Penn State reminds students of resources to support mental health and wellness

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With spring semester classes and activities in full swing, Penn State is reminding students of resources available to support their mental health.

Natalie Hernandez DePalma, senior director of Penn State Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Brett Schofield, CAPS associate director, both agree that the number of college students seeking broader mental health services has increased nationally over the past decade. It has been pointed out that this is increasing.

“What the data shows is that there is an increase in distress in certain areas, such as generalized anxiety and social anxiety,” DePalma said. “But it’s not necessarily just the rise in distress that’s driving demand; rather, mental health awareness has become a bigger part of the cultural conversation.”

Mr. Schofield is University Mental Health Center (CCMH)“This is a positive trend as more students feel comfortable asking for help and more faculty are better at identifying and referring students with mental health concerns to services.” Stated. For more information on the latest national college mental health trends, please visit the following links: CCMH Just Released 2023 Annual Report.

Initiatives such as red folderhas been well-received and is incorporated into training and orientation for new and current faculty and staff, and how those interacting with students can “recognize, respond, and refer” students for mental health support. will help you learn. This year’s Red Folder training is available on-demand to all staff and faculty through the Learning Resources Network.To access the course please log in to LRN website Using your Penn State account, type “Red Folder” in the search bar in the top right corner.

DePalma and Schofield noted that a key element of the Red Folder and building communities of care is the concept of “no wrong door,” practiced throughout Pennsylvania. This allows students to receive information, support, and direction no matter who they approach. Although each office cannot meet every need, our staff expects and appreciates the opportunity to help students find next steps and resources in their student lives.

“The important thing to know is that Penn State is here for you, ready to support and empower you. Asking for help shows strength and gives you strength. It’s a show of compassion and compassion,” Schofield said.

Caring for and caring for other Penn State residents, including friends, colleagues, and colleagues, is also an important part of being part of the Penn State community.

“If something doesn’t feel right, say something,” DePalma said. “If you think someone is having a difficult time, please reach out to them and ask how they are doing, or reach out to trusted sources like CAPS or the Penn State Crisis Line for guidance.” Penn State The Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day to provide support and direction to students and those who care about them.

Mental health and wellness tips and strategies

DePalma and Schofield acknowledged that college can be a uniquely stressful time for many students. But what’s important to understand is that feeling stressed during stressful times and feeling anxious during uncertain times is a normal and healthy human response to life, especially life’s vicissitudes. That’s it.

“Anxiety is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong and needs your attention,” Schofield says. “Some anxiety is normal and even healthy in new living situations. Be patient with yourself as you adjust. If you are upset or if your anxiety is interfering with your ability to live your life effectively, you should seek help.”

DePalma and Schofield also shared that taking proper care of your body and overall health can contribute to your mental health. They advise students to exercise regularly, get enough sleep, enjoy access to the outdoors, eat regularly balanced and healthy meals and avoid alcohol and drugs. ing.

“No matter what you’re going through, no matter what you’re feeling, practice feeling it and accepting yourself with compassion,” DePalma said. “Rather than trying to bottle up negative emotions, it’s important to be honest with yourself and those around you in your life, especially if you need support. And just as important for everyone. It’s about staying connected to the people you care about, the hobbies and passions that are important to you, and your sense of your greater purpose in the world.”

Mental health and wellness resources

this health and wellness webpageis managed by the Penn State Office of Student Affairs and details the many health and mental health resources available to support and empower Penn State students, including:

• Counseling and mental health services are available in the following ways: uppercase letter814-863-0395 for University Park students, or at their respective addresses. Commonwealth campus location.
• well track boostis a free app that provides interactive tools to increase resilience and manage stress, depression, and anxiety. Includes self-help videos and guidance to help you decide your next steps.
• life hack, a step-by-step wellness kit designed to help you navigate and demystify some of the more complex parts of being human. Instructors can utilize these as pre-packaged extra credit options for students.
• drop-in group Focus on peer support and discussion. Please feel free to drop by during group time. These are not therapy groups, so no reservations are required. Topics include wellness, sexual and gender diversity, empowerment of women of color, empowerment of Black and Latino men, interfaith dialogue, addiction recovery, and more.
• Health promotion and wellness university park offers health and stress management program.
• Free wellness session Topics include stress, sleep, nutrition, physical activity, healthy relationships, and sexual health.
• campus recreation programmingindividual and group fitness classes, outdoor recreation, intramural sports, and other services.
• all kinds of medical services, physical therapypreventive care and immunity Services are available through University Health Services.
• of University recovery community We help students recover from alcohol and other drug use disorders.
• Support for students Feeling food or housing insecure or struggling with other essential needsassistance with groceries and meals, toiletries and household supplies, housing, rent and utilities, medical expenses and health insurance, textbooks, child care, and financial emergencies.
• of Red Folder Initiative Provide guidance to faculty and staff on how to identify students who may be experiencing mental health issues and the resources available to support them.
• Penn State Crisis Line (877-229-6400) and Crisis Text Line (Text “Lions” to 741741) Students on all campuses are asking questions about who. The Pennsylvania Crisis Line’s qualified professionals assess each situation, provide guidance, and help connect callers with further resources if needed.
• The Pennsylvania State University Libraries have library guides available at: personal health and mental health This includes a variety of health-related resources.

Additional crisis resources

People in immediate crisis can access services through CAPS without waiting. DePalma and Schofield said a “crisis” can include thoughts of harming yourself or others, loss of housing, a recent death in the family, or other traumatic events that seriously and negatively impact your daily life or ability to live. He said that events may be included.

To contact a mental health professional in case of a crisis:

• If you have an immediate or life-threatening emergency, please call 911.
• Call CAPS at 814-863-0395 during normal business hours or Counseling Offices Available at Each Commonwealth Campus in Pennsylvania.
• Call the Penn State Crisis Line. This is a 24/7 toll-free service staffed by licensed professionals available to all Penn State students and those with student concerns at University Park and Commonwealth campuses. there is. Phone number is 877-229-6400.
• Text “LIONS” to 741741 to reach our 24/7 Crisis Text Line, another 24/7 resource available to all community members.

Students facing unexpected challenges Office of Student Care and Advocacyworks with students struggling with everything from medical emergencies and hospitalizations to food and housing insecurity. Student Care and Advocacy is a single source of support for Penn State students with health challenges. Using a holistic and developmental approach, Student Care and Advocacy aims to understand what students need and connect them to the best resources from those available on campus and in the surrounding community. I am. Our firm strives to foster a supportive community of care and a shared sense of belonging through healthy respect for self and others.

Students at Penn State Commonwealth campuses can also benefit from services provided by each campus’ student affairs office.