Don’t Let Winter Get You Down

By: Alejandra Malaga Walters, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leader  

Since childhood, I remember worriedly watching as we came closer to the end of the year. Winter, sadness, and expecting the cold both outside and inside. Predictably, it’s very common to feel unmotivated, unsatisfied, and unhappy each winter.  

The reasons behind winter sadness are mysterious, the lack of light since the days are shorter, deficiency in Vitamin D3, the start of school again, and a decrease in activity may all play a role. But just because it’s cold doesn’t mean we can’t continue spending time outside. 

Even if it’s bitterly cold, the beauty of nature is incredibly healing and helpful for putting things back into perspective. Try new outside activities that you can only do during winter! If you find an activity you love, maybe you will want every winter to come to do it again. Go skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, or sledding. There are also other indoor activities such as roller skating or bowling. Try to keep yourself active. As long as you continue to move your body, you are taking a big step toward feeling better bonus points if you are outside in the fresh air. The university also offers Outdoor Adventure Programs (OAP) during the winter. You can look through the website and see something you might like:   https://www.uml.edu/campusrecreation/programs/outdoor-adventure/.

If you just want to stay at home and watch some movies or read a book, it’s completely okay to stay in your pajamas all weekend, even more, when you are feeling low. But if you want to change that feeling, it’s helpful to fight that negative mood with simple actions. In this case, taking a long shower and putting on comfortable and attractive clothing can be energizing and reset our moods. It is also extremely helpful for making us feel like productive human beings moving in the right direction.   

Take it easy. If you feel like laying on the couch and binging shows—whatever is going to feel good right now with minimal effort—then just do it. Just don’t let the winter get you down for a long period of time because, remember, it’s not going to last forever.   

“When things get harder, if you still have choices, ideally, you make that harder choice.” says psychologist Vaile Wright, senior director of healthcare innovation at the American Psychological Association

References:  

10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues | Psychology Today

How I Overcame My FOMO: A Journey to Finding Peace and Contentment

By: Angel Molekunnel, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader 

I remember those nights…I’d be lying in bed, phone in hand, scrolling through my socials like it was my job. Every post showing off some epic adventure or wild party from my friends just hit differently. FOMO? FOMO or ‘Fear of Missing Out’ refers to the feeling or perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than you are. It felt as if I was falling behind and couldn’t measure up to the excitement I saw online. But I wasn’t about to let that hold me back. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands—a journey, if you will. And through some trial and error, I managed to break free from FOMO’s grip. And you know what? I found a new sense of peace and fulfillment that I never knew was possible.

5 Steps to Overcoming FOMO

  1. I’m taking steps to limit my social media use since it often amplifies my FOMO by showcasing others’ seemingly perfect lives. I use social media only 2-3 hours a day.  By cutting down my time on these platforms and unfollowing accounts that trigger negative feelings, I’m reclaiming control over my emotions. 
  1. Every night, I spent time practicing gratitude. Shifting my focus from what I lack to what I have helps me maintain a positive perspective. Keeping a gratitude journal and regularly noting down the things I’m thankful for grounds me in the present and counteracts feelings of inadequacy. 
  1. Living in the present is key to overcoming FOMO. Instead of fixating on what others are doing, I prioritize enjoying the moment and engaging in activities that bring me joy, regardless of their popularity. 
  1. Setting boundaries is essential for my well-being. Learning to decline invitations or activities that don’t genuinely interest me allows me to prioritize my needs over the fear of missing out on something. It’s empowering to take control of my time and energy. 
  1. Overcoming FOMO involved a significant shift in my mindset. Rather than constantly wishing I was participating in every activity my peers were, I learned to celebrate their successes and happiness genuinely. I came to a crucial realization: satisfaction cannot be attained through constant comparison and competition with others. Instead, I redirected my focus inward, embracing my authentic self, which gradually diminished my feelings of jealousy. 

Nowadays, I find contentment in both staying home and going out. I’ve established a new routine for after-school and weekends, prioritizing self-care and quality time with my family, such as watching movies together. Additionally, I’ve rekindled my appreciation for simple pleasures, like listening to music and enjoying the comfort of my own space. 

Though I may still experience occasional pangs of FOMO, I no longer feel compelled to meet unrealistic social expectations that once consumed my thoughts.

Practicing Self-Love This Valentine’s Day 

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/

Valentine’s Day Tips

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.

What To Do After Finals

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

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

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

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.

Surrounding Yourself with Positive Energy 

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

In challenging times, it’s easy to succumb to a negative perspective, and I’ve found myself guilty of this tendency. Whether you get into a fender bender or receive a disappointing exam grade, it’s tempting to perceive the world as harsh and seemingly devoid of solutions. During such moments, I often repeat to myself that “time will pass,” trudging through a period where it feels like nothing is going right. 

However, it’s crucial to remind myself that things could be worse. Adopting a more positive outlook and acknowledging the positives in my life provides me with a much-needed shift in perspective. Instead of dwelling on hardships, I aim to cultivate an attitude that embraces the positive aspects of my journey. 

I firmly believe that the energy we project into the world has a reciprocal effect on our experiences. By fostering a positive mindset and actively seeking out the good, I’m not only changing my outlook but also influencing the energy that surrounds me. This mindset shift not only helps me navigate challenges with resilience but also contributes to a more optimistic and fulfilling life. 

There is a plethora of benefits of shifting into a more positive way of thinking and behaving. A positive outlook can help you cope with stress, live longer, and even increase your resilience. Research has shown that optimistic thinkers tend to not only experience less stress but also be able to cope with it more affectively and have a lower risk of death and longer lifespan.  

So, what is this positive energy and how can we shift or maintain a positive frame of mind? It refers to an attitude that is encouraging, productive, and beneficial. To achieve that, I’ve curated a list of strategies you can incorporate for maintaining positive energy.  

Uplifting Music 

Listening to music with a soothing melody and a positive message can help you develop a sense of positive energy, offering various psychological benefits, including stress relief. Consider how lyrics, when positive and inspirational, can boost your mood in the morning, setting a positive tone for the day.  

Inspirational Books 

Explore books on strength, personal power, or enlightenment to fill yourself with positive energy. Self-help books provide valuable resources for changing your outlook and self-talk. One of my favorites is “Grit, the power of passion and perseverance,” by Angela Duckworth gifted to me by my uncle in my junior year of high school around when the college application process started. My uncle gifted me the book to highlight one of my strengths, which is my hard work and perseverance. I always tell my family how things don’t come to me easy and that I am not naturally “smart”, but I will always put in extra effort to keep up with everyone else. If you need a reminder, you can get a book that tells you how to home on your strengths to reach your maximum potential.  

Positive People 

Surrounding yourself with positive individuals is important for maintaining positive energy. Assess whether your friends uplift or bring you down, and whether they offer criticism or compliments. Positive friendships provide support, fun, and wisdom. Redirect your energy towards friends who encourage and inspire you, not put you down or only show up when you want to go out to have fun. There is a difference between friends being with you and those that are there for you. Friends who show up when times are rough and you’re at a low are the ones you should hold close to your heart.  

Affirmations 

Incorporate positive affirmations into your routine to shift your perspective from negative to positive. Affirmations focus on possibilities rather than limitations, helping you concentrate on solutions over problems. They can also serve as a reminder of how strong you are and the wonderful qualities you possess. These positive statements help in overcoming self-sabotage and negative thoughts, essentially reframing your mindset with inspiration, positivity, and encouragement to act on and realize your goals. Again, this emphasizes your strengths over your weaknesses and can help you redirect your energy to mitigate your problems. This practice reduces stress, improves your mindset, and infuses positive energy into various aspects of your life. 

Resources  

https://www.verywellmind.com/reduce-stress-positive-energy-3144815

UMass Lowell Cares about your Well-being!

By: Angel Molekunnel, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader

As a student at UMass Lowell, I’ve discovered a wealth of resources and support geared toward enhancing my overall well-being. The university prioritizes the health and happiness of its students through various services and programs.

STUDENT LIFE & WELL-BEING

Engaging in healthy living is encouraged through an array of wellness programs and events. Nutrition workshops, fitness classes, and stress management seminars are just a glimpse into the initiatives that UMass Lowell organizes. These not only contribute to my physical well-being but also create a sense of community and support among students.

The Office of Student Life & Well-being hosts events in the Serenity Center every Wednesday from 4 pm to 6 pm for Wellness Wednesdays. Each week an activity is provided to help the UMass Lowell Community connect to themselves and each other. 

The event lineup for this fall is:

9/6: Vision Boards

9/13: GIMP

9/20: DIY Sugar Scrub Workshop

9/27: Art Therapy- Kindness Rocks

10/4: Knitting/Crochet

10/11: Aromatherapy

10/18: Meditation

10/25: DIY Blanket Making

11/1: Journaling

11/8: Yoga

11/15: Mindful Eating

11/29: Coloring

12/6: Meditation

12/13: Therapy Dogs

We also have well-being leaders who are student leaders who have been trained in supporting their peers’ well-being, including all eight dimensions of wellness. They e hold office hours within their respective colleges.

Have a question? Ask your well-being leader!

Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences: Nosagiegbon Igiede, Fajr Zahid

Kennedy College of Sciences: Yashvi Patel, Haiya Patel

Manning School of Business: Medhanit Woldemichael, Angel Molekunnel

Francis College of Engineering: Doa Jamal, Kuldeepsinh Derola

College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: Fahad Alden, Julia Yeadon

For more information, visit https://www.uml.edu/wellbeing/well-being-leaders.aspx.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Counseling Services play a crucial role in fostering emotional and psychological health. The university provides a range of options, from individual counseling to engaging group therapy sessions. Workshops are available, equipping students with valuable tools to manage stress and navigate mental health challenges. The resources offered are not just theoretical but practical and aid students in maintaining a healthy mental state.

Resources for Students Looking for Support. I need help now, I’m in crisis:

If you are having thoughts about hurting yourself or someone else, immediately call Campus Police at 978-934-4911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the on-call clinician anytime, 24/7, at 855-890-2879.

I want to talk with someone:

Call Counseling Services at 978-934-6800 for crisis intervention, assessment, referrals and short-term individual counseling.

UMASS LOWELL HEALTH SERVICES

Concerning physical health, UMass Lowell has on-campus Health Services that goes beyond merely addressing medical needs. Whether it’s general medical care, vaccinations, or health education, the university prioritizes the holistic well-being of its students. This approach contributes to creating a campus environment where students feel supported in all aspects of their health.

Contact Health Services:

E-mail: Health_Services@uml.edu

Phone: 978-934-6800

Fax: 978-934-3080

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

For those of us living on campus, Housing and Residence Life Support adds an extra layer of assistance. The Office of Residence Life at UMass Lowell is actively involved in providing resources and support. This encompasses aid in resolving roommate conflicts, addressing housing-related issues, and actively cultivating a positive living environment. The university recognizes the impact of a supportive living space on overall student well-being.

In my experience, these services collectively reflect UMass Lowell’s dedication to ensuring that students not only succeed academically but also thrive in a holistic sense, both mentally and physically. The availability of such resources undoubtedly contributes to a more enriching and fulfilling college experience for myself and other students.