By April Shaw
Mental health is an ongoing struggle. Gaining awareness and acceptance about mental health? Even more so.
May was Mental Health Awareness Month. As usual, the library highlighted some of the available mental health awareness resources from the collection.
While there are many
holidays and months of observance for mental health year-round, the need to prioritize yourself should not stop then.
Don’t know where to start? You can complete a short Wellness Check on Tigerweb and someone from the
Student Support Center Need more specific information now? I have listed several resources below to help you begin or continue your mental health journey.
Campus
Resources
Library
Aside from books, the library also enjoys regular visits from therapy dogs to help students and faculty relax and de-stress during the busy school semester. Students also make use of the quiet zone—located on the left side of the library (from the entrance)--for focused study and reflection.
Student Support Center
We all have basic needs that create a sense of comfort and satisfaction in our daily lives. When these needs are not met, we tend to struggle more with our mental health.
Chatt State’s Student Support Center has various resources to help struggling students fulfill their basic needs and more. From on-site counseling services to a dark, quiet room for rest and meditation, there are many free resources you can utilize.
- Food – If you are struggling with food, go to the Tiger Cupboard! Click on the Tiger Cupboard card in Tigerweb, and choose from available groceries. Student Services staff will put together a bag (marked with your A-number) for you to pick up during your selected time. There is no shame in utilizing this resource. Students (and even faculty) make use of the pantry all the time! It is here for you.
- Transportation – Did you know that you can apply for a gas pass from the Helping Hands Fund to relieve your financial burden? As a Chatt State student, you are also eligible for free rides on CARTA with your student I.D.
- Shelter – Did you know that we have a Homeless Student Liaison? Tammy McDonough is your go-to guide to the amazing services our campus has to offer. She is available via appointment by email at Tammy.McDonough@chattanoogastate.edu.
Student Health Clinic
Your
mental health is closely tied to your physical health. If you need help, the Student
Health Clinic on campus is COMPLETELY FREE. Walk in for a quick checkup any time you need!
Off-Campus
Resources
If
you are not on campus, there are still resources available to you.
Use
websites like Psychology
Today to find a counselor to suit your needs and circumstances. If you
cannot afford counseling, there are 24-hr hotlines (like 855-274-7471) that
provide constant support for people in crisis or simply needing an ear to
listen. More resources are available at TN.gov.
Organizations like NAMI Chattanooga also
exist to connect you to local support services.
It
may not be easy to remember in the moment, but there is no shortage of
resources available when you need support.
Small
Steps
As the
summer semester picks up, I encourage you to focus on yourself and your needs
as much as possible. Planning a course of action can be intimidating but take
it one small step at a time.
A
simple action to consider can be to choose a day or month of observance from
the previously shared list and
implementing the suggested exercises in your daily life.
For
example, National
Hermit Week is coming up June 13-20th. National Hermit Week
celebrates finding the joy in taking time for yourself by yourself.
Suggested activities include:
- Going out by yourself - Do all the things you’ve always wanted to do but didn’t because you could never find someone to do them with. Take a vacation, have a solo dinner date, go hiking, plan a day trip or just spend the whole day wandering around the city and taking in the sights.
- Staying in - Spend the week staying in and having some quality me-time. Read a book, listen to music, cook your favorite meal, have a movie marathon, play your favorite video game, sleep for 12 hours, or indulge in an eight-step skincare routine completely guilt-free!
- Trying new things - Sign up for that pottery class or watch a dozen crocheting videos so you can have that homemade blanket you’ve always wanted. Use this as an opportunity to return to the hobbies you don’t have time for anymore or for acquiring a new hobby!
Whichever
approach you choose, make sure that you are prioritizing yourself and your
mental health every day. You do not have
to take everything on alone. Always remember that you can reach out for help. You
are worth it!
-AS
