Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is an annual event hosted by Nu Rho Psi, the undergraduate society for neuroscience, to help the members of the Hopkins community learn about their bodies and brains. Each year we chose a theme; this year, it’s mental health.
During the COVID pandemic, many factors have contributed to an overall decline of mental health. The rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms in young adults have increased to over 50%. In addition to increased rates of mental illnesses, the pandemic has also made it harder for people to receive treatment.
I am personally passionate about raising awareness for mental health because many people close to me have dealt with illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. I think everyone can benefit from learning more about mental health.
For example, you can learn more to better understand what others around you may be experiencing or even learn about how you can improve your own skills for coping with emotions or dealing with stress.
With this in mind, we decided that dedicating BAW 2021 to mental health awareness could largely benefit the Hopkins community. We created a variety of events during the week of March 23-26, 2021. All BAW events are virtual and open to all Hopkins affiliates; Zoom links are available on this page.
Tuesday March 23
Event: Journal Club
Time: 7-8pm EDT
Details: Join Nu Rho Psi for a journal club on research done on psychological and brain sciences.
Zoom: https://jhubluejays.zoom.us/j/7123183636#success
Wednesday March 24
Event: Trivia Night
Time: 9-10 pm EDT
Details: Test your knowledge about mental health and have the opportunity to win an Amazon gift card.
Zoom: https://jhubluejays.zoom.us/j/3342873479#success
Thursday March 25
Event: Movie Night
Time: 8:30-10pm EDT
Details: Join Nu Rho Psi for a movie night watching Disney’s Soul. This film tackles issues like depression and hope, and the relationship between external achievement and lasting happiness. It shows how a support system is imperative for getting through a rough time, allows audience members to reflect on their own support system, and encourages empathy.
Zoom: https://jhubluejays.zoom.us/j/7123183636#success
Friday March 26
Event: Speaker Event with Alison Papadakis, PhD, Director of Clinical Psychological Studies, KSAS Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Time: 4-5pm EDT
Details: Nu Rho Psi and Alison Papadakis from the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences will discuss skills for coping and how to improve your mental health.
Zoom: https://jhubluejays.zoom.us/j/91712846688?pwd=R1VWb1lBS01aYTBja1NIckRrem9mUT09#success