Eating Disorder Awareness Week is Feb. 24-March 2.

Multidisciplinary treatment is the standard of care for eating disorders, says Caiti Bradbury, a licensed mental health counselor with CAPS. To provide this support, 麻豆原创 has an Eating Disorder Management Team (EDMT), which includes professionals like Bradbury, as well as medical providers, dietitians, therapists, psychiatrists and, sometimes, substance abuse clinician from SHS and CAPS.

SHS, CAPS and the EDMT aim to empower students to seek education, support and treatment as they are comfortable and ready to do so.

鈥淎ny treatment advice we provide is always a recommendation, not a requirement. If you decide after that meeting that you aren鈥檛 quite ready to pursue treatment, you鈥檒l have acquired some knowledge of how to get started when you are ready,鈥� says Rebecca Kuerbitz, a primary care provider with SHS and EDMT member.

Here Bradbury and Kuerbitz share insight on eating disorders and how students can get help.

What are some common eating disorders and their symptoms?

Rebecca Kuerbitz (RK): Eating disorders are defined as a persistent disturbance of eating behavior that impairs health or psychosocial functioning. The most common are binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and disordered eating that doesn鈥檛 fit into other categories. Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating in which the person eats a large amount of food in a short period of time accompanied by feeling a loss of control overeating with some distress (like disgust, guilt or depression) after the binge.

Bulimia nervosa, like binge eating disorder, involves recurrent episodes of binging but binging is followed by a compensatory behavior such as purging, excessive exercise or misuse of medications like insulin. Compensatory behaviors are typically influenced by a person鈥檚 concern about their body shape and weight.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by restriction of caloric intake that leads to a low body weight. It is accompanied by an intense fear of gaining weight and distorted perception of body shape.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a more recently recognized eating disorder that involves food restriction and/or avoidance due to anxiety about certain foods. This leads to low body weight and nutritional deficiency but is not due to fear of weight gain or distorted perception of body shape or weight. Often people with ARFID will have only a few different foods that are comfortable eating.

How prevalent are eating disorders? Are some types of eating disorders more common than others?

RK: There is a lifetime prevalence of eating disorder of 8% in women and 2% in men.

Caiti Bradbury听(CB): The most common diagnoses are anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder among college students. ARFID, although less common, has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

What are some common misconceptions about eating disorders?

CB: One major myth is that eating disorders are simply about food, when, in reality, they stem from deeper emotional and psychological issues, such as control, self-esteem and past trauma. Another misconception is that only women are affected but eating disorders impact people of all genders. It鈥檚 also not true that everyone with an eating disorder is underweight 鈥� disorders like bulimia and binge eating can occur in people of all body sizes. Some believe eating disorders are a choice or a temporary fad or are solely about appearance, but they are serious mental health conditions that require professional treatment and can be lethal. The idea that those with eating disorders are seeking attention is also false; most individuals hide their symptoms due to shame and guilt. Furthermore, recovery isn鈥檛 simply about gaining or losing weight, as eating disorders are long-term conditions requiring ongoing treatment, even after physical health improves. Many also think eating disorders are rare, but they affect millions of people across all demographics. Finally, while media and societal pressure can contribute, eating disorders are influenced by a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors.

What should students who are seeking help with eating disorders expect from the treatment process here at 麻豆原创?

RK: They can expect compassionate care from therapists at CAPS, nutritional guidance from our registered dietitian, medical care to address any health concerns by one of our primary care providers and psychiatric care from our Behavioral Health providers, if needed.

What advice would you give to students who are hesitant to seek help for an eating disorder, or for family and friends who want to support someone in need?

CB: To family and friends, I鈥檇 say don鈥檛 be judgmental and avoid comments or criticisms about one鈥檚 physical appearance and eating habits. For those in need, there is no shame in seeking help. You deserve to have a life you can feel proud of and enjoy without feeling consumed by thoughts of food or body image.

Students who are struggling with eating disorders are encouraged to set up an or . Join SHS and CAPS for , a celebration of self-love with photo booths, ask a dietitian and FreshU, and more, Feb. 26 at Ferrell Commons 10 a.m.-noon.

Recently, 麻豆原创 was named to The Princeton Review鈥檚 2025 Mental Health Services Honor Roll. The honor roll features 16 institutions who have shown a strong commitment to their student鈥檚 mental health and well-being. Distinctions included overall administrative support for campus mental health and well-being through its policies including commitments to staffing and student support. The list also looked at the campus鈥� quality of life that is both healthy and attentive to overall well-being, and how well a school is empowering its students to address their own mental health through education programs and peer-to-peer offerings.

The Mental Health Services Honor Roll was developed for the benefit of students looking for, heading to, or currently enrolled in colleges; that they might see the types of services provided.

The Princeton Review noted 麻豆原创鈥檚 committed to mental health advocacy by providing reliable resources that students can access help and develop successful coping mechanisms through. Through programs such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which is free to all enrolled students, 麻豆原创 is able to assist with a wide range of free mental health services such as single, solution-focused sessions, short-term individual and relationship counseling, and crisis services. CAPS also provides mental health support on a variety of stressors ranging from panic attacks to academic difficulty. Students are also able to meet via anonymous screening, one-off counseling session, telemental video, or group therapy. CAPS also has drop-ins and scheduled appointments, and there鈥檚 a 24-hour hotline that will immediately connect them to a licensed therapist should they need it.

麻豆原创鈥檚 events and course offerings to students were also noted by The Princeton Review. Paws-a-tively Events brings animals to campus to help reduce stress and improve mood. Field of Memories: Be Aware, Show You Care is designed to bolster awareness of suicide on college campuses. Students can attend classes like MIEA Intro to Mindfulness, a series of four 90-minute courses that teach mindfulness and meditation techniques. There are also free one-off hour-long monthly workshops conveniently held online, ranging from 鈥淭he 7 Types of Rest鈥� to 鈥淢anaging ADHD Symptoms.鈥�

The system of peer support was also spotlighted. With Togetherall, a free 24/7 online platform, students at 麻豆原创 and elsewhere can anonymously connect and discuss anything that鈥檚 bothering them. It also provides self-assessment tools and always has trained professionals on hand. There are also student-run organizations that promote mental health awareness, such as Active Minds. Members encourage their classmates to fight the stigma of mental health disorders, recognize the warning signs, and take proactive steps to ensure they stay healthy. Students can also participate in To Knights, With Love, a campus chapter of the global organization More Love Letters. Created to help foster supportive, loving environments, the group crafts uplifting letters for their peers and leaves them around campus.

In addition to the services highlighted, there are also other resources to help students balance their schoolwork with opportunities to refresh and recharge.

Academic Support

If you are looking for some additional support with particular classes, check out now through Dec. 4. The office is open Monday to Friday from 7 to midnight, Saturday from 9 to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Special operating hours may apply according to the University鈥檚 academic calendar and scheduling policies.

Before and during final exam week, the听听will host multiple in-person and virtual final exam review sessions spanning a variety of academic subjects.

听helps you navigate state and university policies related to academic record changes, curriculum file management, degree audits and graduation requirements. For more information about any of these services, visit听Millican Hall,听room 161.

Mental Health Resources

It鈥檚 important to prioritize taking care of your mental health. Take advantage of these resources here at 麻豆原创 to help you:

• : CAPS offers free mental health walk-ins, and their 24/7 crisis hotline can be reached by calling 407-823-2811 and pressing 5.
• : TAO is a self-guided interactive program that aids with managing anxiety, depression and other concerns.
• : Togetherall is a peer-to-peer space to connect with others experiencing similar feelings in a supportive environment, with trained professionals on hand 24/7.

Well-being Services

If you are facing unexpected challenges, reach out to听听for wrap-around care and support. The office can be reached by calling 407-823-5607, emailing听caremanager@ucf.edu听and by submitting a听听for yourself or a fellow Knight.

听offers wellness coaching to assist with your health goals and help you make lifestyle changes to optimize your well-being. Staff can help with nutrition, physical activity, stress management and more. Call听407-823-5841听to make an appointment.

Other 麻豆原创 Resources

麻豆原创 has an abundance of additional resources available to you. Whether you need them now or down the road, please do not hesitate to reach out.

• : available for Knights who need support with items such as food, clothing and toiletries.
• : offers free legal advice, consultation and court representation in select areas of law that students encounter most often, including lease agreements and assistance.
• Emergency Funding: for those who are facing financial insecurity, contact Student Care Services for an application to be considered for emergency funds.
• : provides all members of the university community with an independent, confidential and neutral place to share concerns and seek resolution.
• : use this website as a guide to report an incident or concern.

Overall, online sports betting continues to surge in popularity, with a projected revenue of $100 billion in 2023, according to the American Gaming Association. Among college students, a 2023 survey revealed 60% of students gambled illegally and one in five used financial aid to support their habit.

The lure of 鈥渂ig wins鈥� and advertising that promises low-risk fun is often the starting line, says Stephanie Spies, director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services at 麻豆原创.

鈥淧eople only talk about their wins; they don鈥檛 discuss the losses,鈥� Spies says.

That culture of silence and the social nature of sports betting contribute to a lack of stigma, particularly as compared to something like substance abuse. When sports betting gets out of control, it鈥檚 easier to hide than other addictive behaviors until it鈥檚 too late, says Karen Hofmann, director of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

鈥淚f you鈥檙e failing at it, no one is aware,鈥� Hofmann says.

Developing a habit typically comes incrementally. For instance, a few bets and wins with friends over the March Madness season can still become problematic. That鈥檚 particularly the case when paired with other stressors like midterms, says Jennifer Calame, assistant director of Substance Use Disorder Services at 麻豆原创鈥檚 Student Health Services.

鈥淪tudents feel like it鈥檚 not a problem because they don鈥檛 do it all the time,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut that doesn鈥檛 mean it can鈥檛 become problematic.鈥�

There are several signs that sports betting is out of control, including:

• Financial issues: Inability to pay bills, frequently asking for money
• Neglecting responsibilities: Skipping classes, staying up late to gamble, missing work
• Relationship issues: Irritability, compulsive behavior, lying

Hofmann encourages anyone experiencing issues with sports betting to reach out and seek help. It can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to cope and make better behavioral choices. Calame reinforces that message and would applaud any student with the courage to seek assistance.

鈥淭here is still hope for you,鈥� she says.

For immediate help, call or text the National Gambling Hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537). For free counseling, reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 407-823-2811.

Learn more here:

With Thanksgiving behind us and final exams and the holidays quickly approaching, this time of year often comes with increased anxiety and unease.

Breathe 鈥� you鈥檝e got this! Make a plan for preparation, schedule time for study and for self-care, do one thing at a time and check things off the list as you go. You will reach the finish line.

To help you balance your schoolwork with opportunities to refresh and recharge, I am sharing the many 麻豆原创 resources available to support your success and well-being.

Academic Support

If you are looking for some additional support with particular classes, check out now through Dec. 5. Before and during final exam week, the will host multiple in-person and virtual final exam review sessions spanning a variety of academic subjects.

helps you navigate state and university policies related to academic record changes, curriculum file management, degree audits and graduation requirements. For more information about any of these services, you can visit us in Millican Hall in Room 161.

Mental Health Resources

It’s important to prioritize taking care of your mental health. Take advantage of these resources here at 麻豆原创 to help you:

• : CAPS offers free mental health walk-ins, and their 24/7 crisis hotline can be reached by calling 407-823-2811 and pressing 5.
• : TAO is a self-guided interactive program that aids with managing anxiety, depression and other concerns.
• : Togetherall is a peer-to-peer space to connect with others experiencing similar feelings in a supportive environment, with trained professionals on hand 24/7.

Well-being Services

If you are facing unexpected challenges, reach out to 听for wrap-around care and support. The office can be reached by calling 407-823-5607, emailing caremanager@ucf.edu听and by submitting a听听for yourself or a fellow Knight.

听offers wellness coaching to assist with your health goals and help you make lifestyle changes to optimize your well-being. Staff can help with nutrition, physical activity, stress management and more. Call听407-823-5841听to make an appointment.

Other 麻豆原创 Resources

麻豆原创 has an abundance of additional resources available to you. Whether you need them now or down the road, please do not hesitate to reach out.

• : available for Knights who need support with items such as food, clothing and toiletries.
• : offers free legal advice, consultation and court representation in select areas of law that students encounter most often, including lease agreements and assistance.
• Emergency Funding: for those who are facing financial insecurity, contact Student Care Services for an application to be considered for emergency funds.
• : provides all members of the university community with an independent, confidential and neutral place to share concerns and seek resolution.
• : use this website as a guide to report an incident or concern.

We wish you every success on final exams and a happy, safe holiday season.

Along with your program office, the college is here to help you during your time at 麻豆原创. From admissions to graduation, we provide a range of services, covering policy management, analysis, and the formulation of recommendations to enhance your graduate education. We also offer guidance for interdisciplinary and cooperative programs. For questions about graduate studies, our team is available to assist you in Millican Hall, room 230.

Navigating Campus

Home to over 68,000 students, 麻豆原创 is a sprawling institution with various campuses around central Florida, including 麻豆原创 Downtown, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, and the Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona. Our main campus located in Orlando spans about 1,420 acres organized in concentric rings designed to simplify your navigation.

Various modes of transportation are available to assist you in getting around the campus, along with additional choices for reaching other university locations.

Too hot to ride a Spin Scooter? You can opt for the Pegasus Express shuttles, which provide convenient transportation around the university. They run 7 a.m.鈥�7 p.m. Monday through Friday, during fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays. Students can also access Lynx bus routes for free with a valid 麻豆原创 ID, take a shuttle to downtown, Rosen College, or Lake Nona, and even get transportation to the local grocery store.

Select the Shuttles icon on the to keep track of the schedules and stops and see how far shuttles are from you in real-time.

Located on the first floor of the across from College Optical, 麻豆原创鈥檚 bike shop provides free bike repair services for students, including tire inflation, brake adjustments, fixing loose handlebars, and gear adjustments. Bike N鈥� Gold, 麻豆原创’s bike share program hosted by the Student Government, also offers free long-term bike rentals for periods of up to one semester.

Resources

麻豆原创 strives to make graduate students鈥� lives easier by providing resources to support them during their studies. The听听(GSC) is a designated space for graduate students on our main campus in Trevor Colbourn Hall, Suite 213. The GSC provides complimentary and reservable study spaces, private conference rooms, and presentation rooms. Additionally, they organize cost-free events and workshops throughout the academic year to foster community among graduate students. Starting this semester, the center will also offer poster printing for students.

Though the prospect of diving into your thesis or dissertation might initially seem intimidating, rest assured that a range of support services is in place to accompany you on your academic journey. The Office of Graduate Student Life (GSL) coordinates the format review and final submission process for (ETDs), establishes deadlines for thesis and dissertation submissions, oversees policies related to these projects, and offers assistance to students, faculty, and staff. Beginning this semester, a dedicated graduate assistant will be available to help you format your work.

The John C. Hitt Library offers many resources and tools for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. You can schedule consultations with the subject librarian, attend graduate and postdoc workshops, find information about scholarly publishing, and view archival theses and dissertations in the STARS Repository. You can access the library鈥檚 services for graduate students and postdocs at .

The library is open seven days a week: Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m.鈥�1 a.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.鈥�7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.鈥�6 p.m. and Sunday noon鈥�1 a.m. Starting this semester, they will also offer hours Sunday through Thursday 1 a.m.鈥� 6 a.m. Please note that a 麻豆原创 ID card is required for entry during these hours and only allows access to a portion of the second floor. No library services or printing are available during this time, but there are computers, restrooms and water fountains.

Events and Opportunities

provides a variety of services to support graduate students throughout their time at 麻豆原创 and help prepare them for what comes after graduation. They also organize events and social gatherings for graduate students throughout the year, including their monthly First Wednesday Caf茅, where students can enjoy free bagels and coffee while learning about university resources available to graduate students.

Next week, they are hosting the Fall Semester Launch beginning Aug. 21 with many social and professional development events offered 鈥� from Donuts with the Deans to a funding workshop. Don鈥檛 miss out on all the networking opportunities and free food. Visit the for the schedule and to see other events taking place throughout the semester.

Building your community is an integral part of having a fulfilling graduate experience. Whether you want to get involved on campus or seek opportunities to network and make friends, 麻豆原创 offers a range of registered student organizations (RSOs) tailored for graduate students. Notable groups include the Graduate Student Association and the Graduate Student Advisory Council. You can explore more opportunities on the听听portal, hosted by the Office of Student Involvement.

Support Services

The (UWC) is another valuable resource that offers free individual and small-group writing consultations to 麻豆原创 community members. Their purpose is not to 鈥渇ix鈥� papers. Instead, the UWC provides a collaborative environment that creates opportunities to support writers鈥� learning to help them to better understand and navigate complex situations for writing, both in and outside the university. Their tutors are qualified 麻豆原创 graduate and undergraduate students dedicated to helping you produce your best writing.

Though graduate school may be stressful at times, taking care of your mental health is always a priority.听 provides an assortment of workshops, group counseling, and one-on-one counseling services to all 麻豆原创 students. They also offer a selection of virtual services and self-help resources. In addition, the College of Graduate Studies offers a webcourse called designed to help graduate students be more proactive with their mental wellness.

Prioritizing your physical health is equally important, and engaging in regular exercise can help alleviate stress and improve your mood. The (RWC) comprises many programs, such as intramural Sports, Sports Clubs, Outdoor Adventure, Fitness, and Aquatics. The RWC also includes various facilities such as our state-of-the-art fitness center, the Climbing Tower, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and Lake Claire Recreation Area. There is also a satellite fitness center on the downtown campus. The RWC is open to all currently enrolled students and offers many services aimed at helping 麻豆原创 students be healthy knights.

There are many sources of financial support for graduate students at 麻豆原创, from fellowships and assistantships to tuition remission and health insurance. To find out more about 麻豆原创 financial assistance opportunities, visit the College of Graduate Studies听 page. Visit 麻豆原创鈥檚 Office of Student Financial Assistance site听for student loans and other funding sources.

In case you encounter a crisis while at 麻豆原创, such as homelessness, an unforeseen emergency, or a catastrophic event, Student Care Services offers to graduate students. You can find the criteria and access the application on their website.

麻豆原创 has its own police department contributing to a secure campus environment. The currently employs approximately 80 sworn law enforcement officers between the main and the three regional campuses in Orlando. They provide many services, including safe escorts, notary services, bike and property registrations, and self-defense workshops.

We are committed to your success and intellectual development. We are rooting for you to walk across that stage at commencement. Our goal is simple 鈥� to help you achieve your dreams and become the best in your chosen field.

You have an opportunity to change the world, so take full advantage of it and enjoy the ride.

Keeping 麻豆原创 a safe place to learn, live, work and play is a team effort that requires each of us to look out for ourselves and one another. Visit 鈥� website to learn about signs of distress.

If you are experiencing mental health crisis and need immediate help, always call 911. The National Suicide Hotline is also available 24/7/365 by dialing 988.

For Students

provides crisis-intervention services and comprehensive psychological services for students by appointment, walk-in or 24/7 hotline. CAPS can be reached by calling 407-823-2811. For after-hours services, call 407-823-2811 and press 5 to be connected to a licensed therapist.

麻豆原创 Student Care Services is the umbrella for student-related care resources and a great place to start if you are not sure where to go for help. Visit for resources and support with academics, finances or personal wellbeing. Free services and information are available for academic distress, homelessness, mental health concerns, financial challenges and more. E-mail ucfcares@ucf.edu or call 407-823-5607.

For Faculty and Staff

The , provided by Health Advocate, is a university-funded benefit that offers the support and resources you need to address any personal challenges and/or concerns that may affect your personal well-being and/or work performance. It is confidential and free to all faculty and staff (excluding OPS student employees) as well as their eligible family members, including spouses, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law. Health Advocate can be reached by calling their toll-free number at 877-240-6863 or by visiting their website at .

For Everyone

offers free, confidential advocacy and support to any student or employee who has been impacted by crime, violence or abuse. Specialists will explain options, make connections to appropriate campus and community resources, and provide other assistance. Reach a victim specialist 24/7 by calling 407-823-1200 or texting 407-823-6868 to discuss what you are experiencing.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really hard,鈥� I said as I unsuccessfully fought back tears.

Everyone tells you parenting is hard, but no one tells you just how hard. You hear about the 鈥渂aby blues鈥� but not that you might endure weeks before finally experiencing a day without any tears 鈥� yours, not the baby鈥檚.

She gave me a look of understanding and then told me she didn鈥檛 feel like herself until six months after the birth of her own children.

OK, I thought. Six months. March 2020.

Ha.

Come March 2020 on top of my anxiety, depression and self-confidence issues, I was dealing with something that no one had experience with and could give me advice on: parenting an infant during a global pandemic.

Add into the mix that my husband 鈥� who I love with my entire being 鈥� and I were trying to figure out how to be around each other constantly. That presented its own set of challenges.

My professional life, which was now being done from home, included writing thousands of words daily about the impacts of COVID to the university鈥檚 students, employees and operations, publishing a magazine issue, and a university presidential search.

And I expected to navigate all of this with the perfectionist standards I鈥檝e had my entire life.

The 鈥渟houlds鈥� took over, as they often do.

I should be able to write award-worthy stories.

I should be able to whip up a variety of homemade solid foods for my son so his nutritional needs are met and he doesn鈥檛 become a picky eater.

I should be waking up at 5 a.m. every day to run at least a 5K.

I should be able to do all of this and more because, in my mind, parents always have 鈥� and many during more dire circumstances with far fewer resources than I have.

But I just couldn鈥檛 do all of it and none of my go-to coping mechanisms 鈥� exercise, adequate sleep, limiting caffeine 鈥� were working.

鈥淚 was tired of measuring the success of each day by if I merely survived it. I didn鈥檛 want to just survive my life. I wanted to appreciate it and live it.鈥�

By July 2020, I decided I couldn鈥檛 live like this anymore. I was tired of measuring the success of each day by if I merely survived it. I didn鈥檛 want to just survive my life. I wanted to appreciate it and live it.

I think that feeling coupled with my devotion to the only podcast I listen to religiously, Armchair Expert 鈥� which advocates the benefits of therapy nearly every episode 鈥� motivated me to finally take some action. The hosts Dax and Monica made me feel seen and like I wasn鈥檛 alone in needing help; that seeking counseling isn鈥檛 a sign of weakness 鈥� a philosophy of which I think our society has a long way to go.

I had heard about 麻豆原创鈥檚 Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which offers six sessions of free therapy per topic, but in the past I had always shooed away the idea. I shouldn鈥檛 need that. I have no major trauma in my life to cope with. I just need to suck it up and get through this.

But one day I vowed, today is the day I call. In less than 30 minutes, I was matched with a counselor. I had never done counseling, so I had no clue what to expect.

In my first online session, I explained my anxieties 鈥� that even though rationally I knew I was a good mom, a good wife, a good coworker, it didn鈥檛 keep me from feeling like nothing I did professionally or at home was good enough. That I was so overwhelmed at times, I was missing out on the joy of my son and my husband. That I wanted to be me again.

My counselor asked me an important question that has continued to help me shape the way I reason with myself when I start to spiral:

If a friend was telling you these same things about herself, what would you say to her?

I realized I couldn鈥檛 extend myself the same compassion that I would give anyone who was in such distress. And I mourned that I subjected myself to such negative self-talk when I would never let a friend talk about herself that way. Why couldn鈥檛 I want that for myself? How many days of my life have I ruined doing this?

So that鈥檚 what I鈥檝e been working on. I鈥檝e since done 11 video sessions with my counselor. We message from week to week in between sessions, and it has been so helpful to just talk to someone.

There are days I am better at giving myself grace than others. I鈥檝e learned the end goal isn鈥檛 to be happy. Life isn鈥檛 happy all the time, and all of your emotions, even the tough ones, are meant to be experienced. That means you鈥檙e living.

My husband and I have even done a couple of counseling sessions together since EAP covers family members too. We both love each other, and we both are confident in the strength of our relationship, but again it鈥檚 free; what do we have to lose? One of the strategies we鈥檝e adopted from counseling is to set aside time during the week to check in with each other; to hash out anything that might be lingering, address needs that aren鈥檛 being met, or tell each other about the moments we truly appreciated one another during the week.

I plan to continue counseling. I know now that practicing self-compassion and self-care need to be included among what we demand of ourselves.

I resent that our society doesn鈥檛 normalize, prioritize or validate mental health like it does physical health. Maybe if it did, I would have sought counseling sooner.

Nevertheless, I am here now and I am thankful that 麻豆原创 offers the resources that serve as a reminder that, as Albus Dumbledore said, 鈥淗appiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.鈥�

Resources available to 麻豆原创 students and employees

麻豆原创 offers its to all non-student employees. This program provides resources to help employees and their eligible family members 鈥� including spouses, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law 鈥� to address any personal challenges and/or concerns that may affect personal well-being and/or work performance. The EAP, administered by Health Advocate, provides confidential, short-term counseling at no cost to the employee.

Health Advocate toll-free number: 877-240-6863

Health Advocate website:听

If you are a student looking for help, (CAPS) is 麻豆原创鈥檚 mental health resource for students. You can visit CAPS鈥� website for听.听Students can also schedule phone or virtual consultation with CAPS by听calling 407-823-2811 or visiting听.

Student Care Services听continues to work remotely with anyone who needs additional academic or personal support during this time.

Jenna Marina Lee is a features writer for the 麻豆原创 Marketing and Communications department. She has also worked for the university’s alumni and athletics departments.

Togetherall provides a safe and anonymous peer-to-peer support network that allows participants to connect through online message boards to share their feelings, chat with others experiencing similar struggles, and offer help to one another. The system is facilitated and monitored by licensed mental health professionals who encourage engagement and guide students to resources.

鈥淭he most common reasons college students seek counseling are anxiety, depression, stress and relationship issues,鈥� says Karen Hofmann, director of CAPS. 鈥淭he pandemic exacerbated mental health issues and we know our students have been experiencing more isolation and disconnection during this challenging time.鈥�

In addition to a variety of workshops and outreach events, CAPS offers individual and group counseling sessions both in person and virtually. Togetherall supplements these resources, offering real-time support mechanisms online to students around the clock, regardless of their location or time of day.

鈥淐APS serves about 8-10% of the student population, but there are many students who will not seek counseling services to manage their issues, whether that is due to stigma about getting help for mental health or scheduling conflicts,鈥� says Hofmann. 鈥淭ogetherall will add another platform to our continuum of care and students will have to look no further than their phone or computer to get support.鈥�

Through Togetherall, students can also conduct self-assessments and take self-paced classes on dozens of topics, like substance use, time management, goal setting, coping with grief of loss, and managing anxiety and stress.

鈥淔or many students, college brings new mental health challenges or magnifies feelings that were already present,鈥� says Matthew McEvoy, senior vice president and general manager of Togetherall in North America. 鈥淭he Togetherall community helps to normalize that depression or anxiety or stress by connecting users who are dealing with the same issues or have overcome similar struggles. Togetherall is a safe space where they can find each other and anonymously, without fear of judgement, work through their shared lived experiences together.鈥�

While users and their information are completely anonymous, Togetherall moderators, who are all licensed clinical professionals, have the ability to reach out directly to participants who may be in danger of self-harm.

The launch of the Togetherall system at 麻豆原创 coincides with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S., according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 听According to the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, anxiety and depression have been increasing over the last 10 years for students seeking counseling.

麻豆原创 is using Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds for Togetherall and will offer the system for at least a year.

To register and access Togetherall, students can visit and enter their Knights email.

Mandi Nelson, a junior advertising/public relations student and 麻豆原创 social media ambassador, recently shared her perspective on the importance of mental health during this time.

鈥淲e are all complex human beings with stories, and often times with those stories come with challenges that we hold in and they build up over time because we don鈥檛 want to burden others,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut talking about your struggles is healthy and shouldn鈥檛 be stigmatized.鈥�

As an advocate for mental health, Nelson鈥檚 awareness on the topic developed in high school after the sports fan saw NBA player Kevin Love and NFL player Hayden Hurst share their personal struggles. After exploring her own mental wellness journey for a while, Nelson decided to start using 麻豆原创鈥檚 in November 2019 to get some additional support. Throughout the pandemic, she鈥檚 continued to work with CAPS through virtual telehealth appointments, and the organization has returned to limited in-person services this semester.

鈥淔ocusing on my mental health has taught me to have more empathy for others and patience with myself,鈥� Nelson says. In the video above, she discusses what the process of becoming involved with CAPS was like for her and how other students can get help.

For students who don鈥檛 feel they鈥檙e ready to go to CAPS or are looking for peers to connect with, Nelson suggests becoming involved with . The 麻豆原创 chapter is part of a national organization that promotes mental health awareness and aims to change the conversation around the topic.

One piece of advice, Nelson says everyone can benefit from is finding self-care practices that work for you. To learn more about what her practices are and how she found them, watch the video.

To learn more about CAPS, visit . CAPS staff can be reached directly via phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 407-823-2811 (press 5 for after-hours support).

Students, even graduate students, are not immune to stress. Many are facing changes at work, in their home life, and a shift to remote learning.

鈥淭he need for social distancing has increased feelings of isolation, and due to the switch to remote learning, students are experiencing a lot of changes occurring at once,鈥� says Rebbecca Estrada, a psychologist at 麻豆原创 Counseling and Psychological Services.

CAPS offers a variety of services to help students facing mental-health challenges and the university鈥檚 CARES office provides referrals to additional on-campus and off-campus resources. Although 麻豆原创 shifted to remote learning after Thanksgiving and the winter break is just around the corner, students will still have access to crisis services at CAPS. Students can access the crisis line by calling CAPS and hitting 鈥�5鈥� for the after-hour services where therapists are available. CAPS also provides TAO, a self-guided interactive, web-based program that offers assistance to help overcome anxiety, depression, and other concerns.

The services are available to all 麻豆原创 students. University employees who work with students were also required to take Kognito training 听this year to help recognize students in distress. The Board of Governors earlier this month mandated all university employees take the training moving forward.听 But the first step is recognizing your stress or anxiety level and deciding to prioritize yourself.

鈥淎s graduate students, we tend to be hard on ourselves about academic productivity and it can be difficult to take a break,鈥� says Emily Ross, a clinical psychology doctoral student. 鈥淲e are also used to feeling in control of our situation. Unfortunately, there is a heightened sense of ambiguity and loss of control right now, which can be difficult to adjust to.鈥�

Estrada offers some tips that may be especially useful during the winter break.

• Make time for yourself.
• Exercise, even if it鈥檚 just a walk around the block.
• Be aware of situations that may impact your mental health, and schedule relaxation time before and after.
• Reach out for social support.
• Sleep, getting rest is key.

For more tips access .

鈥淭his has been a difficult year,鈥� Estrada says. 鈥淭he pandemic changed the way we go about our daily lives. We have to be more intentional about caring for ourselves.鈥�