Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor: Kelsie Carter, M.Ed, LPCC kelsie.carter@vcsu.edu Office Location McFarland 424 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday evenings 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Phone Number: 701-845-7427 Counseling Solutions Licensed Professional Counselor: Sara Schmuhl, M.S., LPC sara.schmuhl@vcsu.edu Office Location McFarland 425 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Phone Number: 701-845-7424 Counseling Solutions Our goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you achieve emotional and mental wellness. We evaluate your mental and physical state, help you identify environmental, social, and occupational challenges and stressors, help you determine a treatment goal, and provide mental health psychoeducation. VCSU Counseling Services are free and confidential for students. Any personal concern is appropriate to bring to a mental health counselor. Student concerns may involve: relationships with others anxiety study problems unpleasant feelings eating disorders depression life decisions sexual identity issues transitioning values clarification alcohol or drug abuse trauma grief & loss stress general topics We can visit with students face-to-face, or virtually through Microsoft Teams. Visits can be scheduled through email or stopping by McFarland 424 or 425. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. We conduct free anxiety, depression, & alcohol assessments and free diagnostic screenings and referrals. Group counseling, workshops and seminars, consultations, and referrals are also provided by the counseling office per request. Workshops and seminars are designed for students, staff, and faculty. These include topics such as anxiety, depression, and stress, and can be scheduled by contacting Kelsie Carter or Sara Schmuhl. Informational Videos What to expect in your first counseling session - Click Here to watch the 2-minute video For employees: How to make a referral based on the Distressed Students Decision-Making Poster Video Important Resource OneStop Pages Alcohol and Other Drug Information Counseling Services Mental Health FAQ Counseling Services Mental Health Resources EAP- Employee Assistance Program e-CHECKUP TO GO Alcohol, Cannabis, and Nicotine Residence Hall Handbook VCSU Counseling Services Confidentiality Statement VCSU Green Dot VCSU Safe Zone Ally VCSU 8 Dimensions of Wellness Counseling Services Mission To enhance personal growth, academic success, and lifelong learning by meeting the mental health needs of the students, staff, and faculty by providing preventative health care, individual and group counseling, consulting, workshops, and education. VCSU Counseling Service works in a spirit of collaboration within the division of Student Affairs to support individual responsibility, personal growth, and wellness of all members of the VCSU community.

Disclaimer The information contained in the various internet resources is NOT intended to substitute for help from a mental health professional. *Providing these links does not indicate endorsement by Counseling Services or VCSU.  For personal assistance or follow-up questions/concerns, please contact Counseling Services or click to schedule an appointment. Academic Services & Tutoring Student Academic Services provides consultation and advice regarding academic issues, e.g. creating a personal course schedule, course drop/add, adding or changing majors/minors/certificates, and changing advisors.  Viking Learning Commons ADD/ADHD Resources for College Students with ADD/ADHD (ADDA) Tips for Going to College with ADHD (Child Mind Institute) Adjusting to College - Transitioning My College Transition - The Foundation for Art and Healing Mental Health in College - The Jed Foundation Alcohol & Substance Abuse (Addiction) Alcohol and Other Drug Information (VCSU OneStop) Children of Alcoholics Resources (American Addiction Center) Alcohol and Sleep (Sleep Foundation) NDUS Bulletin Substance Use Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in North Dakota VCSU CHOICES PowerPoint Anger Management Anger & Anger Management (American Psychological Association) Anxiety NIMH Generalized Anxiety Information Social Anxiety/Phobia Association  Anxiety Network Managing Test Anxiety (Brown University) NDUS Bulletin Anxiety Apps  Calm - Sleep, Meditation, & Relaxation Headspace - Meditation, Sleep, Stress, and Mindfulness Insight Timer - Sleep, Anxiety, & Stress Meditopia: Anxiety & Breathing App Simple Habit - Wellness & Sleep App Sleep Booster Autism College Autism Network Students with Autism: Online Resources & Support Burnout The Village Webinars: https://www.thevillagefamily.org/services/village-business-institute/webinars#burnout Brene Brown Podcast Episode: Burnout and How to Complete the Stress Cycle: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-emily-and-amelia-nagoski-on-burnout-and-how-to-complete-the-stress-cycle/ Southern New Hampshire University: How to Avoid College Burnout: https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/education/college-burnout Career Counseling The Career Services office provides VCSU students with countless resources relating to employment, internships, international study or work, and graduate studies. Whether you’re looking for on-campus employment or advice on an upcoming interview, our knowledgeable staff can provide direction.  Coping with Stress 99 Coping Skills List Coping with College Stress (American Addiction Centers) How to Cope: Stress in College Students (WGU) NDUS Bulletin Burnout & Stress Coping with COVID-19 NDUS Bulletin Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health Depression NIMH Depression Information Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) NDUS Bulletin Depression Disability Support Services OneStop VCSU Disability Support Services Diversity & Inclusion The Office of Diversity and Inclusion supports and advocates for VCSU’s students, faculty, and staff who are Black, Indigenous, or other People of Color (BIPoC); those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Pan-Sexual, Gender Queer, Or Asexual (LGBTQIA+); people of minoritized spiritual and religious beliefs; First Generation College Students; immigrants; and those who are economically under resourced. We also support and advocate for issues of gender bias and body positivity.  Eating Disorders & Body Image College and Body Image (Eating Disorder Hope) NDUS Bulletin Eating Disorders National Alliance for Eating Disorders - Free, Therapist-led Support Groups for Eating Disorders Emotional Support Animal VCSU Emotional Support Animal Policy Faculty & Staff Information Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Going Home for the Holidays You CAN Go Home for the Holidays... (VCSU) ‘Singing the Blues’… What are the Holiday Blues and do they really exist? (VCSU) Gratitude Gratitude Exercises Gratitude Journal Grief & Loss Tips for Grieving College Students (Healgrief.org) Group Counseling Group counseling, workshops, seminars, consultations, and referrals are also provided by the counseling staff.  Homesickness How to deal with homesickness in college: https://mhanational.org/how-deal-homesickness-college (MHA) Homesickness in college students: https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/homesickness-in-college/(bestcolleges) LGBTQ, Sexuality, & Sexual Orientation VCSU Safe Zone Ally The “Safe Zone” symbol is a message to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and their allies. The message is that the person displaying this symbol is understanding, supportive, and trustworthy if a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender person needs help, advice, or just someone with whom s/he can talk. The person displaying the symbol can also give accurate information about sexual orientation and/or gender identity.  Stress Responses & Gender The Trevor Project - The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people. FREE 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 866-488-7386 Loneliness NDUS Bulletin Loneliness & Relationships Mindfulness, Meditation, & Relaxation Mindfulness Meditation With Guided Body Relaxation (44 min) (NDSU) Brief mindful breathing exercise (5 min) (NDSU) Short Mindfulness Meditation With Guided Body Relaxation (29 min) (NDSU) Calm Abiding Meditation With Guided Body Relaxation (42 minutes) (NDSU) Short Calm Abiding Meditation With Guided Body Relaxation (25 Minutes) (NDSU) Relaxation Techniques External Site Audio Meditations Guided Self-Compassion Meditations Meditations From The Book "Sitting Together" Parents, Guardians, & Family Parent Guide for Transitioning High School Student to College (transitionyear.org) Referral for Mental Health Relationships Breaking up with a loved one is never easy to do. Being in love is a good thing, but not being loved in return is not. One should judge his/her partner by what he/she says, as well as what he/she does. Any type of mistreatment or abuse whether it be physical or emotional is a sign of an unhealthy relationship. Certain behaviors can make a relationship unstable. Some Include: refusing to communicate ignoring issues verbal put downs not showing affection not keeping promises Long Distance Relationships in College: Original Source of the Statistical research for long-distance-relationships: https://bedbible.com/long-distance-relationship-statistics/ Assertiveness (North Carolina State University) Relationship Compatibility List 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman Maintaining Healthy Relationships in College (College Express) Screen Fatigue VCSU Counseling Services Screen Fatigue Presentation Why Our Screens Make Us Less Happy (Adam Atler: TedTALK) Self-Care Self-Care (North Carolina State University) Self-Care Tips List NDUS Bulleting Self-Care Active Minds Self-Care and Mental Health Statistics Self-Esteem In today's society, humans often do not view themselves positively. They need to find the positive traits in themselves by looking at what they have accomplished, not what they have not accomplished. Self-esteem is their self-image, or how they feel about themselves. There are many factors that affect their self-esteem level. The more positive these are, the higher their self-esteem will be. stable home life social life school society on the job Tips for College Students to Beat Low Self-Esteem (College Basics) Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Date Rape is the act of pressuring and forcing someone to have sex. Anyone can be raped--men and women, and anyone could be the rapist--classmate or co-worker. Many assume a rapist to be a stranger when statistics show that 84% of the raped women knew their rapist. No one deserves to be raped and that's why everyone should be aware and protect themselves. express self limitations beware of alcohol and/or drug abuse stay clear of secluded areas have own transportation CAWS North Dakota: Ending Sexual and Domestic Violence Abused Persons Outreach Center (APOC) in Valley City Sleep & Health Sleep Hygiene (Sleep Foundation) Stages of Sleep (Sleep Foundation) Sleep Linked to Mental Health in College Students & Athletes (AASM) Spring Break Safety RAINN Spring Break Safety Tips Student Athletes Mind, Body, & Sport (NCAA) Study Skills & Test Anxiety Study Skills Info (Virginia Tech) - (On Virginia Tech website--see sidebar for more links on specific tips) Stress & Stress Management Coping with Everyday Problems (VCSU) FAQ about Mental Health Following Stressful Events (flood) (VCSU) Reducing Stress in Your Life (NDSU/VCSU) Suicide & Self-Harm There is no apparent answer as to why people take their own lives. Many factors can make people contemplate suicide. depression loss of a relationship unstable home life Suicide could be prevented if these warning signs are detected. previous attempt giving prized possessions away withdraws from family/friends threat of suicide--written or verbal Misuse or abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs The Columbia Lighthouse Project Understanding Suicide Prevention (Best Colleges) Suicide Prevention Resource Center  American Foundation for Suicide Prevention National Suicide Prevention Hotline NDUS Bulletin Suicide Trauma The Effects of Trauma on the Brain (TedTalk) ULifeline ULifeline- Resources for College Mental Health VCSU is not currently listed, however, that does NOT prevent you from accessing the online materials. Wellness Dimensions of Wellness Assessment (University of Colorado) VCSU 8 Dimensions of Wellness Wheel Healthy Living (University of Chicago) Take Control of your Time (VCSU) SMART Goal Setting (VCSU)

What is mental health counseling? Being a college student can be an exciting and rewarding time in life. But with that excitement can come stress, uncertainty, relationship problems and academic difficulties. Counseling provides an opportunity for you to meet with a trained, professional clinical counselors who can offer objective, non-judgmental feedback about your concerns. A counselor will not try to "fix" your problems or make you do anything. Instead they can ask questions and make observations that may help you get new perspectives on your concerns, and new ideas on how to solve them. Our goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you achieve emotional and mental wellness. We evaluate your mental and physical state, help you identify environmental, social, and occupational challenges and stressors, help you determine a treatment goal, and provide mental health psychoeducation.  What types of counseling are offered? View our page on types of counseling services offered. Sessions are free and confidential.  Can you diagnosis a mental health disorder? Yes. A diagnostic assessment and verbal intake interview are required for us to diagnosis a student. This process may take up to two-weeks and the first initial session may take up to an hour. If you need a diagnosis referral sent to your primary care physician to be prescribed medication, we would send over the referral after a diagnosis has been made.  Can you prescribe medication? No. Our counselors at VCSU are not licensed to prescribe medication. Your primary care physician may prescribe medication based on a mental health diagnosis. How do I make an appointment? We can visit with students face-to-face, or virtually through Microsoft Teams. Visits can be scheduled through email or stopping by McFarland 424 or 425 (east end of McFarland). Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Appointments may also be made by contacting the clinical mental health counselors listed below: Dr. Erin D. Klingenberg, PhD; LPCC; NCC at erin.klingenberg@vcsu.edu Kelsie Carter, M.Ed., LPCC at kelsie.carter@vcsu.edu Sara Schmuhl, M.S., LPC at sara.schmuhl@vcsu.edu How do I make a referral? If someone you know is struggling, please reach out to Counseling Service Office. Referrals may be made by contacting the Counseling Office at 701.845-7424 or 701.845-7427 or email: sara.schmuhl@vcsu.edu or kelsie.carter@vcsu.edu What do I do when working with a distressed student? Working with a Distressed Student Decision-Making Poster & Video Contacting the Counseling Office at 701.845-7424 or 701.845-7427 or email: erin.klingenberg@vcsu.edu,  kelsie.carter@vcsu.edu, or sara.schmuhl@vcsu.edu

Client Information and Informed Consent for Services   VCSU Counseling Services are available at no cost to all VCSU students and employees.  Confidentiality:  All communication with your counselor is confidential and will not, except under circumstances explained below, be disclosed to anyone outside of Counseling Services unless you give written authorization to release information. You will need to sign a Release of Information (ROI). You will need to sign a ROI if you wish to have Counseling Services professional staff communicate information to anyone other than those specified below.    A brief record is kept of your work with us. It contains information you have provided to us as well as counseling notes of your sessions. The record remains in Counseling Services. Your record never leaves the Counseling Services Office and never becomes a part of your educational record.  Limits of Confidentiality:  Most limits to confidentiality are to ensure safety.   If there is evidence of imminent danger of harm to yourself or others, we must take action. If you describe abuse of a child or elder, we must report to the appropriate agency. In a court order we may be required to release information. If you were referred to the Counseling Office through a disciplinary process and failed to follow through with the services, we may be required to notify the source of referral. In the interest of most effectively serving your needs, we may consult with relevant personnel.

Save A Life: at high doses, alcohol can be deadly! It is important that you know the signs and symptoms of an alcohol overdose (acute alcohol intoxication): Signs of an Alcohol Overdose: Irregular breathing (lapses of more than 8 seconds between breaths) Person cannot be woken up Person is unconscious or semi-conscious Seizures Skin color is pale or bluish Skin is cold, clammy Slow breathing of 8 or less breaths per minute Vomiting What to Do: Stay Calm Call 9-1-1 immediately Contact an RA if in the Residence Hall Turn the person on their side to avoid choking Stay with person until help arrives North Dakota does have the medical amnesty law for alcohol-related emergencies. This law states:  "An individual under twenty-one years of age is immune from criminal prosecution under this section if that individual contacted law enforcement or emergency medical services and reported that another individual under twenty-one years of age was in need of medical assistance due to alcohol consumption, provided assistance to the individual in need of medical assistance until assistance arrived and remained on the scene, or was the individual in need of medical assistance and cooperated with medical assistance and law enforcement personnel on the scene. the maximum number of individuals that may be immune for any one occurrence is five individuals" More information can be found: http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t05c01.pdf The Alcohol and Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO at VCSU are brief self-assessments that will provide you with accurate and detailed information about your personal risk along with harm reduction strategies... Click here for more information For Residence Life Alcohol and Other Drug Student Handbook to view alcohol and other drug policy, please visit: https://onestop.vcsu.edu/support/solutions/articles/10000073945-residence-hall-handbook

Mission Statement Empower our VCSU employees and students with active bystander skills through awareness, programming, and education resulting in a culture where violence will not be tolerated and everyone does their part to provide a safe campus. What is Green Dot? VCSU Green Dot is a bystander training program to help students and VCSU employees gain skills to reduce violence they may see on campus and in the community. The program focuses on reducing power-based personal violence on our campus and to address other social issues that impede progress towards a safe and equitable campus community as stated by the official Green Dot program by Alteristic. Power-based personal violence includes (but not limited to): sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, and child abuse. Skills and Terminology Green Dots Reactive Green Dots The choices you make in response to a situation that you think might lead to interpersonal violence. Example: The 3 D's - Direct, Delegate, & Distract Proactive Green Dots Little things you can do to shift the culture of our campus by making sure Red Dots do not occur. Example: Violence Prevention Sticker or computer background What is Red Dot? Decision to use words or actions to hurt someone else. Including but not limited to sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. What are Barriers & What Can I Do? Times where we want to get involved when a situation arises but personal or social barriers stop us. Example: assuming someone else will step in or it is "none of my business" Meet our Coordinators, Facilitators, and Leaders Kelsie Carter VCSU Green Dot Campus Coordinator Anthony Dutton VCSU Green Dot Campus Facilitator Erin Edinger VCSU Green Dot Campus Facilitator Sarah Wangrud VCSU Green Dot Campus Facilitator Jodi Yu VCSU Green Dot Campus Facilitator Ekow Ephrim VCSU Green Dot Campus Facilitator Julie Crist VCSU Green Dot Campus Facilitator Amber Aberle VCSU Green Dot Campus Facilitator Alexander Jorgensen VCSU Green Dot Campus Facilitator Personal Statement Videos Statement videos from others who have gone through a Community Green Dot or VCSU College Green Dot training Video 1: Kiersten Baughman Video 2: Daniel Becker Upcoming Events April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month VCSU Green Dot will be hosting a Bystander Training on April 14th from 2:00-4:30pm in the Skoal Room in the student center Denim Day is April 30th. VCSU Green Dot will have a booth with information about Denim Day and Green Dot merch. Upcoming Trainings Request a training for your department, class, event, and/or student organization by emailing Kelsie.Carter@vcsu.edu 2 types of trainings: Bystander Training VCSU employees and/or students complete a 2.5 hour engaging and energetic workshop that focuses on learning and practicing skills used to address power-based violence on our campus and community. Overview Training A brief, interactive, 90-minute overview session to help employees/students become acquainted with the tools and skills needed to address power-based violence. Resources North Dakota Resources List VCSU Resource List Title IX Coordinator Kaleen Peterson McFarland Hall 322B | 3-7302 | Kaleen.Peterson@vcsu.edu Counseling Service Office Kelsie Carter, ME.D, LPCC McFarland 425 | 3-7427 | Kelsie.Carter@vcsu.edu Health Services Betty Tykwinski, MSN, RN Mythaler Hall 119 | 3-7305 | Betty.J.Tykwinski@vcsu.edu Ways to get involved Join our VCSU Green Dot team by helping us plan events, engage with others to create connections on campus and in the community, and enhance your skills of working with a team! Join the Valley City Community Green Dot group Visit the Valley City Community Green Dot webpage for information on how to get involved in the community Green Dot program and upcoming events/trainings! Follow Us on Social Media!!

Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO The Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO will provide you with accurate and personalized feedback about your: Your individual drinking pattern Your risk patterns Your aspirations and goals Helpful resources at VCSU and in your community You can access the link for the Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO here: Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO Assessment Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO The Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO will provide you with accurate and personalized feedback about your: Your individual usage pattern Your risk patterns Your aspirations and goals Helpful resources at VCSU and in your community You can access the link for the Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO here: https://echeckup.sdsu.edu/usa/mj/coll/VCSU Nicotine eCHECKUP TO GO The Nicotine eCHECKUP TO GO will provide you with accurate and personalized feedback about your: Your individual usage pattern Your risk patterns Your aspirations and goals Helpful resources at VCSU and in your community You can access the link for the Nicotine eCHECKUP TO GO here: https://echeckup.sdsu.edu/usa/nicotine/coll/vcsu/#!/ Alcohol and Other Drug Information For Residence Life Alcohol and Other Drug Student Handbook to view alcohol and other drug policy, please visit: https://onestop.vcsu.edu/support/solutions/articles/10000073945-residence-hall-handbook For Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, please visit: https://vcsuvikings.com/documents/2023/2/22/2022-23_VCSU_Athletic_Code_of_Conduct.pdf

VCSU Student Health Services and Counseling Services 8 Dimensions of Wellness Occupational Wellness Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one's work Preparing and making use of your gifts, skills, and talents in order to gain purpose, happiness, and enrichment in your life. This can be strongly related to your attitude toward work.  Ways to develop occupational wellness are: Assess the amount of time you are working currently. During difficulty and/or high stress times, make time for yourself to de-stress and un-plug Reach out to Career Services: https://www.vcsu.edu/student-life/career-services/ Intellectual Wellness Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills A state in which your mind is engaged in lively interaction with the world around you. This dimension of wellness implies that you can apply the things you have learned, and that you create opportunities to learn more. Ways to develop intellectual wellness are: Check out some local museums, special exhibits - art/music/plays etc. Learn a new subject, hobby, craft, etc. Join or create a book discussion club Become more academically prepared by visiting our Student Academic Services and Viking Learning Commons: https://myweb.vcsu.edu/student-academic-services/ and https://myweb.vcsu.edu/viking-learning-commons/ Environmental Wellness Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being The capability to live in a clean and safe environment that is not detrimental to health. To enjoy environmental Wellness, we require clean air, pure water, quality food, adequate shelter, satisfactory work conditions, personal safety, and healthy relationships.  Ways to develop environmental wellness: Schedule a time to complete a small task daily that supports a clean living environment - i.e. cleaning up a small area on your work desk, clean out 1 junk drawer, finish cleaning dirty dishes, etc. Create a safe living environment that provides security - make sure the locks on your doors and windows are secure, etc. Financial Wellness Satisfaction with current and future financial satisfaction Managing your resources to live within your means, making informed financial decisions and investments, settings realistic goals, and preparing for short-term and long-term needs or emergencies. Be aware that everyone's financial values, needs, and circumstances are unique. Ways to develop financial wellness: Find an app to set a commit to a budget Have an emergency fund that works within your set means Start paying off debts is small bites before graduating Talk with a financial advisor Social Wellness Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and well-developed support system The ability to relate well to others, both within and outside the family unit. Social Wellness endows us with the ease and confidence to be outgoing, friendly, and affectionate toward others. Social Wellness involves not only a concern for the individual, but an interest in humanity as a whole. Ways to develop social wellness: Talk with a mental health counselor about healthy relationships if you find that you are struggling with loneliness, feeling a sense of belonging, lacking a sense of support, etc. Join student organizations or join volunteer opportunities Participate in RA events, campus events, and be active in classroom activities/discussions Physical Wellness Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep. A healthy body maintained by good nutrition, regular exercise, avoiding harmful habits, making informed and responsible decisions about health, and seeking medical assistance when necessary. Ways to develop physical wellness: Create a weekly set sleep/wake schedule. Have a set low room temperature, appropriate background noise, unplug from screens at least 1 hour before bedtime, etc. If you have concerns regarding any health needs, reach out to Student Health Services on campus or set an appointment with your primary care provider. Regular movement/exercise is important. Use your resources: wellness center, outside hiking, walking, biking, yoga, etc. Watch your usage of alcohol, especially during times of stress. Good nutrition is good for the health of your body and mind. Consult with your primary doctor, nutritionist, and/or dietitian about appropriate level of nutrition VCSU Students receive free entrance into the Wellness Center near campus: https://www.vcsu.edu/about-vcsu/campus-facilities/wellness-center/ Spiritual Wellness Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life. The sense that life is meaningful and has a purpose; the ethics, values and morals that guide us and give meaning and direction to life. Spiritual Wellness leads one to strive for a state of harmony with oneself and others, while working to balance inner needs with the rest of the world.  Ways to develop your spirituality: Join or create a student organization that focuses on spirituality. Journal that helps to connect you with your innermost thoughts. Write down what you are grateful for and what you have accomplished. Volunteer for campus and local community events/organizations. Pray. Meditate. Challenge yourself to help yourself grow and to find meaning and purpose. Talk with a counselor, spiritual advisor, mentor, elder, support system, etc. Emotional Wellness A position self-concept, which includes confronting feelings constructively and developing healthy qualities. The ability to understand your own feelings, accept your limitations, achieve stability, and become comfortable with your emotions. Emotional Wellness implies the ability to express emotions appropriately, adjust to change, cope with stress in a healthy way, and enjoy life despite its occasional disappointments and frustrations. Ways to develop your emotional wellness: Identify your emotional support system. Express your emotions in the moment instead of holding them in to fester and grow. Express worry and stress out loud to support system. Identify stress triggers and create a coping skills plan. Practice self-care daily. Reach out to VCSU Mental Health Counselors: https://www.vcsu.edu/student-life/health-wellness/ Wellness Resources Dimensions of Wellness Assessment (University of Colorado) Healthy Living (University of Chicago) Wellness (ULifeline) Take Control of your Time (VCSU) SMART Goal Setting (VCSU)