With the fall semester beginning, college marks a big transition in our lives, getting out of our comfort zone, making big and difficult decisions, and exploring the new environment around you, which can be overwhelming. As a freshman, I am no exception to this. It can be easy to overwhelm yourself with your academics, extracurriculars, and other aspects of college life while ignoring what is best for you and your mental health.
September marks a time to spread awareness around National Suicide Prevention. The goal is to ensure that people have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to openly talk about mental health and seek help. College students who struggle with mental health don’t know about the resources available to them on campus. At the University of Rhode Island, there are many resources for those who are struggling with their mental health that provide support and guidance through Health Services.
Wellness Resource Center (WRC)
At times, counseling can be a bit overwhelming as a way to balance your mental health, which has been the case for me when first figuring out what path I wanted to take. It can be vulnerable to open up about what’s going through your mind and share that with someone. The WRC provides a relaxing and comfortable safe space to destress and unwind. If verbal communication is not what you are looking for, try the Meditation Room and connect with yourself in a safe, yet quiet space. It is the perfect place to reach mindfulness and a great way to focus on your well-being. Book the Meditation Room here, and both this and the WRC are located on the lower level at the Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center.
Anna Fascitelli Fitness & Wellness Center
The URI Counseling Center offers a wide variety of services that support the well-being of students. This includes crisis support, individual counseling, group therapy sessions, care management, and even outreach programs that improve mental well-being and help with adjusting to college and its challenges. These services touch on topics such as anxiety, depression, transition and change to college, and other concerns. With services like group counseling, for the fall semester, the counseling center offers a wide array of services. Body Bump+, an exercise group that looks into the benefits of exercise on mental health while engaging in a fitness class on Tuesdays at 5:00 PM. Located at the Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center, university psychologist Micheal Starkey teaches this class where you work out and discuss how exercise can enhance your overall well-being. I know for me, exercise is a great way to improve my self-esteem and mental health by getting my blood pumping and taking my mind off of things in my own life. Whether it’s taking a yoga class, going to the gym, or simply just walking around campus, get active and find ways that allow you to destress. Our mental health is tied to our physical health, and exercise is one of the many ways to promote both mental and physical well-being.
If you’re ever in a situation where you need support at a time outside of business hours, the counseling center has partnered with TELUS Health, which offers free 24/7 support via chat, video, and phone. They also offer other services like short-term counseling, self-assessments, and virtual fitness classes! The TELUS Health app is free and easy to download from either the Apple Store or Google Play.
Psychological Consultation Center (PCC) (Chafee Building 142 Flagg Road, Suite 100 Kingston, RI 02881)
If you are interested in something more long-term, the PCC is another service provided on campus that serves as a training clinic for doctoral-level graduate students in the Clinical Psychology program. The PCC offers individual treatment, assessments, and support for what you are in need of. This can range from anxiety and depression to support with finding coping mechanisms to tackle other personal matters. In my experience, long-term counseling has allowed me to build a stronger relationship based on trust with the person helping me with my own mental health journey. As someone who has dealt with severe anxiety and clinical depression for a big part of my life, long-term counseling has been what has helped me the most navigate my life in a healthy and effective way.
It is important to know that you are not alone and that you have a supportive environment here on and off campus. In order to thrive and be successful in college, you must find that balance between academic priorities and your emotional well-being. Health Services and their resources are here to support your physical and mental health and wellness. Be sure to explore these resources that are in your corner here at Campus Rec and the university, and remember that it is okay to make yourself and your mental health a priority!
By: Aaliyah Holford
Major: Exploring Harrington School
Graduating May 2029