Browsing: mental health

With October winding down and November soon to be upon us, it’s safe to say that the semester is flying by. We’re over halfway done, which might be either a source of relief to you or a harsh reality check. Either way, here’s some advice to keep in mind for the coming weeks.

School is important, and we should perform to the best of our ability, but we were never supposed to choose it over our mental health, physical health or relational health. So, put the textbook down and go outside. Have a long dinner with your friends. Watch a movie. Remind yourself that school is not all there is to life. It’ll work wonders.

All services offered by the Counseling Center are free, including telehealth services, face-to-face counseling and the mental health clinical support line. However, some programs that fall under the health services category — such as general medical care, medical nutrition therapy and psychiatric services — require payment, which is usually covered by insurance.

Mindfulness is the act of being present, the ability to be aware. You begin to perceive people in the right way since you can see everyone for who they really are. Your mind begins to take control, rather than your heart. Choices become clearer, and if they’re hazy, they’re easier to figure out. Mindfulness makes each moment more precious than the next.

In the words of Dominic Chambers, “There is an arena for you to participate in.” These simple yet empowering words ring loud and clear when walking through the quiet halls of the exhibit entitled “Narrative as Reality: Constructing an Identity” in the Martin Museum of Art.

Baylor’s Counseling Center is offering Question, Persuade, Refer Gatekeeper Training for students from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 10 in Moody-Memorial Library’s Active Learning Lab. The training will allow students to become mental health allies by equipping them with tools to identify warning signs in their peers.

After three years on Baylor’s campus, I feel like I know the place inside and out. One thing I’ve learned is that this university offers a lot to its undergraduate students. Whether you are looking for academic, emotional, mental or physical support, it’s more than likely that Baylor has a resource perfectly designed to provide that support and improve your life on campus.

This is not to say students should go around asking people whether or not they’re prescribed Adderall, and whether or not they’ve suffered from the consequences of the shortage. However, what we can all do is take this as an opportunity to be more patient with our peers and learn more about the stigma around medication.

“I would posit that most people experience positive improvements in their mental health when there is a break from school or work,” Owusu-Ankomah said. “This can particularly be the case if the person is intentional about practicing positive self-care — such as engaging in mindfulness or connecting with others — throughout the break.”

After noticing increased levels of anxiety, stress and depression in its students last year, the School of Music instituted a health and wellness initiative under the direction of Dr. Lesley McAllister, Professor of Piano and Director of the Keyboard Division.

“If you are concerned about or are experiencing the impacts of the prescription medication shortage, speak with your doctors,” Nguyen said. “Being in college can be an overwhelming experience; my suggestion is to discuss strategies that can help prioritize self-care and that can help minimize stressors without the use of medication, if possible.”

It is hard to balance relaxation and work in college. It is honestly paradoxical. I have long accepted college is just plain stressful. College is a lot of work, and it is work that is really worth it. It is good preparation for the stress that comes with working a job in the real world™, and it teaches you many valuable skills.

No matter how well or poorly things may be going with school or a job, it’s OK to put some responsibilities aside to treat yourself. The work will be there tomorrow. Your health and happiness are more important than any assignment could be.

At some point, we’ve all probably kept some sort of diary or journal — it’s OK, you can admit it. It’s not a bad thing. Whether it’s been kept up with consistently is another discussion, but overall, keeping a journal gives you a safe place where you have the luxury of being truly honest without the worry of a reaction.

Many veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, known as PTSD, aren’t receiving the treatment they need, said panelists yesterday at the Mental Health Symposium downtown.