MULTIPLE STUDIES demonstrate a connection between physical health and mental well-being. A study in the United Kingdom found that nearly one in three people with sustained health issues also struggle with mental health problems, most often anxiety or depression.
And longitudinal studies of the impact of COVID-19 on the daily life of young adults show the pandemic dramatically affected physical activity, sleep, and mental health, further highlighting the link between mental and physical well-being. With this in mind, Seattle Pacific consolidated Health Services and the University’s Counseling Center into a single department now called the Student Counseling, Health and Wellness Center. Kristen Jones ’01, MSN ’09 is the director of student medical services.
“We are excited to bring two departments together to more collaboratively support students’ mental and physical health care needs,” said Sharon Barr-Jeffrey, director of the Student Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center.
Over the summer, the wall that separated Health Services and the Counseling Center literally came down, and construction crews added a door to connect the offices.
“Additionally, we look forward to expanding campuswide programs which address multiple dimensions of student wellness,” Barr-Jeffrey said.
[Editor’s note: The Student Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center was incorrectly listed as the Student Health and Counseling Center in the print version of Response. We regret this error.]
Illustration by Dom Guzman
