From Whirlwind to Wellness

By Clara Song

Published:

January 10, 2026

Life at Moody can feel like a whirlwind. From classes to projects to internships, the pressure to keep up with the constant motion can take a toll on mental health for many students. Even amid growing conversations around wellness, many hesitate to reach out for help.

The Longhorn SHARE Project, led by Adrian Lancaster, focuses on creating a space where students can connect and support one another emotionally. Lancaster emphasizes that many students still struggle to reach out for help, often believing they must manage stress and anxiety alone.

“So many students think they have to handle everything by themselves,” Lancaster said. “Our goal with Longhorn SHARE is to remind them that community care is just as important as self-care.”

The resources offered through Moody are designed to make that process easier and more accessible.

“We want students to know that help is not far away. It’s here, within Moody,” Lancaster said. “Whether that means talking to a peer or a professional, taking that first step can make all the difference.”

Why These Resources Matter

Mental health care plays a crucial role in student achievement and overall happiness. When students feel supported, they are better equipped to handle academic and social challenges.

Unfortunately, stigma continues to discourage many from utilizing available resources.

Instead of viewing help-seeking as a sign of weakness, mental health professionals encourage students to see it as an important form of self-care. Just as one would visit a doctor for a physical concern, reaching out for emotional support helps maintain balance and resilience.

The Longhorn SHARE Project works to change perceptions of mental health by fostering open conversations, offering peer-led support, and helping students feel less isolated in their experiences.

How to Access Support

One of the most valuable resources at Moody is the CARE Counselor, Perrin Jones, who provides counseling exclusively to Moody students and faculty members. Her role focuses on meeting students where they are, whether they need guidance on managing stress or assistance connecting with broader university resources.

Students can schedule appointments through the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) website or stop by the Moody advising office for more information.

In addition to individual sessions, Moody offers group workshops and events centered on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and stress relief.

Making Care More Accessible

Improving accessibility goes beyond providing services; it involves creating an environment where students feel comfortable using them.

Increasing visibility of these resources and normalizing mental health discussions within classrooms, student organizations, and peer groups are key steps toward breaking the stigma.

Programs like Longhorn SHARE help bridge the gap by offering approachable, peer-based conversations that complement professional counseling. Students can attend group sessions or talk one-on-one with trained peers who understand what it’s like to navigate college pressures.

Moody is taking meaningful steps toward a more open and supportive community by continuing to promote awareness and understanding.

Prioritizing mental health not only helps individuals thrive academically but also strengthens the college’s collective well-being.