At this time of year, many students face extra stressors, such as: final exams, moving, a new job, not having a job, not knowing what it is next, or saying good-bye to friends or family. Some also face stress from personal losses, caring for family, break-ups, relationship conflicts, substance abuse or from uncertainties in the world. For students, resources are available both for urgent needs and for general stress management. You will be helped in figuring out what the right resource is for you, so don’t hesitate to call or to walk in.

Urgent Need mentalhealth.umn.edu 

If you need help right away, Crisis / Urgent Consultation is available on campus weekdays, 8:00-4:30. No appointment is needed to speak with a counselor for an urgent need.  If you are in a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Or for 24-hour phone counseling, call
Crisis Connection
(612) 301-4673
U of M Textline: Text “UMN” to 61222

Stress Management Resources on UMN Campus

Find out what causes stress, how to determine good vs. bad stress, why college is stressful and what steps you can take and resources are available at the University to help.

• If you like animals, Pet Away Worry and Stress (PAWS) might be great for you.
• De-stress check ins with trained peers are available every day at the University.
• Beginner level meditation sessions happen every Tuesday (called “Stress Busters”).
• Connecting to nature can alleviate stress. Places you know are good. Near Cleveland & Larpenteur, St. Paul campus, UMN Native American Medicine Garden is always open.

Off Campus Resources

On this webpage, scroll past University resources to find county-provided mental health care options.

Family Tree Clinic offers a free walk-in clinic on Mon & Wed to anyone in need of crisis intervention or emotional support for any kind of personal or relationship problem: family or partner conflicts, suicide, substance abuse, or any major life changes

Spirituality and Mindfulness

For many people, times of transition and experiences of stress are supported within faith and various religious communities, traditions or practices. If this is something that might be helpful for you, the University’s Interfaith Campus Coalition (ICC) represents diverse communities of faith and have a website listing of members who you could contact. ICC members are not counselors, but have experience listening to and referring people to helpful resources. ICC members are open to talking to students without a particular faith tradition and agree to not pressure students to join a particular group.

Whatever their religious affiliations, many people find it helpful to develop ways of being intentional about understanding their feelings. Mindfulness is a way to deal with stress and build self awareness. The Mindfulness for Students club and University Center for Spirituality and Healing, are open to students of all faith backgrounds and experience levels. There are weekly meetings, classes and techniques that you can learn.

Loss and Grief

From personal experience, I know loss and grief can lead to new feelings and reactions, and can be hard to process. It may be even more difficult when you are a student facing other transitions and stresses or without experience of a significant personal loss. A colleague shared this piece about resilience after loss from the Public Radio show, “On Being.” You are not alone.

For those connected to Chris Stanley, his mother Melissa Melnick is sharing her experience as a pastor and mother during a challenging time.

If you stop by the Institute on the Environment (IonE) office at 1954 Buford, there are hand-outs by the 325 office (3rd floor of LES) on Coping With Grief. If I am around, I am happy to talk with you.

Beth Mercer-Taylor, Sustainability Education Coordinator

612-624-9430/ bethmt@umn.edu