This roundtable topic is especially important. I always check in on friends and family, even using my social media to share tips on how to cope especially during finals week, holidays, beginning of the semester, or general stress/depression management.
Eustress: Keeps us motivated as we positively adapt to change.
Distress: Results from a negative situation.
The body doesn't care if the stress is big or small, which means physiological reactions will sometimes make us feel like the stress is bigger than it actually is.
The ways stress impact your body include: Teeth grinding, digestive disorders, anxiety, irritability, and anger.
Checking in yourself is important, we may seem to be on “autopilot” at times or going with the flow, but it is actually a point where you become numb. Thankfully we have the power to control how we handle stress, the best way being to face it head on.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a common ailment but you can cope with it by:
- Reframing your thoughts.
- Socially interacting whether it's a phone call or a trip to the store.
-Breathwork/Meditation
and if none of these help, try
- The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 positive thought to tell yourself
Many students, are not aware that we have Counseling and Psychological Services on campus, and this should be shared with I think that anyone who feels more stress/anxiety/depression than usual should take advantage of the resources available on campus!
One of the biggest takeaways from this roundtable is that depression is not always noticeable. Those who suffer the most are constantly trying to keep themselves and others happy while trying to suppress or project their feelings and fail to reach out for support. Some signs of depression may be withdrawal, memory loss, and appetite changes. If you are feeling depressed, allow yourself to cry, get into your creative space, try animal therapy, and try to make a gratitude list!
There is nothing wrong with seeking therapy, so go for it if necessary!
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