Lighting Up Emotions Through Words: YunTech Creates Everyday Mental Health Support Spaces, Interactive Mental Health Wall Deepens SEL Campus Culture
To implement the Ministry of Education’s initiative on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and the “Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling” framework, the Counseling and Guidance Center of National Yunlin University of Science and Technology has, since 2024 (Academic Year 113), established a series of ongoing “Interactive Mental Health Walls” in public campus spaces. Through accessible and user-friendly design, these installations integrate core SEL competencies—such as emotional regulation, self-awareness, and social connection—into daily campus life, fostering a supportive and psychologically friendly learning environment.
In Academic Year 113, the “Wishing Wall” invited students and faculty to write down blessings and aspirations on cards and personally hang them within the installation space. This process transformed thoughts into tangible expressions and helped cultivate a positive psychological atmosphere. A total of 267 participations were recorded. Analysis of the written wishes showed the top three themes as follows: “blessings for oneself and others” (67 responses), “academic success” (66 responses), and “good health” (41 responses). Through both writing and reading others’ messages, participants were able to enhance emotional expression, cultivate positive affect, and further strengthen social awareness and empathy.
In Academic Year 114, the initiative evolved into the “Healing Moments” theme, integrating principles from neuroscience, mindfulness practice, and narrative therapy. Students were guided to identify emotional sources and stress responses, organize their thoughts in a calm environment, and reflect on their internal states through written expression. A total of 528 participations were recorded. The installation also incorporated psychological knowledge prompts and QR codes linking to extended resources, offering immediate learning opportunities, self-assessment tools, and access to support channels, thereby improving the accessibility of mental health resources.
Over the past two years, the Interactive Mental Health Wall has engaged a total of 795 participants. Its low-threshold and highly accessible design has effectively expanded the reach of mental health promotion and increased awareness and engagement in emotional and psychological well-being across campus. The initiative demonstrates concrete outcomes in advancing SEL competencies, including self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and relationship building.
Looking ahead to Academic Year 115, the Counseling and Guidance Center will continue to deepen its commitment to SEL by launching the “Gentle Words, Shared Light” initiative. This new activity will invite students to leave a gentle message for themselves or others through reflective writing, creating a ritual of emotional expression and care. Through words of support and kindness, the program aims to help students feel the presence of psychological support, encourage self-dialogue and emotional articulation, and further expand both the depth and warmth of mental health promotion—bringing mental well-being beyond counseling rooms into every corner of campus life.
