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Counseling center offers ways for students to de-stress following mid-terms

The Counseling Center offers amenities for students like therapy, group therapy, and even online resources.

*An earlier version of this story stated an incorrect phone number for the Crisis Line. It also incorrectly stated that appointments were able to be made online. These inaccuracies have been updated with the correct information.*

MUNCIE, Ind.(NewsLink Indiana) — As mid-terms wrap up and finals are just around the corner, the Ball State Counseling Center is offering ways to destress.

What the Counseling Center is calling a “hidden gem” on campus, the Resource and Relaxation room on the third floor of Lucina Hall offers amenities such as massage chairs, a coloring station and a variety of mental health resources. 

According to the Counseling Center, the Resource and Relaxation room is available Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Depending upon, you know, different times of the semester, the students who are reaching out to us kind of ebbs and flows,” Associate Director for Prevention and Wellness Aubrey Driscoll said. “But we could anticipate around midterms there could be, you know, some increase in stress for students.”

Not only does the Counseling Center offer in-person options for stressed students, but they also offer some virtual options. 

According to Driscoll, an on-demand program students have access to is called “Self-Care 101” on Canvas. Students can choose to sign up online. Some ways to interact with this program include watching videos and viewing infographics. 

“When we are stressed, and when we are overwhelmed, one of the first things we tend to do is stop taking as good care of ourselves,” Driscoll said.

Driscoll adds some ways to practice self-care could include sleep, hygiene and utilizing social supports. 

The Counseling Center also offers a Crisis Line that is available 24/7 by phone at 765-285-HOPE (4673).

More information about scheduling a counseling appointment can be found at the Counseling Centers website

Contact Emma Matlock with comments at emma.matlock@bsu.edu