Mental health resources
Mental health issues can be an obstacle that many of us have to overcome at any stage of life. Multiple factors can contribute to this, such as homesickness or seasonal change. Once a lack of motivation hits, finding help can be difficult, even if you know you need it. For those who struggle, there are many local and easy mental health supports at your disposal, all listed on the Geneseo mental health resource list.
SUNY Geneseo offers free counseling services to students at the Lauderdale Health and Counseling. Appointments can be made online, and visits can be as frequent or infrequent as you would like. The services are also very flexible with class and testing schedules.
The “Coping with College” tab can be very useful for first-year students, transfers, and anyone who has not yet found their community at Geneseo. The tab offers links to the college’s online photo gallery, writing and journaling resources, knitting and painting classes, guided national park tours, and much more! So whether you want to find a new hobby to fill your extra time, or just need to take your mind off of coursework, this site can help.
The mental health screening program provided by MindWise Innovations is an anonymous online aid that offers surveys covering depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other mental issues anyone could be struggling with. The screening then provided the surveyee with information about their behaviors and feelings in relation to their health issues. This website can be an amazing place to feel seen and begin to understand any mental health issues that may be showing up in your life.
There are many peer-oriented workshops and other support groups as well, such as the Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development (GOLD) series Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, which speaks about food and diet details and interpersonal relationships. There is also the Geneseo Pathways program, a peer support resource to speak with trained student volunteers about any issues you may have, available 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., Sundays through Thursdays.
The Geneseo website also emphasizes the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. model, which stands for Routines, Eat and Sleep, Play, Embody, Connect, and Talk. Daily and nightly routines can be a great way to get your mind and body ready for the day. You may also want to make designated study or homework hours, along with scheduled relaxation time. Drinking water, not skipping meals, and establishing a consistent sleep schedule are perfect for keeping your brain and body stable. “Play” can simply mean allowing space for the things you enjoy in life; whether you play a sport, paint, read, or practice multiple hobbies, giving yourself permission to have downtime can be a nice outlet amid life’s many different stressors. The “embody” category simply means being one with yourself by exercising or moving around every day, or maybe even sitting outside and enjoying the summer sun while it lasts. Finding a community where you feel welcome can greatly increase your mental health because you may build trust between your circles and have resources close to you to help deal with any personal issues you may be having. Talking to friends, family, and other trusted sources can help with both short and long-term issues.
The most important part of any mental health issue is knowing that you are never alone. There is always someone, somewhere, who understands your problems and is willing to help you. Support systems are available for anyone concerned about a friend or loved one, along with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. These resources are here for a reason, so remember that you do not have to face mental health issues on your own.