In college life, deadlines, late night study sessions and multiple responsibilities can push mental health to the background. Dallas College is taking steps to change that reality with the Self-Care Circus: Juggling Emotions and Creating Belongingness event. It’s the seventh Annual Mental Health Symposium, scheduled to take place on Apr. 4 at the Performance Hall (Room C-210) of the Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also be available virtually.
The initiative is designed to help students, employees and community members prioritize their emotional and physical well-being. It’s an interactive experience that offers practical tools for self-care from relaxation and mindfulness activities to stress management workshops, equipping attendees with strategies they can apply in their daily lives.
Louis D. Whatley, a professional counselor at Counseling and Psychological Services at Dallas College for the past 10 years, said: “Every year, the counselors are in charge of organizing the event, which is planned a year in advance. We want it to be fun and not feel like something too academic.”
The organizing team consists of 18 counselors across the seven Dallas College campuses. They offer free appointments, both in person and virtually, to all college students.
“We want students to know that there are many tools available to manage stress and face difficult situations in a healthy way. Also, this event allows us to promote counseling services and the Student Care Network, so more people know they are not alone and can access help when they need it,” Whatley said.
Rachel Estrada, a CAPS counselor at the Richland campus for the past four years, said: “This event is meant to create awareness and help all attendees find balance, be open to receiving support and get educated about mental health.”
She added, “A lot of people don’t fully understand the importance of mental health, or how to take care of it. We want this event to give them something valuable they can remember and use in their daily lives to improve their well-being.”
One of the most notable features of Self-Care Circus is the accessibility. The event will offer both in-person and virtual options, allowing attendees to choose the format that best suits their needs. While the in-person version will provide a hands-on, interactive experience with other attendees, including breakfast, lunch and giveaways, the virtual option will offer live sessions with mental health experts. Estrada said, “It’s a flexible event, if you can’t stay for all the hours, that’s completely valid!”
“We know that school life is very stressful and that it’s not always easy to find time for events like this. That’s why, in addition to the in-person experience, we also offer an online version for those who cannot attend physically,” Whatley said.
Whatley will present a breakout session titled “What’s So Funny: The Subtle Art of Using Humor for Better Mental Health.” Additionally, the event will feature different breakout sessions and activities, including “Circus Yoga! Balancing Asanas & Joyful Fun,” “Making Magic (or Getting Close!) with Art Therapy,” “AS+K? Suicide Prevention Training,” “The Power of Hobbies,” the keynote speaker “Interactive Acts Around Wellness” and more.
Regarding the event’s evolution over the years, Estrada said: “We have seen a growth in the number of attendees. Counselors have been growing slowly, and the number of guests has increased by approximately 50 more people per year. This year, we expect between 300 and 350 attendees.”
It’s important to remember that asking for help is not always a sign of weakness and could sometimes be a sign of strength. Recognizing when support is needed and looking for it is a key step toward a healthier life. Dallas College, through its team of counselors and events like this, is providing a safe space where students, faculty members and community members can learn, share and find resources to improve their mental health. The Self-Care Circus is a unique opportunity for students, employees and community members to connect with resources that can transform their well-being. Whether attending in person or participating online, the important thing is to take the time to care for oneself.
