Thanks to an internship at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s University Counseling Services, Anna Klimesh had the opportunity to make a potentially big impact on both current and future students at the university. This summer, Klimesh was tasked with creating and publicizing Peers Promoting Mental Health – a student-led support program that aims to increase student engagement in mental health promotion, education and awareness on campus.
Klimesh, a senior psychology major, originally from Cuba City, Wisconsin, began her internship with University Counseling Services in June. While she had several responsibilities, her main task was to create and launch a peer-led group.
“The reason for this program is that research has shown that people respond more positively to their peers than a counselor who is 20 years older,” said Klimesh.
She spent the early part of summer researching similar programs and best practices at other universities. By mid-summer, she began reaching out to peers and publicizing the new program.
“Our main goal is basically to increase student engagement around mental health and decrease stigma on campus,” said Klimesh.
Students who have since joined Klimesh in the new group took part in chalking campus for suicide prevention week in September. They have also formed a peer support circle – held virtually for the time being – every Thursday night.
“Anyone can come to the peer support circle if something is bothering them to talk about it with their peers, or just to chit chat, because I think people are really missing that interaction right now,” said Klimesh.
One of the challenges, Klimesh said, was starting a new student program when the pandemic presented limitations on face-to-face interactions.
“This was probably the most difficult time to launch it, but also the most necessary time,” she said. “Issues of mental health have been skyrocketing since the pandemic started, with people facing more depression and anxiety, understandably so.”
Although the group is still in its infancy, Klimesh said she is pleased with the response so far.
“I have been really pleasantly surprised,” said Klimesh. “Starting this all online is really not an ideal way to launch a new student group, but we’ve had attendance at all but one peer support circle meeting. We’ve had people willing to help out, and I’ve heard from co-workers and professors that this is really what campus needs.”
Klimesh initially had a different internship lined up for the summer, which was cancelled due to the pandemic.
“I am really grateful to have had this opportunity with University Counseling Services, because it’s an awesome place to work and I was happier to do something like this, which is more related to what I want to go into,” said Klimesh, who plans to go to graduate school for social work and pursue a career in social work as a therapist.
For more information about Peers Promoting Mental Health, contact Teresa Miller, assistant director of University Counseling Services at millerte@uwplatt.edu.