By Christina Goodman
When you’re at a breaking point, do you take a break? Do you have to step out to gather yourself? Do you take a few deep breaths?
Some students might feel as if it’s a lot going on with class, homework, work and everyday activities. Stress creeps up, particularly at the end of the semester.
What are the signs that you need to take a mental break? What’s your go-to?
People have their own ways for gathering themselves for example taking a walk, sitting by the water or just being by themselves to name a few ideas.
Veronica Argumedo is a student at Delta said that “things I do when I need to take a mental break is read honestly. Or watch a comfort show. I do that and then I usually make a cup of tea and relax.”
Delta student Judy Sosa also finds ways to take mental breaks. “I either watch my shows on Netflix or listen to music,” said Sosa.
Calm.com, a website that focuses on mental health, notes the different signs when you should take a break, why it’s important and how it can make you have a burnout just to name a few.
Here are signs that your body may need a timeout:
- Mental fog: Struggling with basic tasks that used to feel easy
- Constant tiredness: Fatigue that won’t quit even with adequate sleep
- Restless nights: Tossing, turning, and waking up frequently
- Lack of focus: An inability to concentrate or recall information
- Apathy: A loss of interest in and/or motivation for normal activities
- Unhealthy eating: Skipping meals, emotional eating, or binging
- Frequent illness: Headaches, upset stomach, and feeling run down
- Irritability: Short fuses and strained personal relationships
Delta also have a wellness center that provides help with Behavioral Health services such as:
- Individual counseling: Visit the Counseling Center in the DeRicco Building from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Call (209) 636-5000 for an appointment. The counselor will also be available at the Health Center from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- Solution-focused interventions and support
- Case management and coordination to link community resources and support
- Psychiatric treatment and care
- Virtual appointments: This includes a warm handoff for live behavioral health specialist to meet with students. This option is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Counseling Center in DeRicco 636-5000.
