Dear Students,
As we head into the last week of class for possibly the strangest semester ever, I want to check in with you and talk about your health, specifically your mental health. Here are just a few of the challenges I've heard about:
- focusing on school, work, or sometimes anything at all
- creating and keeping a routine
- getting enough (or any) physical activity
- staying connected
- finding motivation
The biggest takeaway I have from talking to students is that there is no normal feeling for right now — it's all over the place for different people (cue Ron Burgundy's glass box of emotions) or even for yourself day-to-day. And that's okay. In fact, here are just a few of the emotions I've heard students feel, even within the same day: grief and isolation; gratitude and hope; anger and loss of control; humor and joy; and uncertainty and anxiety. The list goes on, and all are valid.
Sometimes we just need and want to sit in those feelings to give them a name, especially the uncomfortable feelings. When you're ready to think about next steps, read on for ideas:
- Check out the UT CMHC's Staying Well While Staying At Home website.
- Create connection by scheduling Netflix watch parties or a virtual game night.
- Review what UT's own Dr. Kristin Neff suggests about practicing Self Compassion.
- Contact a mental health expert at the CMHC or text the Crisis Hotline at 741741.
- Practice acts of kindness to others or journal about gratitude — both are shown to help shift mindsets.
We all care about you, each and every one of you.
Best,
Dr. Vanden Bout
Joke: The numbers 19 and 20 got in a fight. 21.
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