From the offices of....
Counseling and Health Services
(notations taken from their newsletter that went to students but some great reminders and talking points for parents)
Most people experience at least one depressive episode in their lifetime, which can be caused by a multitude of things, including:
- Negative life events (i.e. death of a loved one, break-ups)
- Difficult transitions (i.e. moving to a new place where you don’t know many people)
- Winter months where it’s colder and there is less sunlight
Luckily, there are many proven effective steps you can take to keep your mind in a healthy place to either avoid a depressive episode or make it so a depressive episode is not as severe or long-lasting!
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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: You don't need to be a varsity athlete to move your body. Exercise releases natural antidepressant hormones in your brain.
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FOOD: Your body and brain respond to what you feed it with. Enjoy that dessert, but also make sure you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
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SOCIALIZE: Alone time is good and necessary, but depression typically makes you want to isolate. Regularly talking to friends about your life, thoughts, and feelings reminds you that you are cared for and connected. Hopefully your friends also make you laugh, and you know what they say about laughter - it's the best medicine!
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PLAN: Even if it's small, having events on the calendar remind you that you have things to look forward to. In the middle of a stressful week, knowing that you're seeing a movie with friends on Saturday or carving pumpkins with your roommates can be just enough to help you get through the week.
Transportation
Shuttle services are available for the upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break holidays to Chicago's Midway & O'Hare Airports, click the details below!
Need to know when your student has a University break? Check out:
Center for Academic Excellence
Department of General Studies
Encourage your student to take GNST 101 Essentials of Learning (3 credits) in spring 2022 to master academic strategies like time management, note-taking skills, test-taking strategies and more. Has your student already taken GNST 101? Encourage your student to take GNST 105 Learning Success Strategies (3 credits) to master skills related to the 4 C’s: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Students can work with their advisor to register for these classes.
Encourage your student to use the academic accommodations provided through the LSS office. If your student would like to meet with someone to talk about services and/or discuss additional accommodations, email LSS and we will connect with your student.
Encourage your student to take advantage of FREE academic tutoring, academic coaching, and writing assistance. The ACC is offering weekly walk-in hours to help students finish the semester strong. Tell your student to stop by the 2nd floor of Benner Library to talk with someone about all the services available.