Sense Space: Helping Students Find Calm in Chaos

Every October, Taylors University bursts into a week of colour, compassion and connection through its Annual Mental Wellness Campaign; Sense Space. This year’s theme invited students and staff alike to pause, breathe, and simply be present.

Taylor’s University Sense Space Poster. (Source: Jason Desmond)

From gentle morning meditations to thoughtful journaling workshops, Sense Space created moments that reminded Taylorians to check in with themselves amid the fast pace of university life. The campaign wasn't just about mental health awareness – it was about rediscovering what it means to feel grounded in a community that often moves too quickly.

Throughout the week, the Taylor’s Counselling and Psychological Services team offered free consultations, resources, and safe spaces for anyone seeking support. "A lot of students are not sure if they are okay or not," shared registered Counsellor, Tong Yung Shin. "They tend to push themselves until they reach their limit. We want them to know that mental health is not a point but an ongoing process – and that we’re here to reach out, not just wait for them to come to us."

Mental Health Resources on display at Sense Space. (Source: Jason Desmond)

Tong's words reflect a broader truth about student life, the pursuit of excellence often overshadows self care. For many young people, navigating university, mental health challenges can manifest quietly: through sleepless nights, burn out or the simple act of pretending everything is fine. By holding spaces like Sense Space, Taylor’s creates not just awareness but a culture of empathy, one that normalises conversations about stress, anxiety and emotional wellbeing.

Taylor’s University Students engaging in painting activity at Sense Space event. (Source: Jason Desmond)

Held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day on 10th October, Sense Space stood as a gentle reminder that healing doesn't always come from doing more, sometimes it begins with slowing down. This year's event arrived just in time for students – in the midst of midterms, deadlines and the constant buzz of campus life, Sense Space offered not just activities but a reprieve from the pressure of performance.

As the campaign came to a close, it left behind more than colourful booths and activities; it left a quiet echo of empathy, hope, and self-awareness across campus. Whether through journaling or reaching out to a friend – or friendly counsellor – or simply taking a breath between classes and assignments, Sense space reminded us all that mental wellness isn't a destination but a journey.