Article by Autumn Siebold

Work, research, class — just a few of the many demands that you might be juggling. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed this semester, here are six campus resources to help you relieve some stress.

Counseling Center and Let’s Talk Sessions

Sometimes, you just need a neutral person to talk to about your problems. And that’s where the Counseling Center, open to any degree-seeking Tech student, comes in handy.   

“Any student interested in treatment can come to the GT CARE Center, which is downstairs in the Flag Building,” said Peter Hauge, a psychologist with the center. “There, a clinician can meet with them and make the appropriate recommendation and referral."

The Counseling Center’s resources include group counseling, skills-based workshops like Stress Busters and Mindful coping, individual counseling, and crisis walk-in services. They also have grad student-specific resources, like graduate student counseling groups and a four-week mindfulness course offered in the evenings called Koru Mindfulness for Graduate Students.

If you’re not sure about signing up for a counseling session, you can also check out the center’s Let’s Talk sessions, available on a drop-in basis to any student. These are held on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon in the Communication Center (Suite 447), Clough Commons.

WellTrack

For more flexible stress-relief strategies, you can also check out the WellTrack app. Just enter your Tech email to access your free account, which provides resources to track your mental health and find more ways to relax. 

“WellTrack is a suite of online tools and courses that uses aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify, understand, and address issues that you are having,” Hauge said.

Some of the resources on the app include MoodCheck, which allows you to track how you’re feeling throughout the day, and an Activity. 

Meditation Club

If you’re looking for strategies to tune out the rest of the world, check out the Meditation Club.

“A survey was done with Tech students about what they want in life. There were two main outcomes: they want to be smart, and they want to be happy,” said Jason Tsukhara, president of the club. “Tech does a great job at training our intellect, but mental well-being requires different skills. We’re part of a wider movement to help students be happy, while still pursuing the challenges of a rigorous education."

Meetings are held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. Each meeting lasts an hour and includes a 20-minute mediation session, and activities to learn different methods of meditation.

Paper & Clay

Relax and get in touch with your creative side at Paper & Clay, located on the third floor of the Student Center. A $2 pass gets you access to all the art supplies in their Inspiration Area, including sewing, painting, and more. 

“Paper & Clay is a great place to unwind and connect with your artistic self,” said Alicia Molina, one of the space’s student employees. “At Paper & Clay you can get crafty, paint, glaze ceramics, or experiment with pottery.” 

If you want to learn a new hobby, Paper & Clay also offers free workshops on topics ranging from cross-stitching to candle making.

Office of the Ombudsman 

Suffering from stress due to problems with an advisor or faculty member? The Office of the Ombudsman is available to help.

“The office is open to help any graduate student who needs confidential advice pertaining to their academic careers,” said Leigh Bottomley, faculty and graduate student ombuds. “We offer conflict resolution regarding professional conflicts and concerns with degree progression.”

The ombuds provide informal conflict resolution, giving students a neutral sounding board for any Institute complaint or issue.

“Also, it’s important to know that the ombuds are strictly neutral and will not take sides in any issue brought before them,” Bottomley added.

If you’d like to contact the Office of the Ombudsman for help, you can report it through the website, or email Leigh Bottomley or Russ Callen, who is also faculty and graduate student ombuds.

Campus Recreation Center

If you want to take a break and get your body moving, check out one of the Campus Recreation Center's (CRC) many exercise options.

Any students enrolled in more than four hours can use the workout equipment, basketball courts, and Olympic pools. Or, you can take a fitness class or sign up for a team sport.  

“We offer a variety of ways to engage and connect with other students seeking to build a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Caroline Dotts, associate director for Healthy Lifestyle Programs for the CRC. “Physical activity and social connectivity are important practices of positive self-care, and our collaboration has helped students navigate their holistic well-being journey.”

Oh, and if after getting your body moving, you’re dealing with tight muscles and aches, the CRC also offers massage therapy sessions. Sessions last 30-60 minutes and start at $35.

For more information on how stress can affect you and on-campus resources to help, check out healthinitiatives.gatech.edu.