As a new academic year begins, Healthy Heels is returning with a renewed focus on the support available across campus. For CAPS, that means reminding students that mental health care is part of overall well-being — and help is available when life feels overwhelming.
College can bring stress, uncertainty, and pressure. CAPS is here to offer students a place to talk, reflect, and get support for emotional and psychological well-being.
Healthy Heels connects campus partners working together to support students, including Student Wellness, Campus Care at Carolina, the Heels Care Network, and Campus Recreation. That collaboration helps make it easier to find the right kind of support at the right time.
The Healthy Heels Philosophy
We believe that:
- What We Believe
- Our approach to wellness makes space for the many ways individuals and communities strive for and support each other’s health.
- Here’s the philosophy that drives everything we do:
- Health is a journey. Wellness looks different for everyone, and it takes real effort — but that effort is worth it. Wherever you are is the perfect place to move forward.
- Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our identities, culture, finances, experiences, and environment all shape our health. Healthy Heels are committed to creating welcoming spaces and honest conversations that meet people where they are so everyone has access to the resources that keep you well.
- Your goals are your own. We’ll support what’s already working for you and offer new ideas to explore.
- Community matters. The people and environments around you influence your health in real ways. That’s why we focus on systems and surroundings, not just individual choices.
- It’s all connected. Your health supports your success. Healthy students learn better, focus longer, and enjoy college more.
- We rely on science and research. Social media trends can be fun, but not when it comes to knowing what’s best for health. We’ll share strategies grounded in research so you can make informed choices.
- Health comes in every size. Wellness isn’t about what you look like — it’s about how you live and feel.
- Sexuality is normal and healthy. We provide honest, easy-to-understand sexual health information and services without judgment.
- Together, we can prevent violence. We help Tar Heels understand the root causes of violence and how to build a safer, more respectful campus for everyone.
We need your help.
You are a critical part of the health and wellness landscape at UNC-Chapel Hill. We encourage you to…
- Connect with us on one of our many social media platforms, like @UNCHealthyHeels and @UNCCampusRec.
- Get involved with health and wellness initiatives on campus.
- Share your ideas and feedback with us and throughout campus. Share thoughts with Healthy Heels like health topics, events to promote, or any other feedback you have about how we can support health and wellbeing here at Carolina.
We believe every student deserves compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. If you need support, CAPS is here to help you take the next step.