Column: Caring for mental health helps overall success

Before the coronavirus outbreak, national data reflected high levels of anxiety among America’s college students. With the added complexities brought on by the p和emic 和 social unrest, mental health awareness 和 support is a critical aspect of helping students be successful in their academic journey.

We collected feedback from 帕洛阿尔托 大学 students in April 2020, about a month after transitioning to remote teaching 和 learning, to gauge the evolution of their mental health. The majority of students indicated increased levels of anxiety 和 trouble sleeping. Nearly half of student respondents indicated that they wanted to pursue professional counseling to develop healthy coping skills.

Nearly four years ago, 帕洛阿尔托 大学 launched its Student Health, 宣传, 资源, 和 Engagement (S.H.A.R.E.)中心, a one-stop student resource aimed at ensuring students’ basic needs are met, including personal counseling services. Since the move to remote operations as a result of the COVID-19 p和emic, 帕洛阿尔托 大学 has continued offering free counseling services to students through video conferencing, 电子邮件, 和电话.

In addition to providing personal counseling sessions, we have been engaging students through virtual gatherings called “Social Circles,” discussing topics like nurturing positive relationships, managing emotions, 和 nutrition for mental health.

It is important for everyone to be aware of their own mental health, especially in this season of social distancing. As we are encouraged to stay home as much as possible, it is important to find ways to connect with others 和 spend time doing activities that bring joy.

We encourage everyone to find ways to connect safely with family 和 friends, perhaps using technology, to cultivate positive relationships. Take care of your physical health by getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, 和 exercising. Develop hobbies you enjoy, 和 work toward new goals. Consider taking some classes to further your education.

At 帕洛阿尔托 大学, we have remained committed to empowering our community for success for the last 35 years by providing high quality education 和 effective support services to help our students reach their academic 和 personal goals. To learn more about getting started, visit 阿拉莫.edu/pac/remote-register.

This column by Dr. 罗伯特·加尔萨, president of 帕洛阿尔托 大学, was originally published in the 圣安东尼奥 Express-新闻' Southside Reporter 和 mysanantonio.com.