THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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Mental Health Tip of the Week

Mental Health Tips – Thanksgiving Break 

Pie makes everybody happy. – Laurie Halse Anderson 

For the majority of us, “stress” is associated more with work and responsibilities than it is with vacation.  However, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s important for us to acknowledge that holidays have their own stresses and complications.  Routines are disrupted, old tensions and challenges resurface, and even free time can become a source of anxiety as many of us face stressors at home that are as heavy as they are at school. Going home is not always as easy or as fun as we’d like to believe it is, and that’s okay. As such, here are some tips to help with making your Thanksgiving break as supportive as possible: 

• Acknowledge your feelings: Disruptions to routine like leaving campus are stressful for most of us, and it’s okay to feel anxious about them. In addition, families have emotional or material challenges that add extra complications. 

• Show yourself compassion: Be kind to yourself as you make the transition home. 

• Create boundaries with friends and loved ones: You cannot be everything to everyone, especially during the limited time of a school break. Set boundaries on what you can and can’t do. 

• Take breaks: Even for adults, going home can trigger some emotional regression and bring us back to childhood patterns. Check in with yourself, allow yourself some “me time,” and do what makes you feel restored and comfortable. 

• Connect and reach out for support: Connecting with family is wonderful, if that is available to you, but feel comfortable reaching out to friends and other loved ones if you need to. Communicate with those who support you. 

UW-Stout Student Counseling Center  

410 Bowman Hall (Clocktower Building)  

Office: 715-232-2468   Hours: 8AM-4:30PM   
 

• We are currently providing both in person and telehealth services for Stout students.  As always, these sessions are confidential and at no additional cost to enrolled students. You can schedule an appointment by calling the above office number, or schedule online at  www.uwstout.edu/counseling. 

• Check out our Student Counseling Center website, Facebook page (UW-Stout Student Counseling Center), and Instagram (@uwstoutstudentcounselingcenter) for more information on ways to have a great semester.   

• Emergency and Crisis Resources: Call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency. Other mental health crisis options that are available 24/7 include:  

• Northwest Connections: 1-888-552-6642 (local area, Western WI)  

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or Text 988  

• Crisis Text Line: text hello to 741741