This message was sent to the WPI community.
A nor’easter is heading our way for this weekend! When the “storm” part blows over, get outside and have some fun with friends, or make new ones. Let the Quad be your canvas for creating a snowman or an igloo. On Sunday, stop by the Campus Center between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to warm up with a hot chocolate bar and cookies while supplies last. Get out there and have some fun!
And don’t forget—nearly all COVID-related restrictions have been lifted. Read the message here. Get together with friends and enjoy.
Kelia Bergin (she/her/hers), Joel Gopurathingal (he/him/his), Nafi Gogbeh (she/her/hers)
- Get to know the newest counselors at the SDCC here.
- Take a quick online screening of your behavioral health and get connected to campus resources: The short MindWise online quiz identifies common symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, disordered eating, and more. This clinically validated screening program is anonymous and provides immediate feedback to help encourage students to seek help when it’s needed. You can find it in the SDCC’s screening platform here.
- Students now have access to WellTrack, a suite of online tools and courses that uses aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you understand your mental health and access services you might need right now. WellTrack can help you maintain your mental health in five easy steps:
- Take a Wellness Assessment
- Start Self-help Therapy
- Use WellTrack Tools
- Track Your Progress
- Support Your Mental Health
The SDCC can connect you to WellTrack, or you can click here and sign up on your own with your WPI email address.
Community voices get real about mental health and well-being.
“You are a piece of this beautiful puzzle of a WPI community. Even if you don't know where you fit in, the puzzle will never be complete without you. It's never too late to focus on you, to ask for help, or to search for the gap in our puzzle where you belong.” -Robbie '24
MHWB Task Force Snapshot
Last week, the Task Force shared its Initial Findings and Recommendations, Phase One: Students, which details major themes and findings students reported about their mental health and well-being, along with recommendations for actions the community can take to help. Find the progress report here.
The Task Force is hosting sessions to gain additional feedback from BIPOC and LGBTQIAP+ students to help ensure all student experiences are represented in the work. A session with BIPOC students was hosted earlier this week, and one with LGBTQIAP+ students is planned for January 31.
MHWBTF Focus Group - LGBTQIAP+ Student Feedback – Monday, January 31, 5:00–6:00 pm in Salisbury Laboratories or Zoom.
Facilitator: Prof. Zoe Reidinger, Subcommittee on Community Input and Cultural Change. Notetaker: Mia-Kay Fuller, Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs
If you are unable to attend and would like to share your thoughts, please email bewelltogether@wpi.edu.
Be Kind to Yourself / Helping You Find Balance
On-Campus Events: Find your community and get engaged.
- Check the WPI calendar here and TechSync for events, club activities, and programs.
- Cheer on your peers in-person--check the athletics calendar here. Or watch them streamed here.
- Hop on the WPI Discord channel and chat with fellow students. On- and off-campus events are often shared here, too.
De-stress and practice mindfulness with certified mindfulness meditation facilitator Robin Benoit in the Rec Center Dance Studio, Thursdays, 4:00–5:00 pm, now through March 3. Sessions are open to all—no experience required. Learn more in TechSync.
Face Winter Head On:
Winter is a challenging season for the health of your body, mind, and even social life. Staying physically active can help improve your mood. Try out these tips to lighten your days:
- Find exercises you can do at home like burpees, lunges, sit-ups, push-ups, squats, and/or yoga! Search YouTube for fun and quick home workout ideas.
- Get outside: Fresh air and daylight are beneficial to your health. Take a walk or challenge others to a game of tag—or a snowball fight! —on the Quad!
- Not into working out? You can stay active by cleaning, cooking, or even having a dance party in your room!
- While it’s easy to whip up some mac'n'cheese or ramen in your microwave, don't forget to eat your fruits and vegetables. Food is fuel!
To access previous editions of the You’ve Been Herd MHWB newsletter, click here.
Be Well Together | SDCC
National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Student Health Services | I'm concerned about a student form
This email is intended to be for informational purposes only and not to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know is in imminent danger of suicidal action or other threat, call WPI Campus police at 508-831-5555 (or call 911 if off-campus) or present for emergency care at a nearby hospital.
Remember: we are all in this together.
If you have any questions or concerns about the initiatives or information listed here, please email bewelltogether@wpi.edu. Please note this email inbox is not monitored 24/7.