Student well-being rests on four key pillars: balance, routine, sleep, and nutrition. Danette Mucaria, a mental health specialist at Northeastern University, emphasizes that getting these basics right can greatly enhance student life.
Northeastern provides diverse support and resources to help students maintain their well-being. Recently, many of these resources were showcased at the Spring Health and Wellness Resource Fair on the Boston campus. If you’re curious about what’s available on other campuses, you can find that information online.
The University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) offers medical and mental health care for students. They provide same-day appointments and support for mental health concerns. It’s also a good idea for students to establish a primary care physician, which UHCS can help facilitate.
Typically, most visits to UHCS are for urgent but non-emergency issues like sore throats and fevers. David Nasser, a nurse practitioner, mentions that these types of appointments are common. Services at UHCS are free for undergraduate and School of Law students, though some lab work may incur costs. Graduate students can also access care, either through a health plan or a flat fee option.
For mental health, UHCS offers various options, such as phone consultations and drop-in visits. They even provide 24/7 virtual counseling through Uwill, ensuring that help is always available.
In addition, students can join an anonymous peer-to-peer support community called Togetherall or access mental health resources like Headspace and quick self-assessments through Northeastern.
When it comes to nutrition, students can seek guidance from two registered dietitians on campus, Gabrielle Cabacab and Johannah Gaitings-Harrod. They help students find balanced meal options, monitor dining hall menus for dietary needs, and provide counseling for various health issues like diabetes and eating disorders. Their services are free for all students.
Northeastern also believes in the power of recreation. Bradley Cook, assistant director of university recreation, highlights the fun in participating in sports. Whether students want to join a league or take a group fitness class, there is something for everyone, with no tryouts required.
The Office of Prevention and Education (OPEN) focuses on wellness through education about alcohol use, sexual health, and other personal issues. Kimberly Bement, assistant director, stresses the importance of confidentiality and non-judgmental support. Students affected by violence can seek help through OPEN’s resources, which offer support and education on various topics, including STI testing.
Recent surveys show that students are increasingly aware of the resources available to them. A study found that around 70% of students reported using wellness resources during their time in college, which speaks to a growing awareness of mental health’s importance.
As student life becomes more challenging, making use of these resources can significantly impact one’s well-being, ensuring a healthier, more balanced academic experience.
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Campus recreation,health and wellness,health fair,nutrition,OPEN,prevention,resources,Sexual violence,University Health and Counseling Services
