Category: Self-Compassion

Knowing where to go for self-help, training, or tips, is something we believe is extremely important. Listed below, are a few resources to get you started that we really like and think will be most helpful for you. You can also reach out to any of our counselors in the office too, if you you would like to look further into any of these resources.

• The website called “Seize the Awkward“
  • If you click on the name, it should bring you straight to the link. The intention of the website is to learn about how to have those awkward conversations about mental health. It’s not easy or fun, but we do it, because we care about others and this will help teach you how to do so.
• The website for the QPR Institute
  • If you click on the name, it should bring you straight to the link. This site is for training of QPR Gatekeepers. QPR stands for “question”, “persuade”, “answer”. It allows you to become a gatekeeper of suicide prevention. The school access code is: MTU
• Our website is full of great resources, as well.
  • Here we have tabs pertaining to different resources you may be looking for, such as “Mental Health Resources” or “Well-Being”

The following is our office’s contact information:

Student Mental Health
3rd Floor Administration Building
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931

Ph: 906-487-2538
Fax: 906-487-3421
Email: counseling@mtu.edu

If it is an emergency, here are some following resources to contact:

Title IX Coordinator
Kirsti Arko, PhD
Location: Administration Building Room 306
Call: 906-487-3310
Email: titleix@mtu.edu
Website: Title IX Information

Dial Help, Inc.:
Call: 906-482-4357 or toll free 800-562-7622
Text: 906-356-3337
Instant Message: Dial Help

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
Call: 1-800-273-8255
Instant Message: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home:
Call: 906-337-5623 or toll free 888-337-5623
Website: Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter

UP Health Systems-Portage
Emergency Department
500 Campus Drive
Hancock, MI 49930
906-483-1000

Aspirus Keweenaw
Emergency Department
205 Osceola Street
Laurium, MI 49913
906-337-6560

While it can be difficult to find time to read, especially during the school year, reading can give you a break from the daily routine of homework and classes. Here are a few great books for all types that are not only entertaining, but also helpful in terms of organization, relationships, school, and life.

Meditation and Mindfulness
Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus
The Secret Art of Being a Grown-Up
A Tribe Called Bliss
Work Rules
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
The Obstacle is the Way
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a #!$&
How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks

The term “Social Distancing” seems to be in our daily vocabulary these days. I prefer to use the term “Physical Distancing.” Although we must stay physically distanced from each other, we can still stay socially connected to our friends and family. It may take a little extra effort to reach out, but it is so important for both ourselves and others!

Ourselves and others – we all share our common humanity, which is one of the 3 elements of Self-Compassion. This is a difficult time for all of us, and we can all acknowledge that suffering is present. Take a moment and say to yourself “This is really hard right now.” “It is hard to not be able to give a loved one a hug right now.” It is important to acknowledge your feelings; how you are feeling is valid no matter your situation. Try not to place judgement on your feelings. You may have seen the meme about how we are all in different ships, but are in the same storm. No matter what your individual circumstances, anxiety and stress are a common occurrence during these difficult times. Whether you are an introvert or an extravert, you have likely experienced some disappointments since the pandemic started affecting all of our lives. We can cultivate optimism and hope by sharing in our situations.

We as humans like to have control over our situation. By reaching out to our friends and loved ones, staying in contact can be something we can control in our lives. By coming up with creative solutions to stay connected, we are making a conscious effort to maintain control in our lives and continue in our shared experience as humans – even if we are not physically together. Take a look at this article from Cleveland Clinic for some more ideas on how to stay connected: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stay-connected-to-loved-ones-despite-social-distancing/