Ways to Help Yourself

The time to relax is when you don't have time for it. ~ Sydney J. Harris

Coping strategies for handling difficult moods can be very individual. Many people feel better when they:

Reach out to a friend, family member, mentor or spiritual advisor.
Talk to a professional therapist on campus. Effective help is available.
Talk with your primary care provider about whether medication might be helpful.
Exercise and engage in physical activity. This can help you work off stress, clear your head, and improve mood. Start with a few minutes a day and work up to 20-30 minutes every day.
Eat a healthy diet. Your body needs food in order for your mind to function well.
Sleep, go to bed and get up at regular times. This routine can help you to regulate your sleep/wake cycle.
Engage in activities that you have found enjoyable in the past, such as:

1. Taking a bath

2. Watching a movie

3. Going for a walk

4. Reading

5. Eating your favorite food

6. Journaling

Avoid substances like alcohol and other drugs. While they may give you some temporary relief, they will also exacerbate and can intensify your symptoms.
Keep to a routine of getting up, getting dressed, going to classes, studying, etc., even if you don't feel like it. Sometimes just doing the routine can help you feel better.

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