Dear Expie

“Dear Expie” is an anonymous column responding to student conversation on campus and answering student questions. This week, Expie writes about mental health. If you’ve got a burning question for Expie, email exponentopinion@montana.edu. All submissions remain anonymous.

Dear Expie,

I’ve been feeling really stressed out recently and am struggling to find motivation to keep up with my classwork. I’m just feeling really burned out all the time and it doesn’t seem to get better with rest. Some of my friends say they’re in the same boat and I’m not sure how to handle it. Do you have any advice?

Dear Feeling Down,

There’s a ton of students like you and your friends who have been feeling this way recently. I mean, we’re in the middle of a global pandemic that’s dragging on forever and it seems like we’re frequently surrounded by new bad news.

You may have already guessed what I’m about to say, but the university has a ton of free resources offered through University Health Partners’ Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) for students experiencing mental health issues. Don’t let uncertainty about what’s causing those feelings prevent you from reaching out — these resources are here to help you talk to someone experiencing the same issues and meet you where you are with no stigma or prerequisites attached.

If you’re looking for a starting point to figure out where to go with no commitments attached, CPS offers drop-in meetings with professional counselors who can provide referrals to services offered by the office or other campus organizations. These ‘Let’s Talk’ sessions are one time meetings offered virtually and in person according to the schedule listed on CPS’s website, https://www.montana.edu/counseling/.

CPS hosts group counseling for students to help each other work through mental health issues, as well as individual counseling for any mental health concerns you’d like to work through one-on-one with a counselor. Students can also participate in relationship counseling and substance abuse counseling. The schedule for group counseling workshops is on the CPS website and individual appointments can be scheduled through the office’s online portal or by calling (406) 994-4531. Take care of yourself!

Dear Expie,

I can’t catch a break. I’m feeling overwhelmed with class and unhappy more often than usual. There’s some things that have happened in my life recently that are making this semester hard to adjust to, and I think it might be time for help. But to be honest, I’m dragging my feet because I’m not sure I’m ready to talk to someone face-to-face. Is there a good resource for me to get help?

Dear Overwhelmed, 

If you’re unsure about talking to a mental health professional face to face right away, CPS offers an anonymous virtual mental health screening, accessed through the homepage of its website, that can give you a helpful starting point for navigating what you’re experiencing and which direction to go for treatment. As CPS puts it, it’s a “check up from the neck up,” that will provide recommendations and mental health resources tailored to you.

MSU students also have free access to WellTrack, an app that provides self-help therapy for you to interact with on your own time. When you sign in with your student ID info, you’ll be asked to complete an assessment that will help the app guide you towards personalized solutions. The app offers brief courses with information about common mental health issues such as depression and features a “Zen Room” and activity scheduler to help you carve out time to relax and have fun.

Dear Expie, 

I’m a member of the BIPOC student community on campus and I’m feeling mentally exhausted from battling systemic racism and having to repeatedly witness racial violence. I feel isolated from other students who can’t connect with my struggle. Is there help out there that can help me cope?

Dear Isolated,

There are student communities on campus formed around shared identities to help BIPOC students connect with each other in a safe zone. The Diversity and Student Inclusion Commons (DISC), one of those communities, provides programs designed to support underrepresented students, including identity-based mentoring and Sustained Dialogue conversations. In addition to DISC, there are a number of student engagement organizations on campus for students with shared racial identities. CPS also recommends taking advantage of the counseling resources offered through its office.

Dear Expie,

I have a roommate who is talking about killing themselves. What action should I take?

Dear Roommate,

Your friend is showing suicide warning signs. CPS recommends being direct — ask how they are doing and if they are thinking about suicide. Listen to their thoughts without trying to lecture them about whether their feelings are right or wrong. Don’t offer shallow words of reassurance, instead let them know you are there to give them whatever support they need. Remove any weapons or items they could use to hurt themselves. A more detailed list of warning signs and tips for approaching conversation is available at https://www.montana.edu/suicide-prevention/warning-signs.html.

In an emergency, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-8255, or the Bozeman Help Center, 406-586-3333. To talk to someone if you are concerned about your friend, call CPS at 406-994-4531or the Bozeman Help Center.

Thanks y’all! Watch out for each other. This is Expie, signing off.