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Mental Health

Today is the day to never give up.

A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

The Step Care Model is a tool at UD to help you think about your mental health. We are all on a journey with our own mental health, and some days are better than others. In those moments when you are doing well, how do you maintain that?  Are you practicing self-care, building your community, and developing your skills so that you are more prepared during tough times?  If things start to get more challenging, are you talking about what’s bothering you and using your resources for support?  If life feels overwhelming, are you accepting assistance and support and seeking immediate help when needed?  

To seek out help from others is one of the greatest strengths out there. It shows that you value yourself and your community by prioritizing what you need in order to be happy and well.  You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t help anyone through this pandemic if you aren’t taking care of yourself first.  Use this tool to help you think of creative ways to build your own wellbeing during this time.

The rest of this page outlines the Step Care Model, but you can access a PDF for reference here.

The Step Care Model

The University of Dayton provides a variety of resources and support for individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and thrive at the University and beyond. Supporting mental health is a community wide responsibility. While the Counseling Center is an incredible resource on campus, visiting a counselor is not the only way to develop mental health skills. There are many resources on campus that promote and support mental health.

Particularly in times of distress, individuals turn to those whom they have established relationships. Therefore, it is appropriate and encouraged to reach out to individuals directly, show concern, and have conversation guided by this framework about their wellbeing. The elements outlined below build upon each other so individuals can create a foundation for resilience, demonstrate self-awareness, and seek out appropriate resources.

Practice Self-care
  • Engage in prayer, meditation, and mindfulness
  • Include 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily
  • Sleep uninterrupted for 7–8 hours each night
  • Eat a balanced diet including an appropriate amount of water based on individual characteristics such as sex and body weight
  • Develop a deeper sense of self-awareness through the use of the Emotional Wellness Screener (online)
Build Your Community
  • Join a University-sponsored organization (Active Minds, To Write Love on Her Arms, Mindful Living Movement, and Club 6)
  • Participate in Intramural Sports & Sport Clubs
  • Establish a connection to the city of Dayton through volunteerism and service
  • Attend UD Late Night events
  • Foster supportive relationships through retreats, mentorship opportunities, research with faculty, and campus employment
Develop Your Skills
  • Mental Health Training opportunities: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Kognito online module
  • Additional training opportunities including Ally Training, Green Dot, and Recovery is Spoken Here (RISH)
  • Anxiety Toolbox Seminar with the Counseling Center
  • Life Hacks workshop series
  • Educational workshops, tutoring, supplemental instruction (SI), Academic Coaching, and Library Services
Talk About Concerns
  • Talk to a friend, family member, mentor or other trusted individual
  • Engage with peer mentor programs such as R.A., Neighborhood Fellow, PAVE, Q*mmunity Leaders,and Diversity Peer Educators
  • Participate in group therapy sessions
  • Reach out to Academic Advisors
  • Utilize support resources such as Center for International Programs, Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center, Military and Veteran Programs and Services, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Women’s Center
Utilize Campus Resources
  • Campus Ministry
  • Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Resources and Education (CADRE)
  • Counseling Center
  • Health Center
  • Brook Center
  • Office of Learning Resources
  • Housing and Residence Life
  • Equity Compliance Office
Accept Assistance & Support
  • Crisis Counseling
  • Dean of Students Office
  • Community Standards and Civility
  • Academic Deans
  • Center for International Programs
Seek Immediate Help
  • Call Public Safety: 937-229-2121
  • Call 911 (UD campus phones)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Seek care at the hospital
Housed within the Division of Student Development, University of Dayton Health and Wellbeing is comprised of the Brook Center, Campus Recreation, Center for Alcohol and Other Drugs Resources and Education, Counseling Center and Health Center. If you have any questions that we may answer for you during this time, please send us an email at healthandwellbeing@udayton.edu.
CONTACT

Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention

937-229-2651
Email