Category Archives: Emotional Health

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Managing your feelings and knowing when to ask for help. Identifying, expressing, and managing your entire range of emotions, experiences, and vulnerabilities.

Practicing Self-Love This Valentine’s Day 

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By: Yashvi Patel, Kennedy College of Sciences Well-being Leader 

Valentine’s day isn’t just about lovers expressing their affection by exchanging cards, flowers, and candy, and having romantic meals in restaurants. Nonetheless, it is a day to show extra love and appreciation for those who you care about, and that should include yourself. It all starts with yourself. I really believe that love starts from within and that your capacity to love someone else is largely driven by your capacity to love yourself. What I mean by that is you cannot give something that you are unfamiliar with yourself. Self-love allows you to love others because you know how to care for yourself. I think loving yourself and loving others goes hand in hand. If you develop inner contentment and wellbeing, you can naturally strengthen your relationship with others.  

Practicing self-love offers many benefits for your body and mind. Self-love helps you overcome insecurity. When you practice self-love, you become more forgiving of your flaws and accept your imperfections as something that makes you unique. People who love themselves are more confident and self-assured. Self-love can also encourage personal growth and self-improvement. You are more aware of your flaws and areas of improvements that you can actively work on to better your overall wellbeing. There are 8 dimensions of wellness that you can concentrate your efforts on: emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial. Self-love also allows you to be at peace with yourself as you let go of negative self-talk, self-doubt, and self-criticism, and bring in positivity and happiness.  

I like to schedule “me time” at least once a week where I have one commitment, which is to myself. My self-care routine typically consists of putting on some relaxing music, doing a face mask, doing my eyebrows, and finishing it off by applying some oils and moisturizer. I also have days where I feel lonely and would enjoy the company of others, so I typically travel to Boston and catch up with some friends or go for a stroll around the seaport area.  

This February 14th, pamper and treat yourself to your own curated self-care routine. If you have nowhere to start, you can start by using positive affirmations, which are statements and phrases that replace negative self-talk with positive thoughts. Below are some powerful self-love affirmations you can use on Valentine’s Day. You can repeat these statements out loud or write them down in a journal. Personally, I like to make sticky notes of some of my favorite affirmations and stick them on my dressing table mirror, so they serve as constant reminders to think positively while I’m getting ready.  

  1. I am perfect, just the way I am. 
  1. I am constantly growing, evolving, and becoming my best self. 
  1. I am a constant work in progress. 
  1. I am proud of who I am becoming. 
  1. I am learning to love myself more every day. 
  1. I accept my failures, but they do not define me. 
  1. I am not less for making mistakes. I am more because I learn from them. 
  1. My goal is progress, not perfection. 
  1. I am worthy of love, with my flaws and all. 
  1. I will treat myself with the kindness of a friend. 
  1. My imperfections make me unique. 
  1. I will not apologize for being me. 
  1. I will set my boundaries and reinforce them. 
  1. My body does not determine my worth. 
  1. I will accept my body the way it is today. 
  1. I care for my health, not for my body to look a certain way. 
  1. I am grateful for this mind, body and soul. 
  1. One bad day does not make me a bad person. 
  1. I will send love to my worries and doubts. 
  1. I will let go of things that no longer serve me. 

Resources: 

https://blog.journey.cloud/valentines-self-love-affirmations/

Overcoming the “People-Pleasing” Mindset

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By: Fajr Zahid, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-being Leader 

Do you find yourself constantly trying to please those around you and maybe even neglecting your own thoughts and feelings in order to do so? Or do you struggle to confront someone when you feel they have wronged or hurt you, in fear that you may come off as being rude or overbearing? While I’m sure many of us have found ourselves in scenarios where we felt the need to sacrifice our voices or opinions, or where we did not feel comfortable saying “no” to someone, constantly engaging in this type of behavior can be quite harmful to your emotional, or sometimes even physical, well-being. 

It is part of human nature to want to feel accepted and liked by others, and to act in ways that you believe those around you will be pleased by. However, it is not healthy to sacrifice your wants or needs in order to achieve this acceptance. By going against yourself and suppressing your true emotions, you may be protecting someone else’s feelings, but at the same time, you are neglecting your own. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be perceived as a kind, generous, or easy-going person, but you should not do so at the cost of your well-being and self worth. For instance, if someone mistreats or disrespects you, know that it is okay to stand up for yourself and to communicate your genuine thoughts and feelings. After all, if a person is worthy of being a part of your life, they should be understanding towards your feelings, not dismiss you for expressing them. Or let’s say you are asked to be part of a situation that you are uncomfortable with – it is completely okay to say no. You may fear that you will be judged, looked at differently, or even disliked, but none of these things are as important as protecting yourself and looking after your needs. 

Although it is easier for some than others to overcome the “people-pleasing” mindset, I believe that this is something that everyone is capable of improving on. It might take some time and mental strength, but it is worth it to be able to protect yourself from unwanted situations or interactions. Here are some things I’ve come to realize over the years that have personally allowed me to overcome the need to always please others: 

  1. Recognizing and establishing your boundaries is important, and it allows you to understand what kind of behavior you will and will not tolerate.
  1. There is a difference between being “rude” or “overbearing” and simply expressing your feelings towards a negative situation or experience. 
  1. You should consider your own wants and needs the same way you consider the wants and needs of others.
  2. The fear of being judged or disliked should not hold you back from standing up for yourself.
  1. You cannot always please everyone – some may approve of you and some may not, but these opinions do not matter as long as you are not putting yourself or anyone else in harm’s way.
  1. It is okay to say no to something that makes you uncomfortable, no matter the person, place, or situation. 

Remember, you can be a kind and likable person without tolerating disrespect or allowing others to cross your boundaries. You should never be afraid of standing up for yourself or voicing your thoughts and opinions because they matter just as much as anyone else’s. If you find yourself often engaging in people-pleasing habits, I hope you found this blog post to be helpful and that you are able to apply some of these friendly tips to your own life!

Valentine’s Day Tips

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By: Medi Woldemichael, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader

Valentine’s Day as a college student can often feel like a reminder of your relationship status, especially if you’re single. But let’s be real, there’s no reason why you can’t turn this day into something positive for yourself. So, forget about the pressure to be romantically involved. Here’s a guide to making Valentine’s Day cool and enjoyable, even without a significant other:

Self Care 

Self-care doesn’t have to be all bubble baths and face masks (unless that’s your thing, of course). This Valentine’s Day, think about what genuinely makes you happy. Maybe it’s grabbing a pizza and having a gaming marathon, or perhaps it’s finally starting that book that’s been on your shelf for months. The point is to do something that feels good for you without falling into the trap of stereotypical self-care. 

Connect with Loved Ones 

Valentine’s Day is fundamentally about love, but who says it has to be romantic love? Take this opportunity to catch up with friends or family. You could organize a laid-back hangout, have a virtual movie night, or just send a few texts to let them know you’re thinking about them. It’s about appreciating the connections you have, not lamenting the ones you don’t. 

Plan a Solo Adventure 

One of the freedoms of being single is the ability to go on adventures on your own. Use this day to do something you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t had the opportunity to. That might mean visiting a new coffee shop, going for a long hike, or checking out a local event like the Lowell Winterfest. The idea is to enjoy your own company and the freedom you have to explore on your whim. 

Reflect on Personal Growth 

Instead of getting bogged down by the Valentine’s Day hype, take a moment to think about where you’re at in life and where you want to go. This doesn’t have to be a deep, soul-searching exercise—just a simple check-in with yourself to acknowledge your achievements and set some casual goals for the future. 

Being single doesn’t have to be a disappointment, and it certainly doesn’t have to be emotional. It’s all about shifting your perspective and focusing on what makes you feel good. Whether that’s spending time with loved ones, enjoying your own company, or just treating the day like any other, the key is to do what works for you. Remember, February 14 is just one day out of the year, and it doesn’t define your worth or happiness. So, let’s stay relaxed and turn it into a great day, no matter our relationship status.

Naps: Beneficial or Detrimental? (Answer: It Depends)

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By: Doa Jamal, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leader

It is often joked that college students fall asleep and can take a nap anywhere. In warmer weather you’ll find students lounging on the grass or in  hammocks. Commuters rest in their cars. Have you ever just put your head down in the library and accidentally drifted asleep? And let’s not get started about those who fall asleep in class. Most of the time, these naps are well deserved. 

But what about when there’s an assignment due soon and we procrastinate by taking a nap? What about when we say we’re going to take a short nap but end up sleeping for two hours? Do you recall the feeling when you wake up from a nap and actually feel worse than when you fell asleep? You may feel groggy and disoriented. There’s actually a word for that. 

Sleep inertia refers to a transient state of confusion and a decrease in both cognitive and emotional functioning following the act of waking up from sleep. Individuals may experience delayed reaction times, impaired short-term memory, and a reduced pace in cognitive processes such as thinking, reasoning, remembering, and learning. Typically, sleep inertia only lasts for between 30 to 60 minutes, although its duration may extend for a longer period in instances of sleep deprivation, a condition commonly observed in numerous college students. Research shows that sleep inertia can even last for two hours. So, if you take a nap in the late evening or at night, you may remain groggy and choose to go back to sleep for the rest of the night instead of working on your assignment (I’m sure most of us are guilty of this). Remember when you said you’d go to sleep and wake up earlier in the morning to finish the work, but that didn’t happen because you couldn’t get up in the morning? Two words: Sleep inertia. Just do the assignment the day before and your future self will thank you. 

Additionally, as we all know, naps can interfere with sleep at night. Typically, it is the longer naps that interfere with the nighttime sleep quality. Napping after 3 p.m. is more likely to interfere with nighttime sleep. If you already experience insomnia or poor sleep quality at night, then napping can actually worsen these problems. 

So how do you take a proper nap? And I’ve mentioned the cons, but what are the benefits? A productive nap is a short nap. It is suggested to aim for 10 to 20 minutes. As mentioned before, it is better to take a nap in the early afternoon before 3:00 p.m. To achieve a high-quality sleep, it is essential to nap in a quiet, dimly lit environment with a moderate room temperature and minimal distractions. And be sure to give yourself time to wake up before doing activities that require a swift, cohesive or important response, such as completing a quiz. 

Benefits of napping (if done properly) include:

  • Relaxation and reducing stress
  • Diminished tiredness
  • Heightened vigilance
  • Enhanced mood
  • Improved overall performance, including faster reaction time and enhanced memory
  • Can be good for the heart (by reducing stress). A study revealed that individuals who took a nap lasting 45 to 60 minutes exhibited reduced blood pressure levels following exposure to mental stress
  • Taking short naps combined with moderate exercise can actually improve nighttime sleep

So next time you’re thinking about taking a nap, I hope you consider why you’re taking a nap, when you’re taking it, and how long you’re taking it for. Really ponder that nap and make an appropriate decision. Be sure to set an alarm to wake you on time. If you’re napping in a public place, especially in the library, make sure your alarm volume is low. 

Happy napping, Riverhawks!

References:

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/napping/art-20048319 
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/work-hour-training-for-nurses/longhours/mod7/03.html#:~:text=Sleep%20inertia%20is%20a%20temporary,reasoning%2C%20remembering%2C%20and%20learning. 
  3. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-of-napping

3 Daily Wins

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By: Mia Andrade, Kennedy College of Sciences Well-being Leader

Want to be a winner? I know just the thing! As college students, our days become busier and busier, but it is important to prioritize yourself and your well-being in order to perform your best in all you do. With that being said, there are many benefits to having a holistic approach to maintaining your well-being. Here are three daily wins to help you take care of yourself:

1.) A Physical Win: Having physical exercise is key to maintaining your well-being. Some key examples of a physical win are walking, running, lifting, or joining an intramural or club sport on campus. UMass Lowell’s recreational facilities are great resources to achieve this physical win. Taking a walk to class rather than the shuttle is another great example, as you can get some fresh air and maybe listen to some music on the way. Prioritizing time to care for your body is just as important as taking care of your mind so that you can perform your best all around. Resources to achieve a physical win include:

2.) A Mental Win: Sometimes we need a break from schoolwork to shift our attention to our mental health. Some key examples for a mental win involve reading, writing, creating, learning, or whatever you put your mind to! Stimulating your brain in different ways is essential to your well-being. Explore new things, learn what you love to do, and stay curious! 

3.) A Spiritual Win: Keep yourself grounded. A spiritual win is key to seeking harmony and balance for yourself. Some key examples are praying, meditating, studying, and focusing on self-growth! It’s important to take a step back and reflect. Whether that’s studying in the library or using the serenity center to pray or nap, there are many options available! There are a variety of resources on campus that may help you seek a spiritual win as well 

As Well-being leaders, we are here to support you in all areas of wellness. Never hesitate to reach out and get the support you need by booking an appointment with any of us. 

Book an appointment here: https://www.uml.edu/wellbeing/well-being-leaders.aspx

Be a complete winner!

Stuck inside this winter? Not anymore!

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By: Julia Yeadon, College of Fine Arts Humanities and Social Sciences Well-being Leader

Are you struggling to find fun things to do during the frigid winters in Lowell? Well, you have come to the right place. After three winters here on campus, I have compiled a list of budget-friendly activities that can turn a boring winter day into a day of fun and adventure. Check out my list of top 10 affordable and fun things to do locally this winter:

  1. Mill No. 5

One of my favorite places in Lowell to visit is Mill No. 5. Just a 7-minute drive from campus, you can drink a delicious cup of coffee at Coffee & Cotton or root beer float from Dows Soda Fountain, enjoy a comedy show at the Lunar Theatre, or shop small local businesses or the farmer’s market.

Mill No. 5
  1. Local Coffee Shops

If you are as addicted to coffee as me, exploring the wide variety of coffee shops in the Greater Lowell area sounds like the perfect task to add to your to-do list. Whether you are looking for the perfect scenery to study on a Sunday morning or a delicious coffee and breakfast destination to visit with friends, there are endless places to try. Some of my top coffee shops close to campus include Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus, Nibbana Cafe, Top Donut, and a new coffee destination that recently opened in Dracut (only a 5-minute drive from East campus), The Perfect Cup.

  1. Local Restaurants 

Looking for some good food? Egg Roll Cafe and the Egyptian Grill food truck are within walking distance of North Campus! Some highly-rated spots located in Downtown Lowell are Viet-Thai, El Potro Mexican Bar and Grill, Life Alive Cafe, and my personal favorite, Mandarin Asian Bistro. 

  1. Axe Throwing

If you’re wanting to try something new and exciting, get a couple of friends together and visit Axe Shack in Lowell! The venue offers axe throwing, knife throwing, cornhole, and pool. Better yet, Groupon frequently offers deals for a more affordable experience. https://axeshack.com/

  1. Ice Skating/Roller Skating

Conway Arena in Nashua, New Hampshire offers public skating several times a week for only $5 with a $4 fee for rental skates. https://conwayarena.com/schedule

Not into ice skating? Try roller skating at Roller Kingdom in Tyngsboro with just a $16 admission and $3 rental skate fee, or roller skate for only $1 on Wednesday nights during the month of February! https://rollerkingdom.com/schedule/tyngsboro-schedule/

  1. Escape Room

Pick between a variety of themed rooms and complete a mission by cracking codes and solving puzzles to successfully escape in 60-minutes. Escapology in Tewksbury offers a fun and thrilling adventure for $38 per person. Keep an eye out for frequent deals and offers on the website! https://www.escapology.com/en/tewksbury-ma

  1. Wellness Wednesdays 

Stressed with school and in need of some relaxation on campus? Attend a Wellness Wednesday, offered at the University Crossing Serenity Center every Wednesday evening from 4pm to 6pm. Some exciting programs we have planned for the semester include DIY Bouquets, Crochet, DIY Blanket Making, Bracelet Making, Game Night, Yoga, Therapy Dogs, and more! https://www.uml.edu/wellbeing/programs-events/

  1. Hockey Games

If you are in search of something to do on a Friday or Saturday night, cheer on our River Hawks at the Tsongas Center by East Campus. Students get in for free! Our men’s ice hockey team has several home games scheduled up until the beginning of March that can be found in the following link: https://goriverhawks.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/schedule/2023-24

In addition, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Boston team has recently announced their home games will take place at Tsongas Center, and tickets can be purchased through Tsongas Center’s website linked below! https://tsongascenter.evenue.net/events/PWHLIG

  1. UML Outdoor Adventure Club 

Have you heard of our Outdoor Adventure Club? This club offers a variety of winter trips including hiking, outdoor ice skating, cross country skiing, snowboarding, and more. Most trips require no prior experience, so don’t be afraid to try something new! Additionally, the majority of day trips are offered for just a small fee of about $15 to $30. https://www.uml.edu/campusrecreation/programs/outdoor-adventure/trip-calendar.aspx#February

  1.  Rock Climbing

Whether you have experience or have never been, Metrorock in Littleton offers indoor rock climbing for a variety of skill levels. Just a 20-minute drive from East Campus, Metrorock is the perfect place to test your agility, endurance, and strength with a whole new hobby. This location offers day passes and rental gear, as well as memberships. On Wednesday nights, Metrorock offers a $20 day pass with only a $5 fee for all rental gear. https://littleton.metrorock.com/

If you find rock climbing to be your new passion, UMass Lowell has its own Indoor Climbing Club with discounted passes! https://www.uml.edu/campusrecreation/programs/club-sports/active-clubs/indoor-climbing/indoor-climbing.aspx

It is especially important to prioritize your physical and mental well-being during the winter months. While the days are shorter with less sunlight, many people feel their moods shift. In addition, the cold weather tends to keep people confined to their homes, limiting time spent with loved ones and contributing to the “winter blues.” Look after your health by checking out a few of these activities with friends! If you’re looking for more events on campus, check out the Engage website with events from all clubs and organizations across campus: https://umasslowellclubs.campuslabs.com/engage/events

What To Do After Finals

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By: Sai Igiede, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-being Leader

Hey, it is Sai again, your trusty well-being leader. I hope everything is well with you all.

Today we are going to talk about ways things go after finals.

Student to student here, once I am done with finals, the only thing I can think of is ways to relax. Everyone around me is always so excited to go home or to their friend’s house to de-stress after being in school for about three months. However, we all start to get bored after the first week and then contemplate what to do next. So here are some things my friends and I do to stay relaxed and also have fun.

Calling your friends and Catching Up: After a few weeks of being alone, I often try to stay in touch with as many people as possible. It ranges from college friends to my friends back at home, as long as it is human-to-human interactions. Talking to other people helps me not only enjoy each other’s company during the break but also helps me stay stimulated as many of us including myself go through periods where we do absolutely nothing, so being able to communicate with others is something I find important.

Trying New Things: One thing that I recently tried over the last break that I enjoyed a lot was learning how to play tennis. Any break is a perfect time to start fresh and try new things. Whether it’s a sport or a new type of food, you have the time to do something, you might as well use that time to make yourself feel good. And maybe you find a newfound hobby!

Self-Care :Lastly, self-care is something that everyone should at least attempt, and a break could be the perfect time for you to do so! Here is one thing that I try to do every day to establish a self-care routine.

1. Close your eyes

2. No peeking (lol!)

3. Think about yourself and all of your positive attributes

4. Open your eyes

5. Now write on a sticky note 5 positive characteristics about yourself

6. Repeat this three times and try not to use the same ones

7. Once you have written them, place them on a mirror and or space that you visit often for as long as possible

8. Now you have your affirmation board!

So I hope I gave you some ideas on what you can do over the break and I also hope , they turn out great! 🙂 I know one thing is for sure, is that we will all be sleeping.

Tips to Combat Overthinking

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By: Fajr Zahid, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-being Leader

Overthinking is something that most of us have probably experienced at some point in time, whether it has been related to our personal lives or professional lives. While it is normal to reflect on and revise certain negative situations, experiences, or feelings from time to time, constantly engaging in negative thought cycles can be detrimental to your well-being. Mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, may especially be perpetuated by dwelling on distressing emotions and events. Therefore, it is important that you try your best to keep yourself and your negative thoughts in check.

If you consider yourself to be an “overthinker,” remember, there are plenty of strategies and techniques that you can incorporate into your life to prevent yourself from getting engulfed into uncontrollable negative thoughts. Here are a few:

1) Distract yourself – shift your focus from any negative thoughts you are having to engaging in an activity that you find joy and relaxation in. This is a great way to get your mind off whatever is bothering you, and instead helps to create a positive atmosphere for yourself and your mind.

2) Take deep breaths – while this may be hard to believe for some, practicing breathing exercises, or even just taking deep breaths during challenging moments, can be very beneficial in calming your mind down. By relaxing your breathing, you are calming your nervous system down, and bringing your mind and body to a state of relaxation, which can help relieve you of any distressing thoughts.

3) Learn to prioritize your thoughts – ask yourself if what you are overthinking about is worth the time, effort, and struggle that your mind is putting into it (the answer is usually no!) and focus your energy into other, more productive thoughts that will benefit your overall well-being.

4) Acknowledge the positive – while it is easy to focus only on the seemingly negative parts of your life, or yourself, doing so only draws you further into the cycle of negative thinking. When you find yourself overthinking about the things that you believe have gone wrong in your life, remind yourself of all the positive experiences in your life, as well as your successes and accomplishments.

5) Ask for help – don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend, family member, or a mental health professional if you need help with managing your thoughts. It can feel very relieving to have someone to listen to you express your thoughts, and to even help you rationalize these thoughts. If you’re looking for someone to talk to on campus, you can make an appointment with Counseling Services.

I hope you found these tips to be helpful, and that you can incorporate them into your own life if you ever find yourself overthinking in a negative way. Remember, your thoughts do not define you, and you are more than capable of overcoming any mental struggles you may experience 🙂

Thrive Through Change: How to Nurture Personal Growth by Conquering Life’s Hurdles

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By: Fahad Alden, Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Well-being Leader 

Behind all the beauty of evolving and changing, buying cars and homes, finding romantic partners, and earning a nice career paycheck, all these great things come with a challenging concept—CHANGE. 

It was only when I began therapy and daily journaling that I realized why I feared change so much. This realization hit like a bolt from the blue. My fear was connected to losing control and safety. But more than that, I realized my anxiety held me back from discovering who I was as a person outside of the labels I, and everyone else, attached to me.

Instead of running away from change this year, I started experimenting with changes I have always wanted to make. I switched up my hair and style. I took new courses at school. I made many new decisions this year to see if I could test myself and do it. 

Facing the Fire

One big change I made this year was my job. At first, choosing to step into the role of assistant theatre student felt daunting. It was outside the normal scope of my media work and work with kids. 

Uncertainty bred mistakes as I struggled with technical set measurements. Professor Kathleen assured me to take a deep breath and take it step by step. She also began drawing me visual cues and hacks to understand the concept better. This helped me immensely when we did flats and built the door for the play. Just remembering to breathe and let go of rigid self-judgment helped me to uplevel my competencies. Progress began with extending grace to myself.

Another big learning moment was understanding the importance of an organized workflow. As a slightly messy person, I discovered satisfaction in using spreadsheets to track costumes and props. While the work took a while at the start, it saved me ample time in the long term. Now, when I need to find something, instead of having to wage a mental war to locate it, my labels and sheets save me time. This became a habit that I incorporated into my personal life, too. 

I also learned the value of tiny details. Sometimes, we  get so preoccupied with the bigger picture that we forget to kill our darlings, meaning focusing on the small details when it comes to a project. One wrong measurement, one terrible shade of paint, or an improperly implemented light can throw off the whole play or, worse yet, hurt someone. It’s these seemingly insignificant details that can make or break a performance.

My favorite “a-ha” moment occurred while programming stage lighting for an intense murder mystery scene. Playing with shadows, silhouettes, and color palettes made me feel like a magician of moods.  

Tempering Resilience

Taking classes outside of my major connected me to people of myriad personalities. I found that experience so true when we arrived at the painting section of lab hours. Painting requires a great amount of time. You have to ensure you get the right amount of paint, that it doesn’t get on your clothes, and that you are painting the right areas. But there was beauty in that limitation that I enjoyed exploring. I found a connection with other lab members, and we exchanged pointers, cracked jokes, and connected personally. 

Owning My Transformation

This role allowed me to grow outside the expectations I had of myself. I learned organization skills, creativity, and tenacity while meeting some amazing people. We all have the potential agency to change our identity—no permission slip is needed. 

Conclusion

Let me say that I do not have anything figured out. I am still figuring out where I misplaced my last three pairs of headphones. However, I enjoy tasting the sweet nectar of change as I move away from past and old narratives to explore who I am. 

Courses you could take in the theatre department if you’re interested:

World Theatre II: A survey of theater in its historical and social contexts from the 19th century to the present, focusing on innovations in design and technology, the advent of the director, the emergence of modern schools of acting, and the creation of new forms of theater to suit the changing needs of a modern world.

Shakespeare II: A study of selected histories, comedies, and tragedies not covered in 42.243. Shakespeare I is not a prerequisite.

The Importance of Asking for Help

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By: Julia Yeadon, Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Well-Being Leader

The prevalence of mental health issues among college students is on the rise, and many students fear the arduous task of asking for help. According to the American Psychological Association, over 60% of college students experienced symptoms of at least one mental health disorder between 2020 and 2021 based on 373 college campuses nationwide (https://www.apa.org/

monitor/2022/10/mental-health-campus-care). With this high percentage, it is critical that students are aware of the support that is available to them.

First, if you are a student struggling with your mental health, please know that you are not alone. There are several organizations and people on campus who are eager to provide the help and support you need to live a happy and healthy life. Please know that you never need to struggle in silence, and should never have to tackle the difficulties of mental health issues alone.

Second, if you are nervous and hesitant to ask for help, you are also not alone. Many individuals experiencing mental health challenges believe that asking for help puts a burden on the other person. Some are intimidated by the vulnerability that comes with opening up to others about your experiences. Others may fear that people will perceive them differently, or “weaker” for needing to ask for help. However, reaching out for help takes bravery and determination, two qualities that speak volumes about your character. Keep in mind that you are loved and valued by your family, friends, and members of the UMass Lowell community. You are never a burden and deserve to receive the help you need to thrive academically and emotionally.

Some students may feel that their mental health issues are not “severe enough” to ask for help. However, there is no level of severity that makes it acceptable or not acceptable to receive help. If your life or well-being are being impacted in any way by mental health issues, you will benefit from asking for help. If a recent event or feeling of loneliness, worry, or stress is on your mind, you will also benefit from help. You do not need a diagnosis to reach out for help.

The benefits of asking for help are endless. Having someone listen as you vent can make a significant difference in your well-being. Speaking to a professional, such as a counselor or therapist, can open your eyes to coping strategies that help manage your symptoms and give you more control over your life. It is important to remember that, with help, you have the potential to lead a healthy and productive life despite any mental health challenges you may face.

If you or someone you know in the UMass Lowell community may be in need of assistance, there are many resources available that want to help. UMass Lowell has a behavioral intervention team, known as Student Assessment, Referral, and Support (STARS) that works with several other departments on campus (Student Life and Well-Being, Counseling Services, Disability Services, the UMass Lowell Police Department, etc.) to offer support to students in need (https://www.uml.edu/student-services/stars/). If you are concerned about a friend and fellow UMass Lowell student’s mental health, please submit a STARS report here: https://www.uml.edu/student-services/stars/reporting.aspx. Doing so could make a valuable difference in a struggling student’s quality of life.

If you believe your own safety or the safety of another UMass Lowell student is at risk, please call the UMass Lowell Police Department emergency line at 44-911 on campus or 978-934-4911 off campus. In addition, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis, the university has 24/7 on-call clinicians available to speak with you immediately at 855-890-2879.

Another useful resource through the university is the Counseling Center. Students can meet individually with counselors or participate in weekly group counseling sessions. To schedule your first appointment with Counseling Services, visit https://www.uml.edu/student-services/

counseling/clinical-services/getting-started.aspx. Students can meet with a counselor through the university as soon as the same day or next business day.

As always, please know that your Well-Being Leaders are here to help and support you in any way that we can. Many of us are Mental Health First Aid certified and have been trained to effectively support and guide you toward the resources that will be most helpful for you. In addition, we are there to help you take the next steps toward improving your mental health and general wellness. Please book an appointment with me at https://calendly.com/julia_yeadon/well-being-o.