SGU Student Wellness Committee Staff Discussion 1: "Mental and Emotional Health"
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines mental health as, “the condition of being sound mentally and emotionally; characterized by the absence of mental illness and by adequate adjustment, especially as reflected in feeling comfortable about oneself, positive feelings about others, and the ability to meet the demands of daily life.” Unfortunately, mental health has slowly, but surely, turned into a taboo in American culture. It seems as if people are scared to talk about mental health, and, as a result of this, some may feel trapped and helpless. It is important to have open conversations surrounding mental health, especially with all of the difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. College students have been learning in a virtual environment for over a year now; Some have spent most, if not all of their time, in a virtual environment due to COVID-19. The difficulty of online learning, meshed with social isolation, has caused a surge in mental illness across the world. There should be more open conversations about mental health now in order to help those in need.
There is a lot of confusion surrounding the difference between mental and emotional health. Many believe that these two pillars of wellness are grouped together. There are indeed similarities and are both important, but they do stand on their own merits. Emotional health is more focused on being able to control one’s emotions and having healthy emotional connections with others. For example, being able to have a balance of emotions, rather than constantly feeling a select couple. The ability to have healthy emotional connections is very important, as going into a relationship (whether platonic or romantic) without strong emotional health can lead to a lot of problems. A lot of the focus is on mental health, but emotional health is also very important, as not being able to control one’s emotions can lead to worsening health conditions. Just like mental health, emotional health is not talked about nearly as much as it should be.
This staff discussion is focused on both mental and emotional health. The questions were answered by Sandra Mizerak and Briana Lewis, both of whom are counselors in SUNY Poly’s Wellness Center. The conversation was hosted by the chair of the SGU Student Wellness Committee, Justin Savoy. Our next staff discussion will be focused on environmental health, hosted by Senator Chris DeLuca. If you have any questions about student wellness or have any ideas about how to improve student wellness, please feel free to reach out to our committee at sgustudentwellness@sunypoly.edu. If you would like to join our weekly meetings, our link to join is on Engage! Finally, if you believe that you would benefit from counseling services, the SUNY Poly Wellness Center can help. You can email them at wellnesscenter@sunypoly.edu. Stay safe, healthy, and happy!
1.) What advice would you give POC students that are hesitant about seeing a counselor that isn't a POC?
We understand why it is important for students to work with and interact with individuals who they feel represent them. With that being said, we acknowledge the lack of racial diversity in the counseling office. While we do our best to serve all students, we would be more than happy to help assist a student looking to find a counselor in the community that best meets their needs.
2.) How do I make an appointment to see a counselor from the Wellness Center? Are all of the appointments virtual?
Currently, the majority of students are seen virtually. However, if there are certain circumstances in which a student really could not be seen virtually - such as poor internet connection or no confidential place to hold a telehealth session - then plans could be made to be seen in person. For health & safety reasons counselors would prefer to see students virtually at this point.
3.) Is keeping a journal of my feelings throughout the week a good way to track my overall attitude and happiness?
Yes. Journaling can be a great way to track your mood. Writing can serve as a calming and meditative tool. Studies have shown that freewriting (stream of consciousness) can especially lower one’s stress levels.
4.) I often find myself struggling to keep up with my schoolwork. What are some ways that I can improve my motivation to get homework done when I am feeling tired or lost?
Suggestions include: changing up the location of where you study, stay hydrated, make sure to eat foods that energize you such as protein (stay away from processed sugars), get a lot of Vitamin D (mostly though foods) but also get outside once a day to get some sun (sun provides Serotonin which is the chemical that makes you feel calm & happy), and exercise 3 to 4x a week (walking on a sunny day which will provide you with both the Serotonin and Endorphins both which will help increase motivation). Make sure you are sleeping on average 7 to 9 hours a day; good sleep is the number one way to keep your motivation going! Take breaks in between homework/projects/papers; commit to working on a subject for a specific amount of time then take a 30 minute to 60-minute break away from your computer, during the break, stretch, walk, get something to eat, or talk to a friend. Do the homework that you find easiest or most enjoyable first that way you will build momentum to do the other work.
Try to tackle the homework when you are most alert, preferably when the sun is up; even if you consider yourself a “night owl” studies show our minds & bodies start going into shutdown mode once the sun starts setting, so try to get at least half done while the sun is still up. Lastly, if you are still struggling, try to identify at least three positive aspects of each subject such as how it will help you in your career, how it will help you in the next class you have to take, or find three interesting facts about the subject in order to help you obtain some sense of intrinsic or extrinsic motivation.
5.) I would like to see a counselor, but do not want to take time away from someone who needs it more than me. Would it be possible to meet only when I feel like I need to?
The length and frequency of sessions are typically determined during the first session by both the student and counselor. It is not a good idea to think one student is more deserving than another in terms of a counselor’s time. The counselors at SUNY Poly have time for all students, no matter what the issue is. There is no such thing as a minor vs. major problem. If, however, a student really only wants to meet “as needed” and there are no safety issues in which a counselor may advise against meeting episodically, then yes a student has the freedom to meet as often as they feel necessary.
6.) How do I differentiate between depression and having a few bad days?
Depression is a mental health disorder diagnosed by a mental health provider where there are specific symptoms that last a minimum of two weeks without it being attributed to a medical problem, grief from loss, or a substance abuse problem. Depression can come in the form of sadness, apathy, irritability, and emotional disconnection. Depression typically interferes with one’s interpersonal life, occupational life, academic life, and spiritual life. Sadness is a feeling which typically is temporary and fluid and can be attributed to changes or in one’s environment or upsetting situations. The best way to differentiate between the two is: depression is a state of mental disorder and sadness is a feeling.
7.) Why did you decide to pursue a career in counseling?
Sandy: I believe everybody deserves a safe and confidential space, along with a safe and confidential person to explore their individual feelings and thoughts/explore who they are and what they want. I do not believe many people have that type of space or person in their life to do that with them and so having a counselor in their life can be a tremendous gift. I wanted to be that person to offer that to someone.
Briana: I’ve always enjoyed being with people. I feel lucky that people allow me to be part of their lives. Similar to Sandy, I believe that everyone deserves support and empathy, and the chance to grow and heal.
8.) I am thinking about pursuing a career in mental health services, what skills should I work on before applying to jobs?
There are a vast amount of jobs one could pursue in the mental health field. First, I would suggest exploring what population you would like to work with such as children, adults, the elderly, people with intellectual disabilities, sex offenders, etc. Second, work on having good communication skills such as taking a public speaking class. Third, make sure to take some psychology classes assuming you are not a psychology or sociology major already. Lastly, work on understanding yourself and knowing what your triggers are, practice good self-care, and understanding what your intentions are...for example ask yourself why you are pursuing this line of work and what you hope to get out of it.
9.) How does confidentiality work at the Wellness Center?
The Wellness Center has three distinct services (medical, counseling, and health promotion). Students who seek out these services must fill out an informed consent. Confidentiality is explained in detail on these consent forms. Essentially most everything that happens or is said in the Wellness Center is confidential with the exception of a student making a statement of the threat of suicide, harm to someone else, or in the case of a child being abused.
10.) What are some ways that I can help my friends and family that suffer from depression/anxiety?
The most important thing you can do to help a friend is to listen without judgment or an agenda. Listening and validating a friend’s feelings is the most important thing you can do. You would be surprised how little this happens, which leaves people feeling alone and misunderstood. Once you have listened to them, then encourage them to seek out counseling and/or seek out information. Only offer the suggestions once you have patiently listened and made them feel valued.
