide. He serves as the International Association for Suicide Prevention鈥檚 鈥淧artnerships for Life鈥� lead for the Americas and is the lead author of the Canadian Psychiatric Association guidelines on responsible media reporting about suicide.

The lecture is a part of the Research Connections program, which highlights research funded by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The event is sponsored by 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Counseling Services, Wellness and Inclusion, and the Division of Student Affairs.

For more information, contact Dr. Aresh Assadi, director of Counseling Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, at axassadi@ualr.edu.

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to Host Lecture on how News Media, Social Media, and Hip Hop Artists Can Help Prevent Suicide appeared first on News.

To honor his commitment to excellence, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has created an endowed professional development fund named in honor of Kirk and his wife Elizabeth, a nurse practitioner who works in long-term care and assisted living.

鈥淭his fund is a great honor for both me and Elizabeth,鈥� Kirk said. 鈥淚 appreciate the fact that folks at the university thought enough of me to do this. Counseling Services is a special group of people at the university.鈥�

The Elizabeth and H. Mike Kirk Professional Development Endowment Fund will provide professional development opportunities for employees and interns in the Department of Counseling Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, such as funding continuing education credits that counselors need to renew their license every two years.

鈥淭his fund will help our employees and interns stay abreast of what is going on in the profession,鈥� Kirk said. 鈥淚 want to keep the staff as up to date as possible so we can provide the best help to our students. We鈥檝e also positioned ourselves to be a great training site for those that are in counseling graduate programs. Counseling Services has become a spot in central Arkansas where those who are completing their master鈥檚 degrees want to come just for the internship opportunities because it is such a rich and fulfilling experience for the students.鈥�

The fund was started by Kirk鈥檚 colleagues in Counseling Services. Dr. Aresh Assadi, the new director of Counseling Services, has made a $25,000 planned gift to the fund.

鈥淏efore he even retired, we were thinking about something special we could get Dr. Kirk,鈥� Assadi said. 鈥淲e knew how big he was on developing his employees, and he wanted us to grow and improve as much as we could. He was big on professional development and giving us those opportunities.鈥�

Assadi added that many of Kirk鈥檚 colleagues planned to donate to the professional development fund because they thought highly of Kirk鈥檚 regard for the well-being of the campus community.

鈥淒r. Kirk was really passionate about mental health,鈥� Assadi said. 鈥淗e worked hard to increase the resources in Counseling Services during his career at the university. You could tell he was enthusiastic and cared about his job. He wanted to provide the best care for the campus community as possible.鈥�

You can donate to the fund by visiting this website, clicking 鈥淥ther鈥� under Fund, and typing in the Elizabeth and H. Mike Kirk Professional Development Endowment Fund.

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Creates Endowed Professional Development Fund in Honor of Mike and Elizabeth Kirk appeared first on News.