Mexico City, October 10, 2024.— As part of World Mental Health Day, the Universidad Panamericana its new Positive Psychology and Well-being Program aimed at students in the School of Health Sciences and the university’s sports teams.
The initiative aims to improve the overall health of medical students and high-performance athletes by promoting self-care, resilience, and work-life balance.
Tools based on the science of positive psychology
Mental health among students in these fields is particularly critical, given the high levels of stress and the academic and physical demands they face. To address this reality, the program, which began in July 2024, focuses on teaching tools based on the science of positive psychology, tailored to the participants’ needs.
These tools include identifying and developing personal strengths, effective stress management, fostering positive emotions, and mindfulness practices—all of which are essential for emotional regulation.
Lorena Berber, M.A., a psychologist at the University Center for Health and Well-being(CUSaB), is leading this project, with the support of a team of psychologists from the Clinical Psychology Unit(UPC), including Regina García Arroyo, Tania Martínez Lizarraga, Luis García Barrón, and Sofía Serna.
The workshops, designed for medical students of all years as well as soccer, volleyball, and basketball players, aim not only to promote individual well-being but also to foster a sense of community within the university.
Medical students will attend two two-hour sessions each semester throughout their studies, while sports teams will participate in five sessions each semester, with an additional session reserved exclusively for coaches. The goal is to build resilience and achieve a balance between academic and athletic life, both of which are essential for mental health.
CUSaB also plans to expand the program, allowing students in other majors to access these self-care and well-being tools. This expansion reinforces Panamericana’s commitment to the mental health and overall well-being of its entire university community.
DBT: A New Tool for Emotional Regulation at the UP
Similarly, the Universidad Panamericana its support for mental health by offering Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups through the UPC. Since May 2023, this therapeutic approach has become a key resource for students and the general public who are struggling with emotional regulation.
DBT is particularly effective in treating mental disorders characterized by emotional dysregulation, a condition that affects many young people, hindering their academic performance and damaging their personal relationships.
Under the guidance of Ms. Martínez Lizarraga and a team of professionals, the weekly sessions provide a safe space where participants develop essential skills such as mindfulness, tolerance for discomfort, and interpersonal effectiveness.
To date, more than 20 people have participated in these groups, with positive results showing improvements in emotional regulation and greater satisfaction with university life.
The establishment of these groups at Panamericana represents a significant investment in the mental health of its students, promoting better academic performance and stronger personal development.
Mental Well-being in the University Setting
Through initiatives such as the Positive Psychology and Well-being Program and DBT groups, the Universidad Panamericana to establish itself as a leader in promoting mental well-being on campus, reinforcing its commitment to self-care, resilience, and personal growth within its community.
For more information, please contact the Clinical Psychology Unit at mx_psicologiaclinica@up.edu.mx or via WhatsApp: 5641668358.
Learn more about CUSaB at: https://cusab.up.edu.mx/
For more information about UPC, visit: https://www.up.edu.mx/vida-panamericana-unidad-de-psicologia-clinica/
