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Top health concerns for college students (and what to do about them)

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Top health concerns for college students (and what to do about them) Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 09/25/2024 - 00:00

Health issues are more common than you may think among college students. Here are some of the most common health concerns you may experience in college and what you can do about them.

1. Stress, anxiety and depression

Many students experience mental health challenges in college, whether it’s related to stress, anxiety or depression. Increased responsibilities, busy schedules, changes in routine and other personal circumstances can all impact mental health in different ways.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to know that resources are available to help you cope and feel better.

Here are a few to check out:

Mental health workshops: Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers free weekly workshops to help students address anxiety, depression, stress, mindfulness and more.
Peer Wellness Coaching: Sometimes the best advice comes from other Buffs. That’s where peer wellness coaches come in. You can meet with a trained student to talk through things and get advice about time management, academics, test prep, relationships and more.
Let’s Talk: Talking through challenges can be a great way to gain insight, come up with a game plan and connect with resources. CAPS offers free drop-in hours as part of their Let’s Talk program where you can meet informally with a counselor for free to chat through a variety of concerns, including stress, anxiety and depression.
AcademicLiveCare: Students can access free, virtual counseling and psychiatry appointments online through AcademicLiveCare. This service is available to all students, regardless of your insurance plan.
Acupuncture and ear seeding: Did you know acupuncture can be used to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression? The Collegiate Recovery Community offers free ear seeding events every other Wednesday throughout the semester.
WellTrack: WellTrack is a free interactive and self-guided app that can help you identify, understand and address issues like stress, anxiety and/or depression.

2. Sleep

Getting enough sleep can be tricky in college. Work, classes, extracurriculars, exams and social events can all impact how much (or how little) rest we get. With everything going on, it’s important to remind yourself that sleep plays a critical role in your overall health and well-being. In fact, getting enough sleep can help keep your immune system running smoothly, improve your mood, help you retain information for exams and more.

If you’re struggling to get into a good sleep routine, here are some tips that can help:

Reduce your caffeine consumption during the day, especially in the late afternoon and evenings.
Avoid taking long naps during the day. Instead, focus on taking power naps that are only 20 to 30 minutes long. Campus has a variety of nap pod locations at The Rec, Wardenburg and Norlin Library.
Reduce your screen time at night. This includes your phone, laptop, gaming devices and televisions.
Get more natural light during the day by spending time outside.
Go to the gym earlier in the day to avoid releasing adrenaline into your system that may keep you up at night.
Make a nightly routine that helps you relax and prepare for bed. For instance, you can try brushing your teeth, reading a book, stretching, meditating or sipping sleepy time tea.
Pick up free sleep supplies like sleep masks, tea, ear plugs, aromatherapy rollers and more from the Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center or have them delivered to your residence hall through Buff Box.
Consider signing up for a group acupuncture session if you struggle with insomnia. Acupuncture can help increase your melatonin, reduce stress and improve the overall quality of your sleep.

Check out more tips to help you optimize your sleep schedule.

3. Sexually transmitted infections

Did you know that about one in five people in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? These types of infections are common in young adults and can pass from person to person through sexual activities like oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, genital contact or sexual fluids like semen.

Common STIs include human papilloma virus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes simplex virus (HSV), among others.

If you plan to be sexually active, here are some tips to follow:

Use protection, like dental dams, condoms and finger caps. Free supplies are available at Wardenburg Health Center and in Buff Boxes.
Get tested for STIs regularly if you are sexually active. Remember that the most common symptom of an STI is no symptoms.
Talk openly with your partners about your status or test results.
Get vaccinated for human papilloma virus (HPV) and Hepatitis B.
If you’re at an increased risk of contracting HIV, Medical Services offers Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to bacterial STIs like syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea, doxyPEP can help prevent contraction after exposure.

If you or a partner ends up contracting an STI, it’s important to know that most types of STIs are treatable, and Medical Services offers a variety of testing and treatment options. Free at-home test kits are also available through a partnership through the babyֱ��app Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Find more information about what to do after unprotected sex and how to keep yourself safe in the future.

4. Seasonal illnesses

College campuses are crawling with germs and viruses. This is because students often live in close quarters, attend social gatherings and may have larger classes. Some of the most common seasonal illnesses to watch out for include the common cold, flu and COVID.

Avoid getting sick this year by:

Getting a free flu and/or COVID vaccine.
Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
Staying hydrated and getting seven to nine hours of quality sleep.
Reducing your contact with others if they're feeling under the weather.
Disinfecting common surfaces in your home regularly.

If you do get sick, monitor your symptoms, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home when possible and opt to wear a mask. It’s important to know that viral infections like the common cold can’t be treated by a doctor. In these cases, you can use at-home remedies like cough drops, herbal tea, honey sticks for a sore throat and other self-care tactics. Pick up free wellness supplies at the Wellness Suite in Wardenburg Health Center or get them delivered to your residence hall for free in a Buff Box.

If you’re experiencing more severe symptoms like pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or difficulty breathing, it’s probably best to make an appointment with Medical Services. Students can also access care after-hours, on the weekends and during breaks through AcademicLiveCare.

5. Meningitis

Proximity with a lot of other people can lead to more than just seasonal illnesses. This is especially true for those living in residence halls or high-occupancy housing units. In fact, college students are at increased risk of contracting meningitis.

Meningitis is a serious, and sometimes life-threatening, infection of the brain and spinal cord.

The best way to prevent the spread of meningitis is to get the Meningitis (Men-ACWY) vaccine. If you’re not already vaccinated, you can schedule a vaccine appointment with Medical Services.

Symptoms of meningitis include:

Confusion
Fever
Headache
Sensitivity to light
Stiff neck

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment at Medical Services to be evaluated. It’s important to catch meningitis infections early to reduce the chances of spreading it to others and prevent serious nerve or brain damage. If you are experiencing symptoms after-hours, please go to an urgent care facility near you.

6. Substance use and misuse

Even though 93% of CU Students support choosing not to drink at parties, college can come with unspoken expectations around partying, drinking and substance use.

Students may choose to use substances to cope with mental health issues, manage stress, improve their energy, catch up on assignments, ease social anxiety and more. However, substances can also cause students to have unwanted experiences, such as worsening mental health issues, poor grades, reduced learning or performance, legal challenges, risky decisions or behaviors, accidents and reliance on unhealthy coping methods, among others. In some cases, substance use may result in increased emergency room visits, accidents, alcohol poisoning, overdoses, addiction and long-term health effects.

If you’re interested in exploring or changing your relationship with substances, you can schedule a Buffs Discuss Substance Use session. These sessions are run by trained undergraduate peer facilitators who can empower students to gain deeper understanding and be intentional about substance use. If you prefer to work with a professional staff member, check out the free and non-judgmental Exploring Substance Use Workshop.

CU Boulder also has programs to help students who are in recovery or seeking recovery from a variety of unhealthy behaviors, including substance use. Health Promotion offers free support for quitting nicotine, including quit kits, coaching and more. Additionally, the Collegiate Recovery Community offers free peer support, weekly meetings and social events for students in recovery or interested in recovery from a variety of substances and other unwanted behaviors.

Students can pick up free naloxone or fentanyl test strips on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center or by ordering a Safer Night Out Buff Box.

7. Eating changes

There are a variety of things that can trigger changes in our eating patterns. In some cases, these changes are temporary, for instance forgetting to eat lunch while studying for an exam. However, significant changes can lead to more serious or long-term eating concerns, such as disordered eating behaviors or eating disorders.

For many students, college may be the first time that you have had the freedom or responsibility for deciding when, what and how to eat. This, on top of other stressors in college, can sometimes cause anxiety, especially for those who aren’t sure what food choices to make. Anxiety around food can also be compounded by things like cultural beauty standards, body image and comparing your body with those around you.

Here are some factors that can lead to unhealthy eating patterns:

Change or loss of control: Experiencing a lot of new things at once can be exciting, but it can also lead to stress or anxiety. As a result, people may compensate by exerting more control over what they eat.
Academics: It’s normal to feel worried about grades, workload and studying every once in a while. However, if classes become too stressful, some may use food as a coping method or a way to create control and stability.
Social groups: Friendships play a critical role in your college experience. However, it can also come with unspoken rules or peer pressure related to food, body image and exercise.
Food availability: Previous food experiences and current circumstances can impact how we view or access food. If someone is food insecure, it can affect their eating habits because they lack proper access to food.

If you feel lost when it comes to food or want to improve your relationship with food or exercise, there are resources on campus that can help.

Nutrition Services

Meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to learn about intuitive eating, adequate food intake and ways to overcome food rules or restrictions. Appointment options range from free screenings to ongoing sessions.

Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC)

The CUCRC provides a free Food and Body Image support meeting every week. This drop-in meeting is a great place to build community and work with others who are in recovery from unhealthy relationships with food and body image.

Buff Pantry

The Basic Needs Center has an on-campus food pantry that supports all undergraduate and graduate students experiencing food insecurity. Simply complete a client intake form online and schedule an appointment to stop by once per week to select grocery items.

Explore your relationship with physical activity

Participating in regular movement (i.e., physical activity or exercise) has proven benefits for both our minds and bodies. Here are some tools to help you move your body in a safe and healthy way.

SNAP enrollment

The Basic Needs Center is available to help students enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides supplementary funds to help qualifying individuals and families access nutritious food.

Dietary Accommodations

Campus Dining Services strives to meet the dietary needs of our community through access to food options that are allergen-free, halal, kosher, vegan and vegetarian. If you need support navigating food options on campus, you can work one-on-one with our registered dietitian nutritionist.

8. Relationships

Exploring your sexuality and relationships is a normal part of college life and young adulthood. Making new friends, forming and maintaining long-term relationships, dating and hooking up require us to set boundaries, communicate openly, build trust and find support when we need it.

It's also important to recognize when a relationship that feels uncomfortable, unhealthy or downright harmful. These characteristics can show up in a variety of ways, including when our boundaries are not respected, issues with trust or breakdowns in connection or communication.

If you notice a friend seems more unhappy than not in their relationship or they express feeling unsafe with a partner, this is a good opportunity to offer care and support.

The Office of Victim Assistance is a great resource that can help students recognize and seek support for:

Healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship behaviors
Stalking
Sexual harassment
Intimate partner abuse, dating and domestic violence, and familial abuse
Rights, reporting options and advocacy
Short-term trauma counseling services
Community referral options
Ways to support friends or family members who have been through a traumatic experience

The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) also offers free sexual relationships and consent workshops to help students explore boundary-setting, sexual decision-making, consent and the impact of alcohol on sex.

9. Physical injuries

Accidents happen, especially in college. That’s why it’s important to take precautions to avoid serious injuries on and off campus. Here are some tips you can use to stay safe.

Biking, skateboarding, walking and scootering

Always wear a helmet when biking, skateboarding or riding a scooter.
Stay in designated bike lanes or walking lanes.
Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when biking in the road, using crosswalks or going through intersections.
Be mindful of dismount zones on campus, and follow the rules, especially during high traffic times.
Never bike, skateboard or use scooters when under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other substances.

Outdoor recreation

Always wear a helmet when rock climbing, bouldering, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking or tubing.
Stay on designated trails and be mindful of avalanche or flood conditions in the backcountry.
Always pack adequate water and food, wear sunscreen and bring first aid supplies when adventuring outside.
Let someone know where you’re going and how long you expect to be gone. Be sure they can call for help if they don’t hear from you.

Driving

Never drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other substances. If you’re intoxicated, designate a sober person to drive or leave your car behind and use CU NightRide, public transit or a rideshare service instead.
Minimize distractions by putting your cell phone on drive mode and not texting while driving.
Leave adequate space between yourself and other cars, especially during rush hour or in congested areas.
Use your hazard lights if you need to come to a stop quickly. This will alert the person behind you that they need to brake sooner than they might expect to avoid a collision.
If you are involved in an accident, move your vehicle to the shoulder or out of traffic.
Watch for pedestrians and bikes, even if they are not in a designated crosswalk or bike lane.

If you get injured or are involved in an accident, there are a variety of support services you can use on campus.

Medical Services

Medical Services provides injury care services, including x-rays. They can also help refer you to community services if you need more intense rehabilitation.

Physical Therapy and Integrative Care (PTIC)

The PTIC office provides a variety of services to students, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage to help address injuries, pain and other concerns.

Recreation Injury Care Center (RICC)

RICC provides free services to patrons and guests of the Rec Center including first aid, baseline concussion testing, injury prevention services and athletic training services.

AcademicLiveCare

If you need after-hours support for medical or urgent care needs, AcademicLiveCare offers free, on-demand virtual appointments for all students.

Health issues are more common than you may think, especially among college students. Here are some you may experience in college and what you can do about them.

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5 things you should do if you’re feeling homesick

Anonymous — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

5 things you should do if you’re feeling homesick Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/16/2024 - 00:00

Starting out at a new school can be difficult, especially if you are moving away from friends or family.

Here are a few strategies you can use to overcome homesickness this semester.

1. Keep a hopeful outlook

While it may not be obvious, many students feel homesick, even as transfer students. Remind yourself that it’s okay to experience homesickness, especially after you've said goodbye to your friends, family, home or routine.

It’s also important to keep in mind that homesickness is temporary. Chances are that whatever you're feeling will lessen over time as you become more familiar with campus life and the people at CU.

Here are some tips for staying hopeful:

Set small, achievable goals, like attending one campus event or talking to someone new each week.
Remind yourself of the reasons you chose to attend CU and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Allow yourself to feel your feelings, and then let them go.
Remind yourself that homesickness can be a sign that you have loving relationships with others, which is something to be grateful for.

2. Stay in touch

As you navigate life on campus and meet new people, it’s important to keep in touch with your friends and family back home. Even if your friends are attending different colleges or living in other cities, checking in and catching up can help you feel more connected.

If you’re struggling, reach out to someone you trust and talk through it. Leaning on people you love can help remind you that you’re not alone and that you have people you can rely on in tough times. Having a solid support system back home is important, but it also shouldn’t impede you from spending time or creating new connections here at CU.

Here are some ways to stay connected:

Schedule regular calls or video chats with friends or families.
Exchange letters with one another. After all, who doesn’t like receiving something in the mail?
Stay connected over social by sharing your experiences (or continuing to exchange memes).
Create a group chat to keep everyone in the loop and provide collective support.

3. Establish a routine

Living independently, navigating a new place, taking on more responsibilities and juggling a potentially demanding class schedule may require you to adjust your normal routine. In fact, creating a routine, no matter how small it may be, can help ease feelings of anxiety and make life more predictable.

Here are some easy ways to add routine to your days:

Take the same route to and from your classes.
Meet up with friends, classmates or hallmates to eat around the same time.
Plan out your time for classes, studying and socializing.
Find a study spot on campus that helps you focus.
Establish a consistent laundry or cleaning schedule for your space.

4. Put yourself out there (even if it’s hard)

Making friends as an adult may seem harder than it used to be. It can feel intimidating to be vulnerable and put yourself out there. However, it's important to remember that if you're struggling to make new friends or find ‘your people' here on campus, you're not alone.

Here are a few ways you can work to put yourself out there:

Avoid relying on one person to ‘have it all.’
Stay open to making different friends for different reasons (e.g., someone who is good to study with may not be the same person who would make a good confidant).
Get together as a group if you’re nervous about hanging out with someone one-on-one.
Become a regular at events or campus activities.
Sit near the same people in your classes and join study groups.
Remind yourself that some students may be struggling to find connections, so do your best to be inclusive and invite others to tag along.

5. Connect with resources

Student events

Each semester, Student Affairs hosts hundreds of events, workshops and other opportunities to get involved. Check out upcoming opportunities to meet other Buffs and have fun on campus.

Transfer Buffs

Find resources, events and opportunities to build community with your fellow transfer students on campus.

Beyond Campus Buffs

Do you commute to CU or live off campus? Get involved with the Beyond Campus Buffs Program to meet other students, access the Commuter Lounge and more.

Peer Wellness Coaching

Meet with a trained student to explore ways to make friends on campus, set goals, create routines and make the most of your time at CU Boulder.

Center for Student Involvement

Check out a variety of ways to get involved, including student organizations, leadership and volunteer opportunities, events and more.

First-Generation Students Program

Join a community of first-gen students to socialize, learn about campus resources, find support and more.

Pride Office

The Pride Office supports LGBTQ+ students through community events, social spaces, resources and more.

Residence hall events

Residence halls on campus host events to help students meet their hallmates. Check with your RA to learn about upcoming events.

Starting out at a new university can be difficult, especially if you're moving away from friends or family. Here are a few strategies you can use to overcome homesickness this semester.

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5 things everyone should know about sexual assault

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

5 things everyone should know about sexual assault Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 03/28/2024 - 00:00

Sexual assault is all too common in our society and can have lasting impacts on individuals and communities.

Here are five things everyone should know about sexual assault.

1. Sexual assault can happen to anyone

The reality is that most sexual assaults are carried out by people who know the person they assault, including friends, acquaintances, classmates, co-workers, partners, exes, neighbors, dates or someone they met online or at a party. This often contradicts what people believe about who commits sexual assault and can make it more difficult to recognize when an assault happens. People who commit sexual assault take advantage of situational vulnerabilities to exert their will and operate from a sense of entitlement to someone else’s body.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, though because of oppression and discrimination, women, people with disabilities and those who identify as bisexual or transgender are disproportionately impacted.

2. Consent is key

Consent is an ongoing agreement that people arrive at together. Consent can include words or actions that create mutual understanding, clear willingness and acceptance of any sexual activity.

Consent must be established before people engage in a sexual activity. This gives each person the opportunity to set personal boundaries and to understand the boundaries of others.

Here are a few essential things to know about consent:

Regardless of relationship status or sexual history, consent is required for every sexual encounter.
Body language, words and other non-verbal cues are all acceptable ways to demonstrate non-consent. Tuning into these signals is key to avoid overstepping boundaries, even when a person doesn’t feel comfortable addressing them directly or explicitly.
Consent is mutual. For instance, if someone consents to sex with a condom but their partner doesn’t use one, that is not consent. This behavior is often referred to as “stealthing.”
People can—and often do—change their minds about what they want to or are willing to do sexually. If you or a partner signal that they want an activity to stop, that choice must be respected.
Agreeing to one sexual activity doesn’t mean the person agrees to do another activity, the same activity at a different time or the same activity with a different person. For instance, making out with someone doesn’t mean they consent to other sexual activities.
Anyone who is incapacitated by alcohol, drugs or anything else cannot give consent, regardless of what they are saying or doing. Incapacitation is a state where someone cannot make a reasonable, rational decision because they lack the capacity to understand the “who, what, where, when or why” of a sexual interaction.

Learn more about affirmative consent

3. Sexual assault can include a wide range of experiences

Sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual contact or behaviors that a person did not, or was not able to, consent to.

This can include, but is not limited to, the following:

Unwanted penetration, including vaginal, anal or oral sex. This also includes penetration by an object or another person’s body part(s).
Unwanted touching of someone’s butt, breasts or genitals.

Keep in mind that attempted touching, contact and penetration are also considered sexual assault. Additional forms of sexual harm include sexual harassment, exploitation (e.g., sharing nudes, videotaping sexual acts without consent, etc.) as well as abuse by an intimate partner.

Both sexual assault and sexual misconduct refer to legal thresholds under campus policy and criminal law. Harmful sexual experiences can still happen outside of these parameters.

If you or someone you know isn’t sure whether an experience may have been sexual assault, confidential advocate counselors on campus are available for free and confidential consultations, trauma-focused counseling and support. Advocate counselors with the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) are here to help students, staff and babyֱ��app understand and process their experiences as well as learn about their rights and options. Remember, you don’t have to know what to make of an experience to get support. Give them a call at 303-492-8855 or schedule an appointment.

4. Sexual assault can be prevented

Buffs should look out for each other, speak up about concerning behaviors and situations and take steps to create better interactions and a safer community.

Here are some ways to help improve and practice bystander skills:

Learn to identify high-risk situations
Keep an eye on people who hit on the drunkest person at a party, encourage others to over-drink, try to get a drunk person alone or away from their friends, are persistent about pursuing someone sexually or commit low-level boundary violations. It’s not that people don’t understand consent, it’s that some people aren’t interested in honoring it.

Intervene in concerning situations
If you see someone in a potentially harmful or high-risk situation, you can do something to intervene. Bystanders are particularly important in situations where someone is being pursued by someone else because of their level of intoxication, or if a person has been intentionally drugged in an attempt to facilitate sexual assault.

Keep track of friends
At parties, high-proof alcohol mixed with sweet punch or juice might be served to increase the likelihood that people will become intoxicated. It’s common for those who perpetrate sexual assault to encourage alcohol consumption or target those who seem incapacitated. It’s important to check in with a friend if you observe any sudden changes (e.g., difficulty standing, disorientation, etc.) that might indicate they’ve had too much to drink.

Don’t leave someone behind
Commit to not ditching someone if they have too much to drink and/or become unwilling to stick with the plan to stay together. Sticking together decreases the likelihood that someone will have to rely on lesser-known friends or strangers to get home. It’s also important to consider whether someone who is offering to walk a person home or look after an intoxicated person is trustworthy or is potentially looking for access to someone who is vulnerable.

Trust your instincts
If a situation feels weird or wrong, it probably is. If you think someone’s behavior feels uncomfortable or unsafe, follow your gut. It’s okay to make up an excuse to interject or interrupt a situation that feels ‘off.’ You can act like you don’t feel well and need them to leave with you, you need them to check on a friend or you want them to go with you to get something to eat.

5. Support is available

Resources are available for those who have experienced sexual assault, who want to support friends and survivors, or who want to learn more about sexual assault prevention. Students often reach out to friends or family members first when something bad happens. Having the skills to respond effectively without blame or judgment is vital. Learn more skills for supporting your friends through the aftermath of a traumatic event.

Here are some of the resources available to support survivors and friends at CU Boulder:

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term, trauma-focused counseling services for students, grad students, babyֱ��app and staff who have experienced a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event, including sexual assault and harassment.

Confidential resource

Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC)

OIEC implements and enforces university policies around sexual assault, intimate partner abuse and stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know at CU has been impacted, reports can be filed online. Anonymous reporting is an option as well.

Don't Ignore It

Explore your options for seeking confidential support, reporting concerns and learning skills for helping others. If something seems off, it probably is—don't ignore it.

Mandatory reporting

All university employees who have the authority to hire, promote, discipline, evaluate, grade, formally advise or direct babyֱ��app, staff or students are considered "responsible employees" and are required to report alleged misconduct to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC). This includes resident advisors, teaching assistants, professors, graduate instructors, academic advisors, coaches or other university employees with oversight authority.

Any sexual misconduct, intimate partner abuse (including dating and domestic violence), stalking, protected-class discrimination or harassment, or related retaliation disclosed to a responsible employee must be reported to OIEC. The person impacted has the choice about whether and how they want to proceed. Reporting is required to help ensure that people understand their rights and options and the resources available.

Note: Confidential campus resources are exempt from CU Boulder’s mandatory reporting policy, including the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA), Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), Psychological Health and Performance (PHP), Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) and Ombuds.

Learn more about mandatory reporting

Sexual assault is all too common in our society and can have lasting impacts on individuals and communities. Here are five things everyone should know about sexual assault.

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3 things everyone should know about stalking

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

3 things everyone should know about stalking Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 01/18/2024 - 00:00

January is Stalking Awareness Month

Learn how you can seek support for yourself, a friend or a colleague.

Popular culture, like shows and movies, can make it seem like persistence is the key to winning someone over. However, persistence can quickly turn into discomfort or fear when it’s unwelcome. Here are a few things everyone should know about stalking.

#1 Stalking can take many forms

Stalking goes beyond following someone. It can include a variety of tactics, which can happen in person and/or online. Stalking is defined as a pattern of unwanted behavior, directed at a specific person, which causes that person to change their routine or feel afraid, threatened or in danger.

Examples of stalking behaviors include:

Repeated, unwanted phone calls, texts, messages, etc. that may or may not include direct threats
Creating fake profiles to continue contacting a person after they have been blocked on someone’s personal account
Observing, following or “coincidentally” showing up wherever the person goes
Waiting outside of the person’s class, home, job, car, etc.
Leaving notes, gifts or other items for the person
Spreading rumors online and/or in person

Posting messages or images of the person on social media or in discussion groups without permission
Vandalism or destruction of property, including sabotaging school or other work
Breaking into the person’s home, babyֱ��app or car
Hacking into the person’s social media, email or other accounts
Collecting information about or attempting to contact the person through friends, family members, coworkers or acquaintances

#2 Stalking can happen to anyone

While stalking is often directed at someone from a previous or current intimate relationship, a person can also be stalked by roommates, friends, classmates, colleagues or someone they have never met or only met once, including matches on dating apps.

Here are some ways to identify healthy, unhealthy and concerning behaviors that may prompt someone to seek additional help or support:

Healthy boundaries are: When you say “no” the other person respectfully leaves you alone and does not attempt to contact you again.

Unhealthy behaviors are: When you say “no” the other person continues to contact you again and again.

Consider discussing with someone or documenting what is happening: When you say “no” more than once and the other person tries to talk you into saying “yes,” continues to contact you and/or contacts you more often.

Consider seeking help from an advocate, the police, or other professional: When you are contacted repeatedly, the other person shows up where you are, indirectly threatens you, is disrespectful and/or does not take “no” for an answer.

Call 911: When the other person directly threatens you, tries to harm you, harms you or damages your property (including your pets).

#3 Context is key

Gift giving, location tracking, or sending multiple texts can be components of a healthy friendship or romantic relationship. It can feel really special for your roommate to bring you a coffee just because or have friends checking an app to make sure you got home safe. The key here is that these behaviors are wanted and help increase a sense of safety within the relationship.

Stalking, on the otherhand, is a pattern of unwanted behavior that reduces a person’s sense of safety. From the outside it may look similar to some of those innocuous behaviors, but to the person experiencing it, it can really feel threatening. The context of the behavior and the impact it has on the recipient is key.

Stalking violates CU’s campus policies and is considered a serious crime in babyֱ��app. CU Boulder provides a number of reporting and support options for those experiencing stalking.

Support resources for students, staff and babyֱ��app

If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking behaviors, it’s important to connect them with appropriate support resources and services.

General support

The Don’t Ignore It website provides options for seeking confidential support on and off campus, skills for helping others and reporting options related to sexual misconduct, stalking, intimate partner abuse, harassment and discrimination.

Confidential services

Students, staff and babyֱ��app can get confidential support and/or counseling through the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) by calling 303-492-8855 or filling out a confidential request form online. This form will only be reviewed by OVA staff—the university will not be notified and no investigative action will take place. If you would like to get in contact with an OVA advocate counselor, be sure to include your contact information. OVA advocate counselors can provide additional support to help individuals explore their rights and options, make a safety plan and reporting options if needed, discuss their living situation and more.

University reporting

If you think you may be experiencing stalking, you can report the incident to the CU Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC). OIEC can address concerns in a variety of ways including a formal grievance process or through a policy compliance meeting with the person engaging in behaviors that might be considered stalking. Additionally, OIEC may be able to provide safety and supportive measures, such as no contact orders, academic support remedies and more. You can file a report with OIEC by calling 303-492-2127, emailing cureport@colorado.edu or filling out a report online.

Law enforcement reporting

Reporting to the police can take many forms and doesn’t have to lead to filing of criminal charges. An informational or anonymous report is sometimes an option to make the police aware of the situation. Individuals may have the option to ask police to contact the person to give a verbal warning or press criminal charges. If stalking behaviors have occured on campus, contact the CU Boulder Police Department. Otherwise, contact your local police department.

Shows and movies can make it seem like persistence is the key to winning someone over. However, persistence can quickly cross boundaries. Here are a few things everyone should know about stalking behaviors.

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6 winter break survival tips

Anonymous — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

6 winter break survival tips Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 12/18/2023 - 00:00

Winter break brings a much-needed sense of relief for many of us. However, transitioning back home, spending time away from campus and being around family for an extended period of time can also be challenging.

Here are six tips you can use to survive and thrive over winter break.

#1 Talk through expectations ahead of time

If you’re heading home over break, it’s a good idea to discuss expectations with your family. For instance, you may be expected to follow a curfew, help around the house, attend certain events or take on other responsibilities. Having a conversation before you make it home can help you avoid being caught off guard and unexpected conflict.

This is also a good opportunity to talk through your own expectations and boundaries. Let your family or friends know what your plans are, including how long you expect to be around and how much one-on-one time you expect to spend together. If you’re uncomfortable attending specific holiday events, let your family or friends know and work together to brainstorm some other ways that you can spend time together.

#2 Get into a routine

Winter break can be a great time to unwind after a long semester. However, it can also throw us off our normal routines, and the transition between campus life and home life can be jarring. Set yourself up for success all break long by getting into a routine while you’re away.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Set a sleep schedule
Yeah, we know, it sounds boring. But getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night can help improve your mental and physical health, immunity and stress levels. Over break, try to be consistent when it comes to what time you wake up and go to bed. Your timing doesn’t have to be perfect, but you should try to stay within a 2-hour window of your schedule. If you find that you’re over- or under-sleeping, check out these tips for better sleep.
Look and plan ahead
Your break may be jam-packed with back-to-back events and obligations, or you may find that you have idle time on your hands. Regardless of what your schedule looks like, try to plan out your days and activities out in advance if possible. For instance, you may want to carve out chunks of time to spend quality time with friends or family, go holiday shopping, relax or have some alone time. This will help you prioritize where you spend your time and energy over break.
Focus on small habits
Don’t stress about making the perfect routine or schedule. Focusing on small habits that are consistent day to day can still make an impact. For instance, you may decide to go for a short walk in the evenings with your family, read for 30 minutes each night, write a gratitude list in the mornings or text a different friend, family member or loved one each day to see how they’re doing. Committing to these kinds of small acts can give your days a greater sense of structure and purpose.

#3 Get to know your loved ones again

While it may feel like you haven’t been away from home for that long, you notice changes with your friends or family members. For instance, they may have new hobbies, interests, perspectives, goals and so on.

Take some time to get to know your loved ones again while you’re at home. Whether you’re seeing friends or family, try asking open-ended questions about their lives while you’ve been away.

Here are some things you can ask.

Friends or siblings

How have you been since I last saw you?
What has your college/school experience been like?
Do you have any new friends or hobbies?
Is there anyone you’re going to miss while you’re away from school?
Do you feel like you’ve changed since the fall began? In what ways?
Is there anything you’re looking forward to come spring?

Parents or family members

How have you been since I last saw you?
Do you have any new friends or hobbies?
What has work/retirement been like the past few months?
Do you have any trips coming up?
Is there anything you’re looking forward to come spring?
Have you noticed that anything has changed since I’ve been away?

#4 Make time for important conversations

Being at home can give us an opportunity to have important or challenging conversations with our families in person, which is typically better than texts or phone calls. The key is to show up for these conversations in a healthy way.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Give your family members a heads up that you want to have an important discussion. Sometimes, when people are caught off guard, it can make it harder to have productive conversations. That’s why it is usually helpful to give them a heads up and context for what you want to talk to them about before diving in. For instance, maybe you need to talk about your grades, a major change, mental health concerns or a change in career path.
Allow them time to collect their thoughts. Preparing for difficult conversations in advance can help you avoid mincing words, stay on topic and communicate in a more effective way. Let your family know that you’d like to give them time to collect their thoughts before you jump right in. Invite them to the conversation by setting a time and place to chat in advance.
Speak from your own experience. When sharing your perspective with your family, it is usually best to speak from your own experience. One way to do this is to use ‘I’ statements. For instance, you may say something like, “I would like to reduce my courseload for next semester, because I feel overwhelmed by the number of responsibilities I took on this past semester, and I think I would perform better with less going on.” You could also say something like, “My grades aren’t as good as I expected them to be, and I’m worried that it is going to impact our relationship.”
Avoid making assumptions. Allow your family to share their perspective on the situation at hand, and try to avoid making assumptions about how they feel or how they may handle the news. Instead, ask open-ended questions and stay curious. It’s also important to know that what we hear isn’t always what the other person means. Take time throughout the conversation to restate what you think you heard them say, and ask for clarity if your understanding is off base.
Take a break if needed. Conversations can sometimes become heated or escalate into arguments. This is especially true when there are strong emotions, the stakes feel high or there is a significant difference in opinions or perspectives. If you feel like a conversation is turning into an argument or becoming unproductive, take a time out. Let the person know that it may be time to step away and come back to this conversation later. You may plan to pick back up in 20 minutes or the next day after you both get some space.
Allow for multiple truths. Change doesn't happen overnight, and conversations don't always resolve the way we’d like them to. Progress often takes a series of conversations and a willingness to keep trying. If things are left unresolved or it feels like you’ll never reach an agreement, give yourself and your family member grace by allowing for multiple truths. Let your family know that you appreciate their willingness to talk with you and that you’d like to follow up sometime in the future if possible. It’s important to remember that having differences in opinions doesn’t always mean there is conflict, and seeking to understand someone’s perspective and validate them doesn’t have to mean you agree.

Get more tips for having tough conversations

#5 Reflect and look forward

The end of the year is a great time to reflect on our accomplishments and look forward to what the upcoming semester and year have to hold.

Looking back

Take some time to think back on your accomplishments, things you’ve overcome and the things you’re most proud of this year. This could include doing well on finals, successfully changing your major, making new friends or simply getting through a tough time. Write these types of items in a list. When you’re done, take some time to celebrate all of the things you did this past year, no matter how small.

Looking forward

Take some time to think about what you hope to accomplish over the next few months or year. Perhaps you’d like to improve your grades, land a job or internship, be more active or get more involved on campus. Identify your goals and break them down into smaller milestones. For instance, if your goal is to get a summer internship, think about the things you’ll need to do to get there. This could include researching companies, updating your resume, attending a mock interview and exploring possible positions. Use these milestones to work backwards and create a timeline for yourself for when you’d like to complete each task by, and remember to celebrate the steps you take along the way to your end goal.

Want to have some extra fun this year?

Try creating a bucket list for yourself of things you’d like to do over the next 12 months. This could include things like going to a specific sporting event, volunteering for a cause you care about, baking your first cheesecake, hiking a trail you’ve been wanting to tackle or anything you’d like! As you write down your list, think about how you can check one thing off of your bucket list each month so you can plan ahead and improve your chances of success.

#6 Reach out for support

If you’re struggling over winter break, there are resources on campus that can still support you. Here are a few you can take advantage of over break.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

CAPS will provide individual appointments and groups over winter break. They can also help connect you with a local provider if you’re staying somewhere outside the state of babyֱ��app.

*If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the CAPS crisis line and 303-492-2277 (24/7).

AcademicLiveCare

AcademicLiveCare (ALC) is a telehealth platform that allows students, staff and babyֱ��app to schedule and attend free counseling, psychiatry, nutrition and medical appointments from anywhere.

*This program is free regardless of your insurance plan.

Student Support and Case Management (SSCM)

SSCM is here to help students identify issues and appropriate resources. They also work collaboratively with students to develop an action plan. This is a great option for those who would like someone to reach out to another student or friend directly for support.

WellTrack

WellTrack is a free app available to all CU Boulder students. WellTrack is designed to help you identify, understand and address concerns related to stress, anxiety and/or depression. Their self-guided programs provide an informative and interactive way to manage your mental health and learn about additional resources.

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

OVA provides free and confidential information, consultations, support, advocacy and short-term trauma counseling services for students, staff and babyֱ��app who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event. This includes things like familial abuse, intimate partner abuse, stalking, harassment, sexual assault and more.

Transitioning away from campus for winter break can be a relief, and it can also be challenging. Here are some winter break survival tips to help you thrive over break.

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6 signs of depression you shouldn’t ignore

Anonymous — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

6 signs of depression you shouldn’t ignore Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 09/13/2023 - 00:00

When we experience mental health struggles, it can sometimes take a toll on our relationships, academics, work performance and overall quality of life. Whether you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

Here are six signs of depression you shouldn’t ignore (and where to find support).

Signs of depression

1. Difficulty getting out of bed

It’s perfectly normal to enjoy sleeping in or spending time in bed. However, if it has become difficult to find the motivation to get out of bed or get ready in the morning, this could be a sign of depression. Depression can make us feel fatigued, both physically and mentally, to the point where even small tasks, like waking up or showering, can feel exhausting or difficult.

2. Changes in sleep

The physical and mental exhaustion that comes with depression can also affect our sleep, which can show up in a variety of ways. This can look like sleeping throughout the day, using sleep to pass the time or choosing sleep over other daily activities.

However, you may also experience bouts of insomnia, which can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep at night. This can create a cycle where our anxious thoughts keep us up or disrupt our sleep, which can in turn lead to more anxious thoughts.

3. Changes in appetite

Depression can affect our appetite and eating habits. Some people may experience increased hunger, while others may have less of an appetite or not be hungry at all. If you notice changes in your sleep habits, like the ones listed above, you may also notice changes in the way you eat. This is because sleep helps regulate our hunger hormones, which helps our bodies avoid over- or under-eating.

4. Persistent irritability or mood swings

When someone is struggling with depression, changes in mood can switch at a moment’s notice. One second, we may be angry, the next we’re crying or shutting down. Sometimes these changes can be triggered by small or insignificant challenges, while other times they may be completely unprovoked. If you notice a pattern of irritability, outbursts or quick changes in mood for more than a few days, it may be linked to depression.

5. Difficulty experiencing joy or connection

When we’re depressed, it can take all the joy out of things we used to love and make it harder to connect with others. We may begin to lose interest in hobbies, friendships, schoolwork, extracurriculars, sex or life in general. In some cases, people may isolate themselves from close friends, family members or others who care about them, which can perpetuate feelings of hopelessness or loneliness and symptoms of depression.

6. Self-harm and self-injury

Depression and anxiety can create overwhelming emotions, and some people may turn to self-harm in search of relief. Typically, when someone engages in self-harm behaviors, they do not do it with the intention of dying by suicide, but rather a way to manage painful emotions.

Self-harm can take many forms and vary from person to person. Some examples include damaging one’s skin (cutting, burning, scratching or carving), hitting or punching oneself, piercing one’s skin with sharp objects, picking or reopening wounds and banging one’s head or body into other surfaces like a wall or door.

Because self-harm and self-injury are highly stigmatized, it can be difficult for people who self-harm to seek out support. However, there are supportive and confidential services available on campus, including counseling, recovery groups and more.

Supporting a fellow Buff

If you notice a roommate, friend, coworker or classmate experiencing any of these symptoms, here are a few things you can do to help.

Acknowledge their feelings

Oftentimes, when someone is depressed or thinking about suicide, they will disclose their feelings to friends or loved ones before seeking out resources. If someone expresses difficulties, even if they don’t refer to it as depression, acknowledge their feelings and let them know that you’re there for them.

Express concern

If someone expresses the desire to hurt themselves, shares thoughts of suicide or displays concerning behaviors, let them know you’re worried about them. You can say something like, “You haven’t seemed like you have been feeling off lately, and I’m worried about you. Is everything okay?”

Remain calm

It’s normal to feel anxious when someone discloses that they’re experiencing mental health difficulties, including depression or suicidal ideation, but it’s important to appear calm and confident. If we come off as nervous or stressed, it may make the other person feel like they need to take care of us. Remember, it’s okay to seek support for yourself while offering support to others.

Listen without offering judgment or advice

Listen to your loved ones when they tell you about their experiences, emotions and difficulties. Avoid passing judgement, relaying your own experiences or offering advice about what you think they should do. Instead, focus on being there for them in the moment. Your job isn’t to fix the situation but to help them feel heard and understood.

Ask what would be helpful

Everyone needs help in different ways. Ask them what might be most helpful, but keep in mind that people often don’t know what they need. If they have specific requests, let them know which ones you can reasonably help with. If they aren’t sure, you can offer to help them clean, go grocery shopping or check in on them. You can also make a plan to check in with them later to give them time to reflect on what might be helpful for them without being put on the spot.

Share resources

If someone you know is struggling, know that you don’t have to carry that burden for them. Instead, let them know there are resources available to help. When sharing resources, avoid forcing that person to use them. Instead, allow them to choose how and when they seek out help. If they are comfortable finding more support, you can offer to help them connect with resources on or off campus.

Campus resources

Mental health resources

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS): Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides mental health support for all CU Boulder students, including same-day mental health screenings, brief individual therapy, group therapy, workshops and crisis support. CAPS is open to students.

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP): FSAP is committed to promoting the mental and emotional well-being of CU’s staff and babyֱ��app. They offer free consultations, brief individual therapy and workshops. FSAP is open to staff and babyֱ��app.

AcademicLiveCare: AcademicLiveCare is a free telehealth platform that allows CU Boulder students, staff and babyֱ��app to schedule virtual medical and mental health appointments regardless of your insurance plan. This service does not provide emergency or crisis services. Academic LiveCare is open to students, staff and babyֱ��app.

Student Support and Case Management (SSCM): The severity of someone’s distress may be unclear, or you may be concerned about a student and don’t know how to move forward. If this is the case, you can refer students to SSCM. SSCM case managers connect students with campus partners, community resources and support systems, while also building a trusting relationship and coaching them toward self-advocacy. SSCM services are open to students. Students, staff and babyֱ��app can make referrals for students.

Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP): Students enrolled in CU Boulder’s Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) have access to comprehensive medical, mental health and prescription coverage, including 100% coverage for in-network mental health visits. Services are open to enrolled students.

CU Health Insurance Plans: All CU employee health plans include one free preventive mental health care visit per plan year for employees and covered dependents. Plans also offer coverage for mental health specialists that are in-network. For specific plan information, please consult the Employee Services website. Services are open to staff and babyֱ��app.

Additional support

Suicide prevention resources: Health and Wellness Services has put together information to help you talk openly about suicide, support someone you’re concerned about, attend mental health training sessions and get support if you or someone you know is considering suicide. Services are open to students, staff and babyֱ��app.

Thriving Campus: Need help finding a mental health provider in the community? Thriving Campus can help you find and connect with local providers based on your needs, insurance coverage and more.

Mental Health First Aid: CU Boulder offers free Mental Health First Aid training to students, staff and babyֱ��app. During this training you will learn about risk factors and warning signs, engage in experiential activities and learn about evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies. Trainings are open to students, staff and babyֱ��app.

WellCU: CU Boulder students can sign up for a free WellCU program to learn about mental health and well-being. Topics include trauma response, suicide prevention, self-care and more. Students who complete all five modules will receive a non-degree certificate. WellCU is open to students.

Supporting Student Resiliency: The Supporting Student Resiliency Professional Development Series provides CU babyֱ��app and staff with concrete skills to better support students. Sessions focus on areas critical to student retention and success. Faculty and staff can attend any individual session or attend all three sessions to receive a non-degree certificate. The series is open to staff and babyֱ��app.

Red Folder: Red Folder provides a quick reference guide to help staff, babyֱ��app and families recognize, respond to and refer students who are experiencing distress. Red Folder is open to staff and babyֱ��app.

Watching someone struggle with their mental health can be difficult. Here are some common symptoms of depression and ways to help a loved one who may be struggling.

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4 reasons students should attend the Health & Wellness Summit in September

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 17:11:59 +0000

4 reasons students should attend the Health & Wellness Summit in September Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 09/08/2023 - 11:11

The annual Health and Wellness Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 13 and Thursday, Sept. 14. Stop by to join in on wellness activities, informative presentations and more!

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8 free wellness activities to try before you graduate

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:59:01 +0000

8 free wellness activities to try before you graduate Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 09/08/2023 - 10:59

One of the best things about college is that you have access to a TON of free resources, activities and support.

Be sure to take advantage of these ten free wellness activities before you graduate.

1. Sign up for a free nutrition consultation

Meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) for a free consultation to answer your general nutrition questions, and discuss things like eating habits, meal planning, sports nutrition, lifestyle changes and more. Sessions are available at the Nutrition Resource Clinic in the Main Student Recreation Center on campus.

If you have private health insurance, you can attend up to two consultation sessions for free each semester. Students with the CU Boulder Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) can access additional nutrition counseling services for free.

Learn more about nutrition services

2. Get free, same day mental health support

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers a wide variety of same-day support, including:

Drop-in screenings: Stop by the CAPS office in the C4C (N352) during drop-in hours to speak with one of their counselors for free. They’ll be able to connect you with a variety of mental health services on and off campus.
Let’s Talk: Need to talk through something? Join CAPS at a variety of campus locations for a free, informal conversation. All Let’s Talk sessions are confidential and you can attend as many as you’d like throughout the semester.
Workshops: CAPS workshops are a great free way to learn how to manage stress and anxiety, learn about mindfulness, practice meditation and address topics like climate change.
Groups: Are you looking to improve your social skills or learn how to cope with a specific concern? Consider joining one of the many free therapy groups CAPS offers.

Learn more about CAPS

3. Take a snooze in a nap pod

Feeling groggy or tired between classes?

Stop by one of the Relaxation Stations on campus . Each location has two nap pods that will lull you to sleep with a comfortable cushioned seat, customized sleep playlists and a gentle waking sequence. No reservation required, just drop by.

Nap pod locations:

Main Student Recreation Center (main floor)
Wellness Suite in Wardenburg Health Center (3rd floor)
Norlin Library (1st floor)
Gemmill Engineering, Mathematics and Physics Library (basement)

Learn more about nap pods

4. Get moving at Free Friday Power Hour

Kickoff the weekend with free group fitness classes at the Rec Center! Classes vary from week to week, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try something new or stick to what you love.

Free Friday Power Hour is open to all Rec Center members with an active Buff OneCard. No registration required.

Learn more about free classes

5. Reach your goals with Peer Wellness Coaching

Need help connecting with others on campus or meeting your academic goals?

Peer wellness coaches are fellow students who are available to help you identify your goals, connect with campus resources and take steps to achieving them! Coaching is available for free to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Topics include:

Finances
Academics
Relationships
Self-care
Time management
Careers
Sleep

Learn more about peer wellness coaches

6. Have fun with Inclusive Rec

The Rec offers free inclusive events to help students build an inclusive, welcoming and fun community on campus. They host a variety of activities throughout the semester for all identities, abilities and fitness levels.

Join them to meet new people, try something new or put yourself out there in a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere.

Learn more about Inclusive Recreation

7. Get ready to get busy

Looking to hookup with a new partner or crush?

Be sure to stop by the free condom bar to pick up a variety of safer sex supplies, like condoms, dental dams, lube and more. Supplies are located near the Sexual and Reporductive Health office on the first floor of Wardenburg Health Center. Students are welcome to take what they want, no questions asked.

Learn more about sexual health

8. Boost your resume

Looking to stand out on job applications?

Health and Wellness Services provides a number of free training opportunities for students to build and practice new skills related to health and wellness topics.

You can even earn a non-degree certificate by attending five training sessions as part of the WellCU series.

Learn more about trainings

One of the best things about college is that you have access to a ton of free resources, activities and support. Be sure to take advantage of these free wellness activities before you graduate.

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5 ways babyֱ��app can support students with disabilities

Anonymous — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 19:36:22 +0000

5 ways babyֱ��app can support students with disabilities Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 09/06/2023 - 13:36

Faculty members play a critical role in supporting the success of students with disabilities. As we kick off the fall semester, you may begin receiving disability accommodation letters from students in your classes.

Here are five ways you can support students with disabilities as a babyֱ��app member on campus.

1. Familiarize yourself with Accommodate

Accommodate is the software program that CU Boulder uses to manage disability accommodation requests and implementation. Once students have been approved for accommodations by the Disability Services office, they can generate accommodation letters for their professors each semester. You will receive an email notification via your CU Boulder email account for each student who has generated a letter for your class.

Faculty can sign into Accommodate using their IdentiKey and password. Once signed in, you’ll be able to review all student accommodations for each of your courses. For assistance logging in to or navigating Accommodate, check out our Faculty User Guide online.

Note: We encourage all students and babyֱ��app to review accommodation letters together in order to determine the best way to implement accommodations in each class.

2. Understand babyֱ��app expectations

Students are expected to schedule a meeting with their babyֱ��app members to discuss their accommodations. During this meeting, it is important for babyֱ��app members to clarify what types of accommodations a student has and how they will be implemented in a specific course. Please note that a student may elect to not use all of their indicated accommodations in your course.

While you’re meeting with your student, consider asking them what learning challenges they may be facing and what has been helpful in the past. If you’re unsure about an accommodation or feel that it would limit or undermine the intended learning outcomes of your course, please consult with Disability Services.

Note: All student disability and accommodation information is confidential in accordance with federal laws, including FERPA and ADA. Students are also not obligated to share a specific diagnosis, condition or disability with babyֱ��app members while discussing their accommodations.

3. Include a disability statement on your syllabus

Disability Services recommends using the following syllabus statement for your course(s):

“If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit your accommodation letter from Disability Services to your babyֱ��app member in a timely manner so that your needs can be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities in the academic environment. Information on requesting accommodations is located on the Disability Services website. Contact Disability Services at 303-492-8671 or dsinfo@colorado.edu for further assistance. If you have a temporary medical condition or injury, please visit our Temporary Medical Conditions page."

4. Create an inclusive and welcoming environment

When talking about disability, it’s important to use person-first language. For instance, it is better to say “students who use wheelchairs” instead of “wheelchair-bound students.” Keep in mind that students can let you know if they identify themselves in a different way.

It’s also important to provide referral support for students who may need accommodations through Disability Services. For instance, if a student mentions that they have a disability, diagnosis, 504 plan or temporary medical condition (such as a broken hand or concussion), you can support their success by recommending and referring them to Disability Services.

5. Plan ahead for exams

Faculty are expected to clarify and/or confirm testing accommodations with students prior to each quiz, exam or test.

The Student Testing Center (located in the CASE Building) provides proctoring assistance for eligible students with registered testing accommodations through Disability Services. A students’ accommodation letter will provide you with the information on which students are eligible to use the Student Testing Center. All professors should meet with students to discuss how their accommodations will be met for exams prior to using the center. To learn how to support students with testing accommodations and scheduling exams, please visit the Student Testing Center Faculty Information page.

Support resources for babyֱ��app and staff

If you are looking for more information about disability accommodations or are interested in attending development or training opportunities to learn how to better support students, there are resources available to help.

Disability Services

Disability Services is dedicated to providing students with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in university programs, courses and activities through reasonable accommodations and services. Our office is here to support students, staff and babyֱ��app with accommodation requests, implementation, guidance and general information. Check out our staff and babyֱ��app resources page for more information.

Student Support and Case Management (SSCM)

SSCM provides support to students throughout their college career and helps them achieve their academic and personal goals. Faculty and staff can refer students to SSCM in order to help connect them with support resources and help them come up with a personalized action plan for success.

Outreach presentations

Health and Wellness Services offers a variety of presentations and programming on topics such as stress relief, relationship wellness, sexual health, supporting survivors and more that babyֱ��app and staff can request to support their students holistic well-being.

Supporting Student Resiliency Training

The Supporting Student Resiliency Professional Development Series provides CU babyֱ��app and staff with concrete skills to better support students. Sessions focus on areas critical to student retention and success. Faculty and staff can attend any individual session; those attending all three will receive a non-degree certificate.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Health and Wellness Services provides free Mental Health First Aid training to students, staff and babyֱ��app. This training helps a person with no clinical training to assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Participants will identify risk factors and warning signs, engage in experiential activities and learn about evidence-based treatments and support strategies. Registration is available online.

As we kick off the semester, you may start to receive disability accommodation letters from students. Here are things to know about supporting students with disabilities.

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How to help a friend with body image

Anonymous — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

How to help a friend with body image Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/05/2023 - 00:00

It’s common to feel uncomfortable with different aspects of our body. However, sometimes this dissatisfaction can start to take a toll on our mental and physical health. Here are some tips to help yourself or a friend with negative body image.

What is body image?

Body image refers to the way we view our physical appearance and how we imagine our bodies look to others. People with positive body image generally feel comfortable and confident in their bodies, while people with negative body image may feel anxious, awkward or ashamed about their bodies. It’s also important to keep in mind that we may view our bodies in a distorted or inaccurate way that may not always align with reality.

Someone who is struggling with negative body image may:

Make negative comments about their size, shape or appearance.
Weigh themselves often and/or get upset by small fluctuations in weight.
Obsess over their appearance or nitpick different aspects of their body.
Try to conceal their body with loose or baggy clothing.
Avoid social events or other activities that require a certain dress code (e.g. swimming).
Make ongoing efforts to lose weight, often through extreme dieting or intense exercise.

Keep in mind that negative body image can impact anyone, regardless of their identity, age, gender or body size.

How can I support a friend with negative body image?

Depending on how intensely someone experiences negative body image, it can be a difficult issue to overcome. Here are some ways you can support a friend who may be experiencing negative body image.

Be open and honest about your concerns

If you’re concerned about a friend’s behavior, let them know privately. Try to provide specific examples of times when you felt worried or concerned about them (e.g. they avoided an event or occasion because of food or body concerns, they were particularly critical of themselves, their eating or exercise habits changed, etc.). Be sure to use “I” statements when expressing your concerns. Here are a few examples you can use:

“I feel sad when I hear you speak critically about yourself and your body.”
“I feel concerned when I see you skip meals.”
“I feel worried when you weigh yourself repeatedly.”

Allow your friend time to process and respond to conversations you have around body image, especially when sharing your concerns. Approaching your friend with compassion can go a long way. It’s also important to avoid trying to diagnose or label your friend’s habits or experiences.

Set an example

People may engage in negative self-talk without even realizing it. Commenting on our appearance, physical activity or eating habits can be commonplace in some friendships or relationships. If your friend is struggling with negative body image, sometimes the best thing we can do is set a positive example. Practicing self-acceptance and self-compassion allows us to hold space not only for ourselves, but for our friends as well.

Here are some examples of things to avoid when setting a positive example:

Making comments about your own body or others’.
Criticizing yourself or others’ based on appearance.
Attempting to convince someone to participate in dieting behaviors.
Openly counting calories or restricting different types of food.
Making comparisons between yourself (or your friend) and other people.

Build them up

Remind your friends that you love them for who they are, not what they look like. While there is nothing wrong with complimenting your friend on their appearance, keep compliments focused on something other than their body shape or size, as you may unintentionally cause harm. Instead, focus on things other than their body like how much you like their hair color, their new outfit or their new shoes. It can also be helpful to compliment people on things that are completely unrelated to appearance. For instance, you may let your friend know how funny they are, how brave they are, how smart they are or how great of a person they are. Focusing on inner qualities can help shift attention away from someone’s appearance and let them know they are valued as a person.

This can also be helpful if your friend encounters a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable about their body. For instance, if someone in their class makes a negative comment about their appearance, remind them that the people who really matter in their life care about them regardless of their appearance.

Unfollow accounts on social media

Social media can impact our self-esteem, even if it’s not obvious. If you or your friend follow accounts that impact your body image, self-esteem, self-worth or are negatively impacting your mental health: unfollow them. Instead, take some time to seek out accounts that promote body positivity, body neutrality and self-love. For instance, it can be helpful to look for accounts that promote Health at Every Size (HAES).

Be proactive

If you’re concerned a friend might be experiencing negative body image or is engaging in concerning or harmful behaviors, check out the resources below for additional information and support.

Support for students

Body Image Awareness at The Rec
Each year the Recreation Center hosts free events and activities throughout February in honor of Body Image Awareness Month. This year’s events will include nutrition talks, body image workshops, free fitness classes and more.

Let’s Talk
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free drop-in services through Let’s Talk. Counselors are available in person and online to help provide insight, solutions and information about additional resources related to anxiety, body image, relationships and more.

Mindful Monday
This monthly program allows students to participate in mindfulness exercises and activities that can help students become more in-tune with their bodies. This program also offers sessions specific to mindful eating and physical wellness.

Nutrition Services
Meet with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at Wardenburg to address food and/or body related concerns. Our RDNs can help answer questions and address concerns related to disordered eating, eating disorders, intuitive eating, nourishing your body and more.

Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC)
The CUCRC provides community, support and connection for students, babyֱ��app and staff in recovery or seeking recovery from a wide range of behaviors, including substance use, eating concerns, self-harm and more.

National Eating Disorders Association
For 24/7 support, information on treatment options and other services related to eating disorders, please visit the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website.

Support for staff and babyֱ��app

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)
FSAP provides free mental health services for all CU Boulder staff and babyֱ��app, including brief individual or couples counseling, community referrals, workshops and support groups.

Wellness Wednesdays
Wellness Wednesday workshops are available for staff and babyֱ��app to engage in self-care activities, learn about campus resources and build community. Themes rotate regularly, allowing participants to come and go as they please.

Free healthy living workshops
The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) provides free workshops and support groups related to physical health and well-being.

It’s common to feel uncomfortable with different aspects of our body, but it can also take a toll on our mental and physical health. Follow these tips to help someone with negative body image.

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