Mental health resources end of fall 2020 semester
Dear students,
The end of the semester is often a very stressful time and this semester even more so. I wanted to share a top ten list for managing stress and staying well created by our health and wellness staff.
- Eat nutritious food and get ample hydration. For students with food needs VCU Ram Pantry is an excellent resource.
- Take time to relax. Use this guide from The Well to help boost mental health and become more mindful.
- Get adequate and restful sleep. The Well’s Mental Health Resource Guide also includes information to improve sleep quality.
- Take part in physical activity. VCU Recreational Sports has a wide variety of programs and services to help every Ram stay active, relax, and positively combat the effects of stress.
- Prioritize things in your life. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have a lot going on in your life. Sit down and write out a list of things to do, and rank them by importance. This can help reduce unnecessary stress.
- Connect with friends and family. Stress can sometimes lead to anxiety and depression, which in turn can lead to withdrawal from social situations. Make a point to connect with friends, family, and people you enjoy.
- Seek out resources for assistance. The VCU Dean of Students Office has a comprehensive list of both on and off-campus resources to help provide support meeting basic needs, including resources specifically for VCU Medical Campus (MCV) Students.
- Attend to your mental health. University Counseling Services has created a Mental Health Care Package.
- Schedule an appointment in The Well’s Resilience Lab, or attend a Guided Meditation session.
- Sign up for a yoga class, virtual fitness class, or free Fitness on Demand Flex pass to take a class on your schedule.
VCU Counseling Services is available if you need to talk with someone or utilize their self-help resources. There is no current waitlist for services and this semester students have been seen within a week of contacting University Counseling Services. If a student experiences an issue outside the scope of the center’s expertise, they will assist with referral to an appropriate resource. Students can also access after-hours crisis services by calling (804) 828-6200. If you are concerned about another student or friend, you can also contact the Dean of Students Office.
I would encourage each one of us to be mindful of ways that we can encourage and support one another as we make our way to the end of the semester. Let others know that you care about them and support them.
I wish you the very best as you navigate finals and finish the semester. I appreciate your efforts to make VCU a truly caring community.
Sincerely,
Charles J. Klink, Ph.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Categories Fall 2020 - Spring 2021