There are resources on campus to help students combat stress. Photo by Evelyn Rodriguez

By Evelyn Rodriguez

As CSUDH students are about a month into the fall semester, some of them are finding themselves overwhelmed with classes. Back-to-back deadlines, time to fully adjust to the back-to-school schedule, and struggles with virtual learning are creating challenges that are prone to continue. 

But If you happen to be one of the students feeling stressed, there are various sources on campus to help you get through the semester. 

“Our goal is to offer a variety of services so students can easily find a path that works best for them […]. We aim to provide effective psychoeducation, community informed outreach, quality psychotherapy and psychiatry services,” explained Josephine Lara, the Mental Health Education Assistant for the Student Psychological Services (SPS). 

Last semester CSUDH launched a digital portal called “YOU@CSUDH” to provide students with self-help and information tools on mental health and well-being. One of these services is “Goals” where students write down their goals for the week and see how they progress with getting things done. They also give students tips for stress and anxiety. Students can access the portal using their CSUDH username and password.

Students who are not on campus this semester have the same resources. Lara advises individuals to practice self-care at home. “Students should form a schedule that gives them time for outdoor activities and mind tranquility. Following a sleep routine also helps with stress,” Lara explained. 

According to Lara, students had called the Student Psychological Services to make appointments in the previous weeks, a service still available today. Their services are free and confidential for anyone looking to talk to a professional. The SPS center is located at the Student Health Center room A-141.

Montserrat Alvarez, a Business Administration major, visits the Loker Student Union (LSU) TV Lounge area in between classes to sit down and catch a breath. “Those few minutes I have between classes, I just relax and listen to music,” Alvarez said.

Also, the LSU building has a meditation space (room 238) on the main level where students can use the bean bags and pillows. The room is designed to support personal relaxation, meditation, or prayer in a quiet setting. In the same building but on the lower level, there is a nap area (room 112). The space is equipped with nap pods with an ergonomically designed chair, privacy visor and a built-in timer for waking up. Students need to book a nap session 24 hours in advance by visiting the information desk.

Students should take advantage of the resources and free services provided by the university to ensure a healthy lifestyle, peace of mind and a successful semester.