Resources
Psychological Self Help is an online book written by Dr. Clayton Tucker-Ladd. It is an excellent resource for research based information on a range of mental health issues. It is set up with clear instructions on how to find the topic of interest to you.
Stress Management Handout in PDF format
Half of Us
Half of Us, mtvU and The Jed Foundation started a campaign to raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues on campus and connect students to the appropriate resources to get help. In planning for the campaign, mtvU conducted extensive research on how stress and depression are affecting college students nationwide. This web site resource shows video tapes of college students discussing their mental health concerns. Click here to go to their website.
Behavioral Intervention Team
A power point presentation is available for educational institutions on Responding to Distressed Students. If you would like to receive this power point, email Dr. John Eggers for a copy.
For Veterans
Nutrition and Mental Health
Mindfulness or Meditation exercises
Audio Exercises from the Mindfulness Practice Center of the University of Vermont
Audio Relaxation Exercises from Hobart and William Smith Colleges
U-Choose
U-Choose is an interactive presentation that helps students make informed choices about alcohol use. It is based on the foundation that students want to achieve success academically, personally, and professionally. This program recognizes that many college students choose to drink alcohol, and that while some never experience negative consequences from their drinking, others do. The U-Choose presenters will help students understand how high risk drinking can lead to negative consequences. The presenters encourage questions, and discussion, so come prepared to participate. The U-Choose program has been developed using national standards for intervention with college students.
GAMBLING RESOURCES
Gam-Anon Hotline: 612-922-3956
From
the Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Anti-depressant information
- What is Cognitive Therapy
- Social Phobia
- Anxiety and Phobia
- Physical Illness and Mental Health
- Coping with Stress
- Bereavement
- Sleeping Well
- Tiredness
- Schizophrenia
- Understanding Schizophrenia
- Depression
Crisis
or Traumatic Event Information Links
- American Psychological Association Public Information Brochures
- International Critical Incident Stress Management Organization
- University of Illinois Extension Disaster Fact Sheets
- University of Illinois: Emotional reactions
Here are some handouts you may print and distribute as needed
- Normal reactions to a traumatic event
- How to manage your reactions to a traumatic event
- Taking care of yourself after a traumatic event
Racial/Cultural
Identity information
- New Nationwide Survey Examines Ethnic Attitudes and Experiences with ADHD
- Medication Effective In Treating Anxiety Disorders In Children And Adolescents
- Activities that Promote Racial and Cultural Awareness
- Multiracial Children
- The Significance of Racial Identity in Transracially Adopted Young Adults
Eating
Disorder Information
- Ten Tips to Prevent Binge Eating
- Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa
- Medical Consequences of an Eating Disorder
- How to Help a Friend with an Eating Disorder
- National Eating Disorders Awareness Program
General
Mental Health/Therapy
- Internet Mental Health
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- National Mental Health Association
- National Institute for Mental Health
- Mental Help Net
- Internet Mental Health: Medications
- National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
- Psychology in Daily Life (American Psychology Association)
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Psych Web
- Mental Health (Yahoo Search Category)
- Resources on Coping with Traumatic Events
- Trauma Recovery Tips from MADD
- For Loved Ones of a Person who Completes Suicide
Terror
Alerts and Anxiety
This article explains the psychological aspects of anxiety and fear that many may be experiencing. It was prepared by PaperClip Communications - www.Paper-Clip.com. Please photocopy and distribute as needed.
Stress, Fear and Anxiety
It is very normal to feel nervous and anxious these days. In addition to your regular stresses (school, work, relationships, etc.) you are hearing about terror alerts and possible war. Anxiety, stress and fear are natural human reactions that help the body and mind prepare for extreme situations. Prolonged anxiety can have negative effects on a person. While today's headlines are frightening and disturbing, it's important that you try to keep things in perspective. Allow your anxiety to direct you into making good and safe choices but it's important to ensure that your anxiety does not overwhelm you.
When Anxiety Overwhelms You
Occasionally, people find that their anxiety overwhelms them. When someone feels overwhelmed by his or her anxiety it can lead to negative and destructive behaviors. Some signs that you are being overwhelmed include (but are not limited to):
- A change in sleeping patterns. Either being unable to sleep or, finding yourself always sleeping.
- Using substances to manage emotions. This includes alcohol, illegal drugs, food and even prescription medication. Craving a substance in order to manage your emotions can be a dangerous behavior.
- Dramatic mood swings may also be an indicator of overwhelming anxiety.
- Change in eating behaviors. Like sleep, you might find yourself at one extreme or the other. Either eating nothing, very little or eating large amounts of food.
- Physical changes. If you find yourself sweating or you feel your heart racing, you may be overwhelmed by anxiety. Sometimes when we feel overly anxious we feel ill and feel like we require medical attention.
If you are feeling "out of sorts" it's always a good idea to check with a health professional. A good rule of thumb is that a significant change in your behavior may be a sign that your anxiety is overwhelming you. If you find yourself making choices you might not normally make, or doing things you might not normally do, you may be reacting to your anxiety. This is a sign that you may need some help managing your anxiety.
Resources for Managing Your Anxiety
If you feel that anxiety is getting the best of you and having a negative effect on your well being, you should do something about it. Standard stress reduction techniques are always a good idea. These include eating well, exercising and getting plenty of good rest. In general, paying attention to your body and mind and responding to your needs are important. However, if you're experiencing significant behavioral changes it's also a good to talk with someone about how you're feeling. Of course, talking to friends is a good idea, but it is also important that you talk with a trained professional.
Looking Out for Your Friends
Sometimes when we are experiencing extreme stress and anxiety it is hard to see the negative behaviors we are inflicting upon ourselves. When this happens we rely on friends and to help us recognize the situation. If you think one of your friends is having trouble managing his or her anxiety you should take steps to help. Of course, talking with them is a good idea; perhaps you can even share this article with them. However, it's also a good idea to let a campus professional know about your friend. Campus professionals can help you decide what's in the best interest of your friend.
