Self-Help Resources for Students

About self-help resources

At the counseling center, we are proud of the clinical and outreach services we offer.  We are also aware that not all students are in need of counseling services, and are simply interested in quick tips for improving mental health and wellness.

Therefore, we have begun to compile several self-help resources that may be of interest and use to students.  The list includes several external resources and links, and it is important for us to note that:

• These resources are not meant to act as a replacement for psychotherapy
• Using these resources does not indicate a treatment relationship with the counseling center
• These links do not represent an endorsement by the counseling center.

Quick links for common concerns

• Coping with Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Guided Meditations (PDF)
• Sleep 
• Stress and Relaxation
• Useful Contact Info for UMass Dartmouth
• Didn't Find What You're Looking For?

Coping with Coronavirus concerns

Psychological health tips

• Resiliency while socially distant (PDF)
• FACE COVID - by Russ Harris (PDF)
• (from the counseling center at UMass Amherst)
  • Acknowledge reactions. Allow yourself time to reflect on what you are feeling and how you may be reacting to any fears and uncertainties of the future.
  • Maintain your day-to-day normal activities and social outlets as much as you can. Resist withdrawing and isolating yourself from the support and caring that others can provide. 
  • Seek accurate information from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and limit exposure to social media and news reports that provide no new information.
  • Pay attention to positive news instead of only focusing on negative and fear-producing reports.
  • Follow the protection and prevention tips given by medical professionals such as University Health Services here on campus, national medical authorities, and your own medical doctor.
  • Practice calming rituals: Stay grounded in the present moment, which can help you maintain an internal sense of stability and balance when outside events feel threatening.
  • Seek supports & use campus resources. Reach out to friends and family and learn about campus resources. If you or someone you know has significant distress that does not seem to be getting better, talk about it with others or reach out to CCPH. Your campus community is here to help!
• Avoid stigmatizing or generalizing
  • Be aware of your behavior or attitude change toward others from another country.
  • Avoid generalizing anyone who is sick as potentially having the Coronavirus.
  • Examine any irrational or rigid thoughts that can exist when there is uncertainty.

The Counseling Center is currently looking into options for online screening for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, alcohol, post-traumatic stress, and eating disorders. The idea behind online screening is that you may find out, in a few minutes, whether or not a professional consultation may be helpful to you. 

While the counseling center does not currently offer online screening, we are willing and able to provide a professional consultation and therapy services to full-time students.

Sleep

Stress and relaxation

Coping with Stressful Times (PDF)

Useful contact info for UMass Dartmouth

Call for a professional consultation

If you would like to set up a professional consultation, call the Counseling Center at 508-999-8648 or 8650 to schedule an appointment.

Get more info online

Visit Campuscalm.com for free tips, articles, and student discussions.

For additional information on critical mental health resources, please check out this link provided by the Online Colleges website: Critical Mental Health Resources for College Students