The Student Care Network recognizes that many students are experiencing stress and grief due to the ongoing global pandemic, identity-based trauma, anxiety about the U.S. presidential election, and ongoing stress related to academic coursework. Given these myriad stressors, it is important to set aside time to support mental and physical well-being, which can include going for a walk, joining the Center for Student Wellbeing for their Weekly Wellbeing Practices or committing to get a free flu shot from the Student Health Center.
Below are a few ideas to support students’ mental and physical well-being as the end of the fall semester approaches:
- If a student would like to speak to someone about an immediate concern, the University Counseling Center offers Urgent Care Counseling Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To speak with a counselor, students can contact the UCC by calling 615-322-2571 to be seen virtually with an on-call clinician.
- Students feeling anxiety due to the presidential election should consider reviewing this Headspace article on election anxiety and log in to their free Headspace account for a moment of meditation.
- The Office for Inclusive Excellence is partnering with multiple offices and identity centers, including the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, the University Counseling Center, The Ingram Commons and the Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life, to offer post-election support programming.
- Join the Center for Student Wellbeing for their Weekly Wellbeing Practices, which offer virtual well-being support resources, including meditation, drop-in well-being coaching in partnership with the Black Cultural Center, drop-in academic coaching, Vanderbilt Recovery Support meetings and yoga.
- Get a free flu shot from the Student Health Center before returning home for the extended winter break. No appointment is necessary; students can drop in from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students must bring their Vanderbilt ID.
- Prioritize physical well-being by scheduling a routine annual physical exam or STD testing. To make an appointment, call 615-322-2427 or visit the Student Health Center website to schedule a visit that best meets your needs.
- Before winter break, reach out to health care providers to assess the need for medication refills.
- Schedule an appointment with the Office of Student Care Coordination care coordinator to review all of the Student Care Network resources available to students on campus and remotely.