Planning Ahead for Mental Health and Safety
Day to Day
Leading a healthy, balanced life enhances not only physical health but mental health as well. Here are some basics to keep in mind:
- Eat healthy foods
- Get enough exercise
- Get enough sleep
- Make sure you have enough positive social interaction
- Know when to ask for help, reach out to the Counseling Center or someone you trust who can help you find the support you need
- Acknowledge that life can be challenging and there are supports on campus for you
When Life is Hard
Some students struggle with occasional or ongoing symptoms of mental illness, which may include the urge to self-harm, suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors, or problems with impulse control If you or someone you care about struggles with such challenges, here are some suggestions to prevent crises before they happen. (If this is a life-threatening crisis, please click here.)
- An ongoing, supportive relationship with a therapist can be helpful, or shorter-term counseling can be used to problem solve. Appointments can be made at the Counseling Center by calling (413) 748-3345. The Counseling Center can also help with referrals to providers in the community.
- Resources for times of greater distress can be helpful to have on hand, including the National Suicide Hotline (1-800-273-8255) and the Crisis Texting Line (text "START" to 741-741).
- Some people find it helpful to write down prevention plans. Copies can be given to trusted friends and relatives for greater safety. These plans may include:
- A list of symptoms that are signs that the individual should seek help and/or support-- for example, changes in concentration, eating, or sleeping; suicidal ideation.
- Identify what you or others can do to help when you see these symptoms (e.g. deep breathing, call a trusted friend/family member, listen to music, journal).
- A list of symptoms that are signs that the individual should seek help and/or support-- for example, changes in concentration, eating, or sleeping; suicidal ideation.
- Creating a list of helpful phone numbers, including healthcare providers, family members, friends, and a suicide crisis line such as 1-800-273-TALK.
- Committing to a friend or family member that the individual will call trusted friends or relatives, a trusted doctor, a crisis line, or a hospital when symptoms become severe.
- Writing down encouraging reminders to yourself to be read during times of distress, such as "my life is valuable and worthwhile, even if it doesn't feel that way right now."
- Recording a message or writing a note to yourself to review during times of stress and struggle.
