It is very common for students to become stressed but there are several things students can do to prevent a mental breakdown.

“To decrease stress levels, I would suggest students look for ways to find balance, practice self-care and take care of their overall health and well-being,” said Jennifer Burton, health educator in The Well.

Maintaining a healthy diet, staying organized and effective time management are all things Burton said would be helpful. She also said joining an activity or finding a hobby would take students’ mind off of their stressors.

Making the right food choices and getting enough sleep is essential when it comes to almost anything in life. If a student eats healthy and makes a conscious effort to get at least 8 hours of sleep nightly, they will be able to better manage their stress.

There are a lot of on-campus resources to help students manage their stress level. Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and a weekly program called Working Out Your Stress (WOYS) are available for students.

“The Well is also a great resource to participate in physical activity, which can help to decrease stress,” Burton said.

There are rooms in the Union, such as the Terminal Lounge and the Meditation room students should take advantage of if they feel they need to relax.

Norma Sanchez, member in Union Services, said in order to be in the Terminal Lounge, one has to be listening to music, but anyone is welcome.

The meditation room is a great place to take a quiet minute for oneself and just breathe.

“The busier we get with the semester, the busier that room gets,” Sanchez said.

Burton said to help students cope with stress, she would suggest they make self-care a part of their routine and find someone they trust to share their feelings with in moments of stress.

“It is important for students struggling with stress and/or anxiety to know that they are not alone and that such feelings are nothing to be ashamed of,” Burton said.

When it comes to finding a place on-campus to deal with stress and anxiety, the Pride Center is another safe place for anyone from the LGBTQ community to talk about things they are going through.

One discussion meeting that was put on by the Pride Center was a discussion about new semester anxiety. It was an open space for students to meet with Chris Kent, administrative support coordinator of the Pride Center, and psychologist Rene Reis to discuss their experiences.

Kent said when it comes to dealing the anxiety and stress it is important to find an ally, someone to talk to for one-on-one conversations.

Students seeking advice or assistance from the center can visit their location in the Union next to Round Table. Also, students can attend the programs and contact the center on social media or email.