Connecting Badgers

Stress Versus Anxiety 

As we are approaching the end of the semester, stress and anxiety are running rampant through campus. If you have ever wondered, “to what point is my level of stress or worry normal and at what point do I need to get some help with it?”, this episode is for you! 

For Sexual Assault Awareness Month our hosts talk with Survivor Services to discuss the different ways and resources through which they provide support to student survivors of sexual assault and interpersonal violence.  

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events: 

• Crafty Coping Community  
  Wednesdays through May 1, 3 – 4:30pm | 333 East Campus Mall, Room 7001  

• Embodied Resilience with UHS Survivor Services: A Survivor-Centered Dance/Movement Therapy Workshop   

Friday, April 5, 1 – 3pm | Bakke, Serenity Studio (Second Floor)  

• Trauma-informed Yoga with UHS Survivor Services and Insight Counseling  
  Friday, April 19, 1 – 3 pm | Bakke, Serenity Studio (Second Floor)  

• Collective ARTivism Project: Denim Day  
  Wednesday, April 24, 2 – 5pm | Library Mall  

Reflect: Art and History Gallery   
Throughout April | Discovery Building, Hub Central Gallery and Image Lab (First Floor) 

The idea of therapy can seem intimidating or mystifying. In this episode, your hosts will be breaking down some common myths about therapists and what therapy is and what therapy is not.  

Links to Previous Episodes on the Topic: 

If you have ever wondered how to tell when your feelings are a ‘normal’ part of life and when it might be something that is diagnosable, this episode is for you. Today we’ll be discussing the differences between clinical depression, seasonal affective disorder, and general sadness or grief.   

In this episode we provide an overview of what’s offered through Mental Health Services going into the Spring 2024 semester. 

If you have a love-hate relationship with social media like most of us, listen to this episode of Connecting Badgers where we discuss the different ways in which social media impacts our lives. At the end of today’s episode we will also share some tips to integrate social media as a support in your life. 

***Content Advisory: This episode will include discussion around suicide, mental health distress, and suicidal ideation. 

Today our hosts interview UHS Prevention’s Val Donovan and KK Kothe, particularly on the topic of suicide prevention. Learn more about how to spot potential warning signs for someone who may be experiencing suicidal ideation and some tips and examples for how to have these conversations, provide support, and refer to other resources available.  

Welcome Fall 2023 – an Introduction to MHS Services 

Welcome new and returning students! In this episode we provide an overview of what’s offered through Mental Health Services going into the Fall 2023 semester. 

Did you know MHS has services over the summer? Listen in to learn more about what’s available, who’s eligible, and how to get connected, whatever your situation! 

It’s that time of the semester again: finals! Listen in as we give some tips on studying, stress management, and grounding skills. 

Join our hosts as we talk with representatives from the International Student Services office to learn more about their scope and services, and ways in which ISS can support International Students on campus. 

This episode features Christa Zhang, Master of Social Work student and practicum trainee at MHS, interviewing Kevin Wong, Program Coordinator for the APIDA Student Center. We talk more about APIDA Heritage Month and events and activities available on campus. 

On the latest episode of the Connecting Badgers podcast we meet with Ryan Keegan of the McBurney Disability Resource Center to learn about accommodations and other resources available to students. 

On the latest episode of the Connecting Badgers podcast, we talk about what happens when a relationship ends, the impacts of this loss, different ways to cope, and resources available.

On the latest episode of the Connecting Badgers podcast, we meet with our guest and new full-time host, Andie Schwabe, LPC, a Care Manager and Eating Disorder Specialist at UHS, to learn more about Care Management services, how to get connected, and tips for using insurance and finding a mental health provider.

On this episode we talk finals, managing end of semester stress, and resources available for students.

On this episode we talk more with Jennifer Moulton, PhD, Assistant Director of Training at MHS, and Kari Treu, MsE, a postgraduate fellow about the training programs offered through MHS.

Join us for Mental Health 102, the latest episode of the Connecting Badgers podcast where we talk about what to expect out of counseling and how to get connected to services.

Join us for a ‘mental health 101’ discussion where we talk about how to identify mental health concerns, how to support yourself, and when to reach out.

We talk with Ben De Boer, psychologist and MHS’ group coordinator, about group counseling, what it is and how to know if it might be a good fit for you. Listen for more information current MHS groups offered in Fall. 

Welcome, Students! Today’s hosts give an overview of offerings through Mental Health Services this Fall, provide updates on how to access services, and share resources available.

Hosts Q, Liz, and Casey talk with MHS psychologists Dr. Jeff Hird and Dr. Felix Savino about managing the end of the semester, tools and tips for studying and finding balance in this time, as well as navigating transitions after graduation. 

For this episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast Casey, Liz, and Quincy discuss social media and the pros and cons it has on mental wellbeing. Resources are provided for students interested in learning to be more mindful of their social media use.

Geoff Brown, LPC, the Coordinator of Substance Use Services at UHS, clears up common myths and misconceptions about drug and alcohol use, answers questions about how to gauge your use and intake, and what signs to look for with potential abuse. 

Lauren Adams, Program Coordinator for the Black Cultural Center (BCC), Jacqueline Nah, planning committee co-chair, and DeOnna Garrison, planning committee member, join hosts Geetanjali, Quincy, Liz, and Casey to share about Black History Month, events on campus, and ways to get involved. 

Hosts Liz and Casey talk finals, managing end of semester stress, and resources available for students. 

Join Casey, Liz, and guest Geoff Brown, LPC to discuss Movember and men's mental health. 

Hosts Liz and Casey chat about returning home for the holidays and what happens if home is not necessarily a safe or supportive environment. Listen in for tips on setting boundaries, coping strategies, and using self-compassion. 

Co-hosts Casey, Liz and Quincy meet with Denise Calhoun Ph.D to discuss ADHD. Listen in to learn more about ADHD, its symptoms, treatment, and services provided by UHS. 

Casey, Liz, and Q spend some time talking about their current hobbies and activities, finding balance, and the value of learning what brings you joy.

-- 

For this episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast Casey and Liz are joined by Olga Riusech to discuss Latinx Heritage Month. Olga shares more about the theme Amor y Salud, about upcoming events for Latinx Heritage Month, and a few events that the LCC hosts throughout the year. 

--

Hosts Sidra and Casey chat with Geoff Brown, LPC, Coordinator of Substance use Services at MHS. Listen in for a discussion on substance use, resources available if students are concerned about their use, recovery supports, and ways students can find connection on campus if they don’t drink. 

—

Resources mentioned today:

In this episode, Casey, Liz, and Sidra are joined by Sarah Nolan, Director of Mental Health Services, to discuss what services will be offered in Fall 2021 and how! Learn more about which services will be in-person or virtual, what to expect from a telehealth appointment, and what to look for to stay up to date on our services during the semester. 

—

Welcome back students! In this episode Casey is joined by MHS psychologist Jeff Hird and Meg Boyer, a postdoc resident at MHS, for a conversation about navigating the start of a new semester, particularly given the uncertainties of Fall 2021. Topics include ways to manage academic pressure, when to take a break, and how to find balance with self-care and prioritizing your own needs and values. We also reference some resources and sources of support linked below:

Episode hosts Sidra, Liz, and Casey share some basic information about the McBurney Center on campus, provide examples of mental health concerns and symptoms for which accommodations may be helpful, and answer questions about how to go about exploring options and gathering documentation for an application. As we are not representatives of McBurney and information provided in this episode is far from exhaustive, please reach out to the McBurney Center with questions and guidance through the process using the contact info shared below.

Hosts Liz and Casey interview Jeff Peterson, LCSW, MHS therapist and Crisis Stabilization Specialist about general mental health and services available over the summer. Jeff shares ways to incorporate a daily mindfulness practice as well as strategies to utilize in more acute moments.

For Pride month, join hosts Sidra and Liz as they have a conversation with LGBTQ Focus Mental Health provider at UHS, Sam Herlitzke, LMFT on all things pride and celebrating LGBTQ identities.

On today’s episode, hosts Liz, Casey, Sidra and Mary navigate the conversation of graduation and summer activities with our guest speaker Bjorn Hanson. Bjorn will share several ideas on celebrating your accomplishment of having graduated as well as ideas on what to safely do during the summer for folks who may be staying in the area whether after graduation or during summer break.

During today’s episode, hosts Liz and Casey share their expertise with Sidra, Mary, and our listeners regarding navigating insurance with the purpose of getting connected to a community mental health provider.

Content Warning: Our topic for today is on Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This material may be triggering for some listeners. Today we have conversations on sexual assault on campus, prevention efforts, and also collective healing and transforming our culture. Our guest today is Nola Pastor from Violence Prevention.

-----

For today’s episode, hosts Sidra and Mary navigate coping with the cancellation of Spring Break this semester. Spring Break is the usually very awaited time to rest, reconnect, reengage and recharge that the entire campus community embraces. With a full year into the pandemic, we explore ways in which listeners can still explore recharging and reenergizing even in the absence of Spring Break. 

Mindfulness activity taken from: Schwartz, A. (2020). The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook: Practical Mind-Body Tools to Heal Trauma, Foster Resilience and Awaken Your Potential. PESI Publishing & Media

Today, hosts Casey, Liz, Jamie, Sidra and Mary navigate the conversation on exploring your needs and wants when searching for a community provider. This may be applicable when the options for accessing services on campus are limited and/or you may graduating.