Addressing your mental wellness can benefit you in a variety of ways, from reducing stress and anxiety to increasing resilience and self-awareness and improving your emotional and physical health. At Vanderbilt, there are robust resources to support undergraduate, graduate and professional students’ mental wellness through the Student Care Network. The primary offices for this support are Student Care Coordination, the Center for Student Wellbeing and the University Counseling Center. Students who are charged and pay the Student Health Fee are eligible for services through the Student Care Network.
FIRST STOP FOR WELLNESS HELP
Student Care Coordination can be a first and central point of contact for students in identifying their wellness needs and determining the most appropriate resources on campus and in the surrounding community. Student Care Coordinators collaborate with students to develop a success plan, share education about and facilitate connections to appropriate on- and off-campus resources, and provide accountability through supportive follow-up meetings.
STUDENT CARE NETWORK
Through the Student Care Network, students can find wellness resources in a diversity of areas such as:
SATELLITE SERVICES
Satellite services are offered by the Student Care Network and other offices across campus. These services include resources to consult on a current concern, explore support options and establish connections with staff members.
Click here to view which Satellite Services are offered and when.
UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER
As a key component of Vanderbilt’s Student Care Network, the University Counseling Center provides mental health assessment, support and treatment to undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Drop-in consultations are available as a quick way to informally connect with a therapist.
Workshops
The University Counseling Center offers a series of workshops in areas such as:
- developing strategies to better cope with anxiety
- developing self-compassion
- understanding self and others surviving and thriving with ADHD and other executive function issues
- APIDA student support
- untangling and aligning thoughts and emotions through expressive arts
- sexual identity and/or gender identity support
Learn more about all of the workshops and groups offered by the UCC here.
MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT MENTAL WELLNESS
Here are more ways to support your mental wellness:
The Center for Student Wellbeing holds daily well-being practices, including:
- in-person and Zoom meditation
- yoga
- recovery support gatherings
- drop-in well-being and academic coaching
Click here to learn more about weekly well-being practices that start Sept. 13.
Have a few minutes between classes or during a break? Feeling stressed? Mindful meditation tracks help create a moment of calm awareness with the help of licensed therapists.
Make sleep a priority and start a sleep routine
Turn off your blue screen at least an hour before bedtime. Avoid caffeine later in the day. Set a bedtime reminder on your phone. Before going to sleep, try deep breathing, mindful meditation or journaling.
Journal your thoughts
There are benefits of writing down your thoughts even just one time, or you can make it a practice. Review your entries to observe growth and places for support. If you’re not sure how to get started, you can look up journal prompts.
Create healthy eating habits
Some tips for healthy eating habits include keeping a food journal. Plan ahead with grocery shopping. Review what Campus Dining has to offer. Eat breakfast. Visit a nutritionist at the Student Health Center to find an eating plan that might work best for you.
Take control of your physical wellness
If you develop any new signs or symptoms of illness or infection, consult with a provider or visit the Vanderbilt Student Health Center.
Download Headspace
Vanderbilt is offering free access to Headspace for students. It is a research-backed digital tool for mindful living with more than 1,200 hours of themed meditations, sleep content, mindful movement exercises and focus music. Headspace has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus and increase resilience and happiness. Enroll in Vanderbilt’s Headspace program here.