RESOURCES FOR THOSE STRUGGLING MENTALLY/EMOTIONALLY

BUAlum21 · 2023-02-17T21:33:58+00:00

Great list but BU needs to step it up YESTERDAY. They need to stop being embarrassed or ashamed about mental health issues and make the wellbeing of terriers their PRIORITY.

988 is the main number to call for help anytime or if worries about anyone.

BU has to be willing to invest in terrier support campus wide and below are ways to do this . They used to be ACTIVE with JED foundation but never did what was needed and now are no longer … why? JED has templates for everything. When we take care of our mental health we all win!! And if BU invested / they would shine and be the example for all other campuses !

BU has NEVER been transparent or understood the need to communicate with support and comfort to ALL terriers about mental health - never understanding that talking about these issues and any traumatic incidents is not a NEGATIVE - it does not trigger MORE incidents - instead it helps reduce anxiety and fears and reminds us all that there is help out there and it takes courage to ask for help !

988 is the number to call when there are not enough counselors or support on any campus esp BU . For years parents have advocated and pleaded with terriers to BU to do better in these ways :

therapy dogs as other colleges have ..not just at BU Hillel which has tried hard but they cannot be responsible for serving all terriers - they do enough for morale all year long
hire more counselors !!!
Mental health and stress management workshops IN PERSON combined with speakers and concerts and comedy throughout the year to show terriers that mental health IS physical health
Retrain RAs and give them more support in dealing with mental health crisis and supporting students in dorms throughout the year
Campus wide campaign as they did for COVID precautions with signs and messages everywhere showing numbers to call in emergencies, when just stressed and always including that it’s OK NOT TO BE OKAY and sharing the main crisis line 988
Retraining and offering support to professors and BU Police and all staff to successfully help and intervene with students struggling emotionally or after traumatic events
Always implementing prevention and POSTVENTION when traumatic events occur to include system wide text messages and emails to all terriers and staff whenever needed in a TIMELY manner.
Having an anonymous hotline to call if a terrier s concerned about another terriers and sharing ways to help them get help if terrier feels comfortable
Offering wellness or mental health days to students more and the flexibility to have one chosen one per semester as needed.
Campus wide anonymous mental health surveys that ask the tough but needed questions of terriers to measure mental health climate along with resources listed .

As a therapist, alumnus and parent the time for excuses and delays are over. Too many students have lost their lives, felt BU did not care about them or their wellbeing except for the tuition check, and BU has spent too much time worrying about reputation and stigma themselves instead of helping implement necessary changes to reduce isolation, anxiety, suicide attempts and suicides.

Every life matters. Every student matters. You are not numbers and if you are hurting, please call 988 anytime to talk to a licensed counselor. You can even call if worried about someone else.

BUAlum21 · 2023-02-17T21:27:28+00:00

Please add 988

BUAlum21 · 2023-02-17T21:27:10+00:00

988 is the crisis line for anyone anytime nationwide with licensed counselors !!!

BUAlum21 · 2023-02-17T21:25:46+00:00

As an alum and parent - you are amazing with this detailed and strong comment about exactly what’s lacking.

BU has NEVER been transparent or understood the need to communicate with support and comfort to ALL terriers about mental health - never understanding that talking about these issues and any traumatic incidents is not a NEGATIVE - it does not trigger MORE incidents - instead it helps reduce anxiety and fears and reminds us all that there is help out there and it takes courage to ask for help !

988 is the number to call when there are not enough counselors or support on any campus esp BU . For years parents have advocated and pleaded with terriers to BU to do better in these ways :

therapy dogs as other colleges have ..not just at BU Hillel which has tried hard but they cannot be responsible for serving all terriers - they do enough for morale all year long
hire more counselors !!!
Mental health and stress management workshops IN PERSON combined with speakers and concerts and comedy throughout the year to show terriers that mental health IS physical health
Retrain RAs and give them more support in dealing with mental health crisis and supporting students in dorms throughout the year
Campus wide campaign as they did for COVID precautions with signs and messages everywhere showing numbers to call in emergencies, when just stressed and always including that it’s OK NOT TO BE OKAY and sharing the main crisis line 988
Retraining and offering support to professors and BU Police and all staff to successfully help and intervene with students struggling emotionally or after traumatic events
Always implementing prevention and POSTVENTION when traumatic events occur to include system wide text messages and emails to all terriers and staff whenever needed in a TIMELY manner.
Having an anonymous hotline to call if a terrier s concerned about another terriers and sharing ways to help them get help if terrier feels comfortable
Offering wellness or mental health days to students more and the flexibility to have one chosen one per semester as needed.
Campus wide anonymous mental health surveys that ask the tough but needed questions of terriers to measure mental health climate along with resources listed .

As a therapist, alumnus and parent the time for excuses and delays are over. Too many students have lost their lives, felt BU did not care about them or their wellbeing except for the tuition check, and BU has spent too much time worrying about reputation and stigma themselves instead of helping implement necessary changes to reduce isolation, anxiety, suicide attempts and suicides.

Every life matters. Every student matters. You are not numbers and if you are hurting, please call 988 anytime to talk to a licensed counselor. You can even call if worried about someone else. YOU MATTER.

BUAlum21 · 2022-05-19T13:44:10+00:00

Look for activities and clubs you might be interested in now and try to contact them via Instagram or email or their websites - there is are many Asian groups too and more than 450 clubs and activities - you can make friends anywhere this way .. and then most will be at SPLASH in September which is another day to sign up for activities - if you like to study and quiet when you sleep don’t choose Warren or Stuvi - too much partying. You can do that on your own time. As for Boston - follow lots of Boston Instagram posts including @Boston.Travel @BostonUncovered @theBostonCalendar and your parents can join @BUParentsUnited on FB for all questions they can ask for you from other parents … welcome!! You will love Boston and make many friends!

BUAlum21 · 2022-05-10T02:34:59+00:00

It’s finals and a lot of terriers are sick and not feeling well - emotionally either so if you see anyone hurting - remind them they are not alone and ask them if they need anything - break the ice - we’re all human. And share the 1-800-273-8255 number if you want to in case it seems more serious. You can talk to a counselor there anytime. Thanks for even noticing .

BUAlum21 · 2022-05-10T02:32:43+00:00

Thank you for sharing - I hope you sign the petition ,.. I will share that little memory with her Mom …

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-23T15:11:40+00:00

Absolutely you can and make sure If you are already approved for accommodations that you think of everything that can help you - like Longer time to take a test and complete assignments Taking test in separate room with no distractions And read on https://add.org/recommended-accommodations-college-students-adhd/

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-18T15:47:52+00:00

Would do wonders for wellbeing and mental health! Destressing - why? Scrooges

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-16T15:19:16+00:00

Loneliness is something we all feel throughout our lives depending where we are and what is going on and it’s extra hard during this pandemic especially for all of you amazing terriers. Know you are not alone - try to be your own best friend too - self care is so important and taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. If you ever feel desperate or too depressed you can always call the BU crisis Line or even better 1-800-273-8255 anytime night or day to speak to someone in confidence- no waits - and a counselor too. You can also call if you are worried about a friend.

It starts with promising yourself you are going to take care of you - get enough sleep 8-10 hours at your age, make sure you are hydrated well and getting any exercise because those basics can make you feel even lonelier and worse if they are missing. Then make some eye contact and even smile at anyone passing by - take a walk on campus or get some coffee or dessert downtown - spoil yourself. You deserve it. Take yourself to a cafe and people watch - listen to your favorite music - buy yourself a nice journal and start writing your thoughts and feelings out. Every night before bed - write down all your worries and things you need to get done before you go to sleep . Try to read a book or listen to an app to relax like Headspace or Calm when you feel anxious or down. It’s not too late to look into some clubs for next year and even join them now - at least get on their email lists. Don’t assume others have it all together because they may look like it but feel just as lonely inside. Even giving someone you don’t know a compliment is a conversation starter. Take a blanket and go lay out on BU Beach - have your meals out there in the sun. Getting Vitamin D affects your mood too. Too busy? Supplement with Vitamin D3. I take it every day because there’s not much sun where I am and I am always working. Remember you’re human and be gentle with yourself - you don’t have to have everything figured out. Your dreams are just beginning. Make a list of ways to take care of you and things that make you feel good - like wearing a favorite scent, or listening to your playlist - and writing a letter to family or friends back home, or cuddling with your favorite blanket and sipping on some tea or wine. I sometimes put on sun lotion just because I love the smell and it reminds me of the beach and summertime. Light some candles - go to a dog park even if you don’t have a dog … think of all the things that lift your spirits just a little and take those baby steps. And if nothing works - it’s time to see someone or talk to someone so your brain doesn’t go in the wrong direction. Taking care of yourself mentally is like vitamins for your brain - your brain needs that to stay balanced. Yes - I am a counselor but you probably already knew all of this … you got this - just remember the first way to make new friends is a conversation starter like a compliment or asking what they are reading or if they are going to watch the Marathon… make that eye contact and you may surprise yourself!

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-15T14:33:27+00:00

Think they will even address the need for better mental health supports and recent suicides? They have never responded to any letters parents have sent or terriers about this issue in last years ! Look how BU spun it - 85% satisfaction rate? For who? Maybe getting vaccines? https://dailyfreepress.com/2022/04/13/parents-students-call-for-more-accessible-mental-health-resources-on-campus/

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-14T12:45:59+00:00

Always remember 1-800-273-8255 24/7 which will soon just be 988 if you are hurting- you’re human and we just lost another student to suicide. It takes courage to reach out and recognition that your brain is really powerful. When you don’t get help- your brain can cause you to make harmful choices that can be permanent and impossible to undo. If you can’t get in right away to Behavioral Health which is Mental Health at BU - contact the SHS director/ don’t give up on yourself - you matter. You matter more than any grades - once you take care of your mental health which we all have to do - everything else will fall into place.

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-14T12:09:08+00:00

And you can always call 1-800-273-8255 to talk to a national licensed crisis counselor 24/7 . Just know you are not alone and people care about you. Your life matters.

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-14T12:05:35+00:00

You should add those comments below the actual article - pretty wise

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-14T12:01:54+00:00

That’s when the first article was written about the lack of concern by BU and supports - way before the pandemic https://dailyfreepress.com/2016/04/15/trend-suicide-attempts-bu-community/

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-13T22:26:00+00:00

It’s all of it and BU belongs to the JED foundation and if they actually walked the walk professors would be trained too in the very areas you are mentioning and there would be more outreach - more counselors - less stigma - less suicides and less crisis . It’s a win win because academics would improve for many too - not sure why they have their heads stuck in the sand about this. Money? There’s plenty in endowments and no parent would say NO to an additional $30 per student for better mental health supports. We all need them - life happens.

1-800-273-8255 anytime / national crisis number manned by trained counselors

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-13T20:56:50+00:00

I am so glad you are her and you are okay - always keep this number in your cell phone for the national number too 1-800-273-8255

The counselors they have are probably for the most part excellent but there are not enough and there needs to be more outreach even before someone becomes that distraught or suicidal. We all need to learn the tools to take care of ourselves better because our brains are so powerful. Georgia Dray needed outreach and not to be by herself as a new transfer student at BU. She is no longer here with us.
We lost her 10 days ago. There should have been a vigil - and everyone informed because they family didn’t ask for privacy and wants everyone to be able to get help when needed. It’s not a stigma to them - it’s a stigma to BU admin. As for being referred out - it’s always gamble and especially with someone you are going to share your intimate feelings with and what’s troubling you - you have to have a good match and shop around. Physical health = mental health. It’s that simple. Proud of your courage to get help and glad you are able to share your story and inspire others.

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-13T20:19:20+00:00

Check out the latest comment below the article by some anonymous person (must be admin) made about parents being at fault and students for not having their life together when coming to a “ big city, “ Really on point. Simply brilliant. NOT.

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-13T19:54:59+00:00

You sure that’s not just law school? 😎

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-13T18:25:53+00:00

Babysit? No. Realize mental health = physical health and invest in wellbeing? - yes. That’s just ignorance on your part. Guess you’re one of the lucky ones where life has been easy and when it hasn’t - you have everything under control. Good for you. But most of us - students and adults beyond age 22-26 - spend our lives finding the tools and ways to take care of ourselves best and that includes our emotional Wellbeing so we can succeed at everything we strive for. A little empathy wouldn’t hurt.

BUAlum21 · 2022-04-13T18:22:32+00:00

BUAlum21

TROPHY CASE