Getting Help for Yourself
We all feel an abundance of feelings that can at times feel overwhelming and distressing, like sadness, stress, anxiety, disappointment, and frustration. The intensity of those feelings can rise and fall. It’s important to know how to recognize our own distress, how to handle it effectively, and how to manage our emotions in a healthy way on a daily basis.
Worried about yourself? Here's what to do:
One helpful way of managing your emotions in a healthy way is to take care of yourself daily. Watch the video below on a helpful skill called PLEASE.
A very useful tool for improving our mood is called Behavioral Activation.
- According to PsychologyTools.com, when we’re depressed, we are less active, leading to having fewer opportunities to engage in positive and rewarding activities. When we don’t do the rewarding things, our mood lowers further.
- When we engage in activities that give us a feeling of pleasure, grow and develop and give ourselves a sense of mastery, or have positive relationships with others that make us feel connected and valued, we feel better.
- Click the link below to watch a video to learn more about Behavioral Activation.
Reduce Depression With Behavioral Activation: CBT & DBT Skills
Seeking support from others, such as family and friends, can provide comfort and reduce feelings of loneliness. Remember, the goal of building your support network is to decrease stress, not add to it. When identifying social supports, look for those who make you feel good about yourself and have fun with when you’re with them.
Benefits of a strong support network:
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Improving the ability to cope with stressful situations;
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Alleviating the effects of emotional distress;
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Promoting lifelong good mental health;
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Enhancing self-esteem;
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Lowering cardiovascular risks, such as lowering blood pressure
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Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors; or
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Encouraging adherence to a treatment plan.
Ways to build and strengthen your social support network:
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Reach out to family and friends. Even a simple hello can spark conversation
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Use technology. Connect with people far away via email, text messaging, or video calls.
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Connect with people who share your interests. Joining a club on campus, volunteering at a local organization, or taking a class can help you meet people who share your likes and interests.
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Look for peer support groups. If you are facing a personal challenge, consider joining a peer support group to help take care of your mental health and connect with people facing similar challenges.
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Ask for help. Speak with your RA, Commuter Assistant, or the Center for Student Engagement to learn more about events you may want to attend or organizations you may want to join.
Sometimes we need extra assistance with feeling better. Some reasons that students come to the Counseling Center include:
- Stress management
- Relationship challenges
- Family conflict
- Identity development
- Interpersonal violence
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- Anger management
- Self-esteem
- Trauma
Monday through Thursday, the Counseling Center has walk-in hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis with no appointment necessary.
If the Counseling Center is closed and you need to speak with a therapist, call the office at (914) 633-2038 to speak with the after-hours counselor.