Lots of folks struggle with January in Ohio: it’s cold, it’s dark, and we are adjusting to a new semester. Maybe your winter break wasn’t everything you hoped for, or maybe it was awesome and it’s hard to be back on campus. It is not uncommon to feel sad or listless, and folks may experience anything from a touch of the “Winter Blues” to Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s okay to acknowledge you’re struggling, and to reach out to supportive others and ask for what you need.
Resources
- Not into New Year’s Resolutions that invariably fizzle after a few weeks? Consider reaching out to a Wellness Coach at the Student Wellness Center to help you identify and set SMART goals instead.
- If you set goals but are having difficulty making progress, take a closer look at what is working and what is getting in the way.
- Difficulty concentrating because you’re stressed about finances? Check out Scarlet and Gray Financial Coaching.
- Having a tough time balancing your diet? Connect with Nutrition Coaching services.
- Does substance use negatively impact your life? Get connected with the Collegiate Recovery Community.
- Take advantage of the fresh start that the new semester brings and prioritize academic strategies. Reach out to the Dennis Learning Center, which offers free academic coaching and tips and strategies on test-taking, reducing procrastination, and improving your memory.
- It can be easy to “hibernate” during these cold months— try to intentionally connect with your communities. Consider checking out RPAC’s group fitness classes, or joining a student organization. Student Activities manages over 1,400 student groups!
Mental Health Tips
- How do you set effective goals and increase your odds of successfully meeting them? Making Change (In a Nutshell)
Current Events
- Mark your calendar for Lunar New Year on 1/22/23, and check out programming from the Center for Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.
CCS Services
- Drop in for a workshop on Creative Writing for Mental Health, Beating Anxiety, or Building Mastery: Skills for a Drama Free Life.
- Group therapy is the most effective treatment for Social Anxiety. Check out our group therapy schedule – these groups meet weekly and address a variety of needs and concerns.
- Talk to your primary care provider about using a full-spectrum light to counter these short, dark days – lights are available in the CCS offices.
Staff
– CCS welcomes a new collaboration with Student Life’s Center for Belonging and Social Change. Dr. Darreon Greer now serves students and provides consultation to faculty and staff from his office in the Ohio Union. Increasing access by bringing CCS services to where students are is a good thing. Go.osu.edu/DrGreer
–Provided by the Office of Student Life Counseling and Consultation Service Staff