Personal Well-Being

We understand these are uncharted times for us all. Please know we are here to support you. If you are in need of a counselor, please contact our office call 269.488.4040 TTC or 269.373.7800 ACC to schedule an appointment or email us at .

Resources to help you care of yourself during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus):

  1. Anxiety and Depression Association of America
  2. American Psychological Association
  3. American Psychological Association
  4. Center for Disease Control
  5. Headspace Meditation
  6. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  7. Psycom website
  8. Mental and Emotional Well-Being During COVID-19

Some Common Mental Health Concerns for College Students

Anxiety

Anxiety and stress are often used interchangeably but they are two very different issues that can often directly impact each other. The difference between “normal” worrying and a possible anxiety disorder is that the worrying associated with an anxiety disorder is much more frequent, disruptive, excessive and unrelenting. Anxiety can make life difficult and relaxation impossible. Here are few signs that you may be experience high levels of anxiety rather than normal worry:

  • Muscle tension, aches, soreness
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Stomach problem, nausea, diarrhea
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Tiring easily and an inability to relax

Stress

Stress is a normal physical response to real or imagined threats. The body does not know the difference between these threats. Therefore, the body will respond the same to stress over a busy schedule, an argument, bills or a life-or-death situation. Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problem such as stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure. Here are a few signs that you may be experiencing high levels of stress:

  • Memory problems, poor judgment
  • Aches, pains, suppressed immune system
  • Using alcohol, cigarettes, drugs to relax
  • Poor judgment
  • Anxiety and depression

Depression

It is a normal part of life to feel blue or down sometimes. When those periods last for a long time and lead to feeling of emptiness, despair, helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness, it may be depression. Depression can make it tough to function and enjoy life fully. It can interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, interact with others and have fun. Depression varies from person to person. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

  • Self-loathing
  • Loss of interest in daily activities
  • Loss of energy, feeling fatigued or sluggish
  • Sleep changes, unexplained aches/pains
  • Irritability or restlessness
  • Concentration problems

Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are very complex. They are characterized as extreme and severe disturbances in eating habits or weight control behavior that disrupts physical, mental and social functioning. The most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The consequences of eating disorders can be devastating and lead to long-tern medical complications such as tooth decay, lowered hormone levels, bone-density loss, kidney problems, brittle hair and nails, dry and yellowish skin, severe constipation, low blood pressure, slowed breathing and pulse, mild anemia, and muscle weakness and loss. More serious medical consequences include heart problems and, in extreme circumstances, death. Here are some signs of eating disorders:

  • Extreme reduction of food intake or overeating
  • Extreme concern about body weight or shape
  • Misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas
  • Fatigue, apathy, social withdrawal
  • Excessive exercise
  • Self-induced vomiting or binge eating
  • Chronically inflamed and sore throat
  • Dramatic personality changes

Grief and Loss

Grief is a natural and individual response to a loss of someone or something to which a bond was formed. Grief is typically associated with, and expected with, the death of a person or pet. It can be triggered by other events such as a relationship breakup, illness, loss of a job, financial instability, a miscarriage, loss of a friendship, trauma, or a loss of a cherished dream or goal.

There are five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Each person will experience these stages in their own way, order and timing. Grief is a normal process, but becomes a problem when it limits a person’s ability to function in everyday activities. Signs of grief include:

  • Feelings of shock, disbelief, numbness
  • Fatigue, nausea, weight loss or gain
  • Sleeplessness
  • Feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, fear
  • Lack of concentration
  • Social withdrawal

Suicide

Reasons for suicide are multifaceted, complex and sometimes left to speculation. What is most commonly known is that whatever life circumstance or situation a suicidal person feels, living life does not appear to be the answer to help them escape or resolve their pain and suffering. Suicide occurs in persons of all ages and backgrounds, but certain groups of people are at increased risk for suicide attempts.

These include those with a family history of, or exposure to, suicide, and/or mental illness such as depression, substance abuse such as depression, substance addictions, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and eating disorders. Males are more likely than females to commit suicide, although attempts are more common among females. Thoughts of death or suicide are serious, so take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. Here are some warning signs that a person may be feeling suicidal:

  • Talking about killing or harming one’s self
  • Saying things such as “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out”
  • Expressing strong feelings of helplessness or being trapped
  • A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy
  • An unusual preoccupation with death or dying
  • Acting recklessly, as if having a death wish
  • Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends)
  • Calling or visiting people to say goodbye

Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1.800.273.TALK

Simple but Effective Ways to Take Care of your Mental Health

  • Get plenty of sleep on a regular basis
  • Exercise and stretch regularly
  • Develop a support system
  • Mediate, pray, laugh
  • Help someone in need/volunteer
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Take a nap
  • Talk to friends and family
  • Keep a journal
  • Listen to music
  • Know where to get help

Want to learn more about mental health?

www.mentalhealthamerica.net
www.halfofus.com

If you or someone you know needs help, contact:

For life threatening emergencies, call 911
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Counseling – 269.488.4123
Integrated Services of Kalamazoo – 269.373.6000
Family & Children Services – 269.344.0202
WMU’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services
      Kalamazoo Campus – 269.387.5105
      Grand Rapids Campus – 616.771.4171
Gryphon Place – 269.381.1510
Recovery Institute of Southwest Michigan – 269.343.6725
Crisis Hotlines
      Gryphon Place – 269.381.HELP (4357) or 211
      Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1.800.273.TALK (8255)
      Veterans Crisis Line -- 1.800.273.TALK (8255) and press 1 or send text to 828255.

Disclaimer: These are resources in the local area that have reached out to our student population and provided information about their services. This list does not include all available resources in the community nor does Kalamazoo Valley Community College endorse or have a contract with the community resources listed above.