DeKALB – It’s important to remember to keep mental health at the forefront as we approach February.
NIU offers a variety of mental health resources for students, including a 24-hour phone line that students can call when they need someone to talk to, or Togetherall.com, which allows students from around the country to connect and talk about everyday stressors.
The causes of negative mental health issues can be different for everybody. Initial triggers can range from procrasting to overworking your mind or body. Being aware of triggers is essential, and knowing when you need to detach yourself from stressors can help you stay successful.
Brian Pillsbury, a staff psychologist for Counseling and Consultation Services, said focusing on yourself helps your mind relax.
“Self-care isn’t just for when you’re very stressed out. It needs to be done on a regular basis to help prevent being stressed out,” Pillsbury said.
Reaching out to someone when feeling overwhelmed can be an effective way to improve mental health. This Valentine’s Day, it’s important to know when to take breaks and spend time away from school work and extracurriculars.
“Too many people ignore those kinds of signs, thinking, I need to get through this, but it’s actually important to be aware when you’re really stressed out,” Pillsbury said.
Using outlets such as Chilling with Chase or the Procrastination Cafe can also be effective in helping students engage with others and boost energy. Most events and dates are posted on the NIU website event calendar.
For many, wellness is defined by being healthy, so the importance of mental health is often overlooked.
“Your wellness isn’t just the absence of disease. It includes your mental health and your emotional well-being,” said Associate Director of Student Wellness for Counseling and Consultation Services Sarah Moskal.
Another way students can improve their mental health is by reaching out to someone when they feel overwhelmed and need support. Having someone listen to concerns can help them process thoughts more clearly to identify solutions they may not have considered.
“I hope people understand that they are important and that it is important to take care of you because you matter,” Moskal said.
The Counseling and Consultation Service Office is open from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Peters Campus Life Building, Room 200.