Dear Student
The events of the last few days and the unexpected changes have likely added to the stress you may already be feeling during finals time.
Although you already have information on the many resources and support for students, we wanted to remind you that CMHS is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and you can schedule an appointment with a clinician by calling 617-627-3360 or going to go.tufts.edu/counseling.
In addition, our counselor-on-call is available after hours at 617-627-3360 for mental health emergencies.
You can also reach out to the:
We also understand that there are times when you may need to manage feeling stressed, anxious, or distracted in the moment, and we wanted to share a few strategies that can be helpful:
- To help calm a scattered mind and ground you in the present: First, identify five things that you can see. They can be big (like a tree) or small (like a button on your clothes). List them off to yourself, one at a time. Do the same with four things you can hear, three things you can smell, two things you can physically feel. Finish off the exercise with one deep breath.
- Movement can help relieve some symptoms of anxiety. For instance, going for a walk can help you shake out the physical and mental jitteriness that often accompanies anxiety. Walking also changes the way you breathe, which can also provide a sense of quick relief. While walking in nature has been shown to have powerful benefits, even a walk down the hall and back can help.
- Box breathing can help calm your nervous system. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold it for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds. Repeat until you feel calmer.
- One of your body’s reactions to stress is to produce more cortisol. Cold temperatures from a splash of icy cold water to the face, holding an ice pack to your body, or sucking on an ice cube can help offset the feelings of cortisol rushing through your body.
We hope that you’ll continue to prioritize your self-care, physical, and mental safety during this difficult time. Wishing you the best with your remaining finals.
Take care,
The CMHS staff
