July 16th

Welcome to Day 3 of Fresh Check Week July 2021, YOUnique!

Today we will be focusing on how developing a healthy, positive body image is important for our mental health. The activities for today are “Operation Beautiful” and “Trash You Insecurities”.

Operation Beautiful you can write positive messages and put them anywhere you can see them (i.e. mirrors, doors, walls, notebooks, etc.). These messages will help you diminish negative self-talk and look at things about yourself that you love.

Trash Your Insecurities entails writing down an insecurity or multiple insecurities that you have about yourself, crumple it up and throw it in the trash!

Feel Free to share your positive messages or photos of you throwing away you insecurities on EGCC social media!

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July 15th

Welcome to Day 2 of Fresh Check Week July 2021, Pant Your Art Out!

Today we will be focusing on how artistic expression can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve well-being. The activity for today is to create a vision board and share it with other EGCC students via EGCC social media. If you do not want to create a vision board, show us your artistic abilities and how expressing your emotions through art can help you cope with Mental health symptoms.

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July 14th

Check in, Chill Out - Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

Early detection, assessment, and linkage to treatment and supports can prevent mental health problems from worsening.

Practicing regular relaxation and coping skills can help you stay ahead of a mental health crisis and better manage your day-to-day stress and emotions.

• 18-24 is the average age of onset for many mental health disorders
• 67% of students who need help for their mental health aren’t getting it
• Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health problems on college campuses
• 40 million U.S. adults suffer from an anxiety disorder, and 75% of them experience their first episode of anxiety by age 22
• According to the Spring 2019 National College Health Assessment, 65.7% of college students experienced overwhelming anxiety and 45.2% felt so depressed that it was difficult to function

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October 16th

Helping others helps you, too! It creates a sense of purpose and satisfaction and protects against isolation and distress.

• Share your talents
  If you have a skill, whether it be academic, artistic, musical, or crafty, use it to teach, inspire, or uplift.
• Crowdfund
  Raise money online for a cause you support in a time when many nonprofits may be impacted.
• Shop/order local
  Support heavily impacted small businesses and restaurants through online purchases, take out, or delivery.
• Get creative
  Run errands for vulnerable populations, foster an animal, etc.

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October 15th

Developing a healthy, positive body image is important for our mental health.

• Ditch the negative self talk
  Leave positive messages on your mirror and think about the non-physical qualities that make you, YOU!
• Be gentle with yourself
  For everyone, especially those with histories of disordered eating, changes in routine around food and exercise can be scary and challenging. It's ok to not be perfect!
• Reach Out
  Talk to someone you trust about how you're doing. If you're struggling and need support, contact the NEDA Helpline. Learn more at https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

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October 14th - Part 2

Focusing on your strengths and embracing a positive attitude can better equip you to thrive in your environment.

• Practice gratitude
  Make a daily list of things you're grateful for.
• Show appreciation
  Write a note to someone you appreciate and tell them why. Be kind and compassionate to others (and yourself!)
• Make a "CAN" List
  When it feels like so many things are outside of your control, make a list of things you CAN do.
• Use your mental health superpowers
  Whether you're funny, a good listener, or a validator, everyone can be a hero to somebody.

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October 14th - Part 1

Practice self-care and find coping skills that work for you!

• Make an Uplift Kit
  Fill a jar with ideas for self care and coping to pull from when you need inspiration. Watch a funny movie, read, get outside, call a friend, take a bath, do a puzzle, etc.
• Video chat
  Use programs like Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype to stay connected to friends and family that you can't see in person.
• Journal
  Write about how you're feeling!
• Meditate
  Take a break from the noise, get grounded, and breathe! Apps like Calm and Headspace are great tools to help anybody practice meditation.

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October 13th

Artistic expression can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve well-being!

• Color
  Take out those coloring books or free draw. You can even download coloring apps on your phone!
• Paint
  Paint uplifting words on rocks or make art for friends. Lots of artists are offering free tutorials online!
• Chalk
  Get outside and decorate your sidewalk!
• And more
  Create sculptures with clay or playdough, make friendship bracelets, take photos of nature, sing and make music... whatever brings you calm and joy!

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October 1st

Physical activity has positive effects on overall wellness, including mental health!

• Go for a walk or run outside
  Take the dog (if you have one) and explore new streets and trails. (Note: Please follow any local and/or state guidelines when it comes to stay at home orders and social distancing measures.)
• Practice yoga
  There are plenty of instructional videos on YouTube or support your local studios that may currently be offering online classes.
• Play a video game
  Games like Just Dance 2020 and Beat Saber (if you have VR) can be both fun and active.
• Dance
  Get your friends together over a video conference, play some music, and have a dance party!

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April 22nd

Congressman Bill Johnson (OH-6) leads a Zoom session talking with Eastern Gateway about his 26 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force and his time as a CIO; topics include self-improvement and resume advancement during the COVID-19 time period.

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April 16th

Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) leads a Zoom session speaking on (then takes questions):

• Meditation
• Healthy eating
• Community service
• Physical distancing

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April 8th

By Trista Goss, LSW - COMPASS Family and Community Services - EGCC Onsite Behavioral Health Community Counselor

Hello Gators!

I hope everyone is adjusting to life during this pandemic. I understand the many changes most of us have had to face, such as working from home or completing coursework online instead of on campus. We are currently facing many changes and I understand this can cause frustration and confusion. During this time we should also be focusing on our mental health and wellbeing, which can be a struggle, but I am available to help.

I am able to provide brief intervention, resources to utilize positive coping skills, exercises to increase positive mental health and relieve negative emotions, and assistance with identifying and linking individuals to mental health agencies for further counseling if needed. My services are free and available to EGCC students, faculty and staff. I know these are troubling times and it can be beneficial to talk to someone about issues you may be facing. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or struggling.

You can contact me by email at tgoss@egcc.edu or by phone (330)718-1268. We will be able to communicate via phone call, email, or Google Meet (whatever your preference may be).

Working from home has been an adjustment for me as I miss seeing the students and staff at EGCC Youngstown Campus. Some things I have done to help keep positive during this time is keep in contact with family, friends, and coworkers through Zoom and Google Meet (exercising social distancing). I have also spent time outside enjoying the sun and nice weather (when it is available). I would recommend spending more time outside if the weather is nice and if you are able to (this can also benefit your mental health). I have also been exercising “creativity” with my son. We have been doing arts and crafts together, which have included diamond art and making Easter eggs with string, liquid starch, and flour. Not to mention I have been brushing up on my academic skills by helping my son with his 3rd grade classwork. I have to admit, I am a bit rusty when it comes to basic math skills haha!

Remember to take things one day at a time and reach out for help if you need it!

-Trista

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If you or someone you know is struggling, there is hope and help available.

• Crisis Text Line
  TEXT 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  CALL 1(800)273-8255 or CHAT here
• Veterans Crisis Line
  CALL 1(800)273-8255 (Press 1), TEXT 838255, or CHAT here
• Alcoholics Anonymous Online Intergroup
  https://aa-intergroup.org
• SMART Recovery Online
  https://smartrecovery.org/community
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
  CALL 1(860)656-4673 or CHAT here
• TrevorLifeline (LGBTQ+)
  CALL 1(800)488-7386, TEXT 678678, or CHAT here

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