What is Mental Health?
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness- it’s about thriving emotionally and psychologically while navigating life’s challenges.
Signs of positive mental health include:
- Emotional resilience: bouncing back from setbacks and adapting to changes
- Self-awareness: recognizing and understanding your emotions and triggers
- Effective stress management: using healthy coping strategies like mindfulness, exercise, or talking to someone
- Positive thinking: finding joy in everyday moments and maintaining hope during challenges
- Seeking support: reaching out for help when feeling overwhelmed or struggling
Signs of a mental health challenge may include:
- Persistent sadness or anxiety: feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or constantly worried.
- Social withdrawal: avoiding friends, family, or activities you once enjoyed.
- Difficulty managing emotions: experiencing frequent anger, frustration, or irritability.
- Poor concentration: struggling to focus on school, work, or daily tasks.
- Unhealthy coping mechanisms: turning to substances, self-isolation, or unhealthy behaviors to manage stress.
- Irregular sleep patterns: sleeping too much or too little.
- Thinking of harming yourself or others.
Please contact 909-621-8202 to schedule an appointment with Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS) or view our mental health resources here should you need support.
Tips for Self-Care
Finding ways to lower stress, manage your time well, and make time for self-care all important ways to boost positive mental health during your time in college and beyond. As college students, self-care can be hard to practice when you’re balancing academics, work, extracurriculars, and a social life. However, self-care can be as simple as sitting in silence for a few minutes or taking some deep breaths. If self-care is a new concept for you, check out the tips below from the Peer Health Ambassadors:
- Set a designated bedtime and stick to it.
- Stay hydrated and carry a reusable water bottle.
- Journal your thoughts and feelings to reflect on your day.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation using apps like TimelyCare the Student Health and Wellbeing app or Headspace.
- Take regular breaks during study sessions.
- Declutter your dorm or workspace for better focus.
- Spend time outdoors.
- Attend a campus event or workshop to meet new people.
- Engage in physical activity such as attending a group fitness class at Roberts Pavilion.
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