Mental Health Awareness Week

With You, Not Against You: Self-Care During Your Studies While Living with a Chronic Illness or Disability

14:15–16:45 | Online | Speaker: Sabrina Lorenz

This online workshop is designed for students with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities and invites participants to understand and reflect on self-care as a key resource for a successful student life—with, rather than “in spite of,” their illness and/or disability. Theoretical insights and practical exercises help participants recognize their own needs, respect their boundaries, and develop strategies for daily life.

At the same time, we explore inner beliefs and self-criticism in the context of societal performance standards, as well as structural challenges in higher education, such as pressure to perform and future prospects. Between sessions, excerpts from Sabrina’s book *Because Sunflowers Bloom Even in Winter* provide lyrical inspiration and open up new perspectives on self-acceptance, connectedness, and resilience. The goal is to explore together how self-care, mindfulness, and empowerment can become a sustainable practice in our personal, academic, and eventually professional lives, and to consider how this can contribute to a self-determined and fulfilling life with a chronic illness and/or disability.

You can register using the form on this page.

Studying, Work, and ADHD?

18:15–19:30 | CAP 3 – Lecture Hall 3 | Speaker: Lea-Marie Lopau

“My brain is like a sieve. If I don’t write down everything I plan to do or need to do, I forget it. My life is held together by sticky notes, to-do lists, ‘You-Really-Need-to-Do-This-Now’ lists, and Post-its. I get bored super fast, I hate having to sit still, and I’d love nothing more than to be moving around all day just to clear my head. For example, when I’m standing in line, I’m boiling inside and can barely stand it. These are just a few of the ways my attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects my daily life. Despite all this, people often tell me that I don’t seem like I have ADHD at all.”

At this event, Lea wants to create a space where you don’t have to sit still, so she can share her personal story with you about how ADHD isn’t really a superpower—and why she’s started yet another new hobby. Everyone is welcome—whether you’re living with ADHD, interested in the topic, or there to support someone.

Progressive muscle relaxation

9:00–9:45 | Sportforum, Lower Relaxation Hall | Speaker: Techniker Krankenkasse

Relax your body and mind in just 45 minutes: In this in-person course on Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), you’ll learn, step by step, how to consciously tense and release muscle groups. This will help you recognize tension earlier, reduce stress, and promote restful sleep. The course is suitable for beginners as well as experienced participants—you don’t need any prior knowledge, just comfortable clothing and a willingness to treat yourself to a soothing break from everyday life.

The event is being held in collaboration with Techniker Krankenkasse. We would like to express our sincere thanks for their support as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

You can register using the form on this page.

Mental Load – Reducing Invisible Stress

16:15–17:00 | Online | Speaker: Techniker Krankenkasse

Invisible tasks like planning, remembering, organizing, and thinking things through can become a real burden over time—especially in the daily juggle of work, family, and other commitments. In this session, you’ll learn exactly what the term “mental load” means, why it’s so often overlooked—and, most importantly, how you can take specific steps to counteract it. With practical tips, simple strategies, and helpful psychological background knowledge, we’ll show you ways to achieve greater mental relief, clarity, and self-care.

The event is being held in collaboration with Techniker Krankenkasse. We would like to express our sincere thanks for their support as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Zoom link to: “Mental Load – Reducing Invisible Stress”

Understanding & regulating emotions

18:15–19:45 p.m. | CAP 3 – Hörsaal 3 | Speaker: Suzana Milea

Regulating emotions—a term we hear everywhere. But what does that actually mean in practice? And why is it often so hard to simply “get a handle” on our own feelings? How we deal with emotions influences our daily lives more than we often realize, whether it’s stress from school, interpersonal situations, or dealing with distressing thoughts. In this interactive lecture, you’ll be taken on a journey into the world of emotions: You’ll learn how feelings arise through the interplay of thoughts, body, and behavior, and why they sometimes feel so intense. Through vivid examples and short exercises, you’ll experience firsthand where we can influence our own emotions.

Suzana Milea, M.Sc., a psychologist and trainee psychological psychotherapist, currently works at the psychiatric day clinic at the Neumünster Correctional Facility and will provide you with a practical insight into the psychological foundations of emotions and emotion regulation.

Self-care is no luxury

14:15–15:15 | Online | Speaker: Ramona López vom Studentenwerk SH

In this interactive event, we will look at how your everyday life as a student can be organised with as little stress as possible. We will focus on the dangers of toxic cycles of excessive demands, the pillars of mental health and the dynamics of stress. However, special attention will be paid to the individual possibilities of self-care. Make sure you have something to write about, because you will take a closer look at what gets you personally worked up and what brings you back down.

Zoom link to: “Self-care is no luxury”

Breathing Relaxation

9:00–9:45 | Sportforum, Lower Relaxation Hall | Speaker: Techniker Krankenkasse

Find more peace and calm in 45 minutes: In this in-person breathing relaxation class, you’ll learn simple breathing techniques that can help you reduce stress, ease inner restlessness, and recharge your energy. Through conscious, calm breathing, you’ll find it easier to achieve inner balance and focus. The course is suitable for everyone—no prior experience required. Just bring comfortable clothing and a willingness to give yourself a short but effective break from everyday life.

The event is being held in collaboration with Techniker Krankenkasse. We would like to express our sincere thanks for their support as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

You can register using the form on this page.

Healthy Sleep

10:00–11:00 | Online | Speaker: Techniker Krankenkasse

Are you struggling with sleep problems and want to finally address them? Or perhaps you’d like to prevent them from becoming an issue in the first place? In our talk, “Healthy Sleep – Staying Fit with a Method,” you’ll learn how to take your physical and mental fitness to the next level by following the guidelines of the German Society for Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine. Learn how to overcome sleep problems, improve sleep quality, and become more rested, motivated, productive, and healthy. This introductory session is also ideal for those who want to take a preventive approach. Join us on the journey toward a healthier and more vibrant life.

The event is being held in collaboration with Techniker Krankenkasse. We would like to express our sincere thanks for their support as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Zoom link to: “Healthy Sleep”

Smiling Instead of Panting – The Art of Achieving Mental Balance

13:00–14:30 | LMS2 – Ü1 | Speaker: Laurin Schaefgen from the Studentenwerk SH

In this workshop, you are invited to gain an insight into which experiences develop in the context of the many tasks, obligations and needs. This is intended to create the opportunity to gain more awareness in dealing with your own parts and, in a further step, to familiarise yourself with and try out coherent forms and abilities of self-influence. 

You can register using the form on this page.