With the upcoming production of how to clean your room (and remember all your trauma), written by j. chavez and directed by Masters in Fine Arts in directing candidate Al Oltmanns, the School of Theatre and Dance is focusing on the topic of mental health.
The play follows the story of Spencer, a young college student who struggles with their mental health. Oltmanns speaks about how they personally related to Spencer’s story, saying, “I once thought I’d never graduate college because of my intense struggle with depression. I now am working on my second M.F.A., and I teach at the college level. Recovery is powerful and possible!” Because the audience will see Spencer take steps toward caring for their mental well-being by meeting with their doctor and therapist, the School of Theatre and Dance would like to take this time to highlight the often-underutilized resources that students can take advantage of to nourish their own mental health.
Illinois State University offers counseling to all students through Student Counseling Services, located at the Student Services Building. Appointments can be made online or by calling (309) 438-3655. Counselors help determine “the most appropriate treatment and services based on (the patient’s) needs.” During a crisis, students can call the office after hours at (309) 438-3655 and press 2 to speak to the counselor on call, or they can call any of the additional emergency hotlines listed on their website. Their staff is a diverse team of mental health professionals who have worked hard to diversify services that they offer to help students from all walks of life. The School of Theatre and Dance has often collaborated with Student Counseling Services to better help students through difficult times.
In the upcoming production, Spencer often struggles to communicate their needs, but their doctor helps them navigate specific issues related to school and explore different options to improve their overall wellbeing. Student Health Services, also located at the Student Services Building, offers several medical services including nurse consultations, primary care, women’s health, psychiatry, sexual health, and many more. Both in-person and virtual appointments are offered and can be made by calling (309) 438-2778 or through one’s Secure Patient Health Portal. Student Health Services has an on-campus pharmacy where students can have their prescriptions filled. The over-the-counter medications offered at the University’s pharmacy are also generally less expensive than those sold at off-campus pharmacies.
As a nonbinary individual, Spencer often struggles to find validation for their identity. Perhaps they would have benefitted from a space such as Illinois State’s Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Resource Center, located at Rachel Cooper Hall. The WGSS Resource Center works with many on and off campus resources for survivors of sexual assault, reproductive health, mental health, women’s health, gender affirming healthcare, and the LGBTQIA2+ community.
“We have a strong relationship with the local YWCA and Stepping Stones. We have partnered with them on multiple projects throughout the years such as The Clothesline Project and Take Back the Night,” said Hannah Pelphrey, a student worker at the WGSS Resource Center as well as a minor in its interdisciplinary academic program. “The WGSS Student Commons operates as a safe space for all students.” In the Commons, students can read, study, and hang out. There is free coffee and snacks, computers, printing, textbooks, and the WGSS library.
Join Spencer on their journey to take better care of themself. how to clean your room (and remember all your trauma) will be performed at the Westhoff Theatre on November 10-11 and November 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. as well as on November 12 at 2 p.m. The performance run time is approximately 2 hours, with one 15-minute intermission.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Center for the Performing Arts Box Office on the campus of Illinois State University, by calling (309) 438-2535, or on the box office website.
If you need accommodations to fully participate in this program, please contact the Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at (309) 438-2535. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
