Personal Challenges & Self Care

Resources

Dealing with Anxiety and Stress

  • Life Hacks with CAPS
    Check out the great workshops offered by CAPS, which include topics like anxiety, mindfulnesss, and self-compassion.
  • Relaxation Room
    Visit the Relaxation Room in 020 IM Building, which features two iPod stations with a variety of relaxation, stress reduction, mindfulness and brain massage audio tracks, as well as two biofeedback desktop programs.
  • Resolving Roommate Conflicts 
    Find resources through Penn State Office of Residence Life.
  • Sleep Tips
    Learn about the importance of sleep and it's effects on your health through Penn States's Office of Health Promotion & Wellness.
  • Stress Management Tutorial 
    Learn about the different types of stress, identify your stressors, and learn to manage or copy with stress.
  • Balance and Stress: Take a Break
    Learn about the benefits of taking breaks to relax, de-stress, and clear your mind and how to make the most of them.
  • Physical Activity
    Penn State offers a range of wellness and exercise opportunities that meet the needs and interest of all students, regardless of fitness level and experience.
  • Sociopolitical Stress
    Recognize the relationship between sociopolitical stress and mental health and develop effective coping strategies.

Dealing with Test Anxiety

Talking to Someone Who Can Help: On Campus

  • Counseling and Psychological Services
    Reach out to Penn State’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), who can help you resolve personal concerns that may interfere with your academic progress, social development, and satisfaction at Penn State.
  • Case Management
    This free service is designed to enhance student care and help students manage their mental and physical health needs.
  • Student Care & Advocacy
    Find tools and support to make difficult situations (e.g. death in the family, mental health concern, medical emergency) more manageable.
  • Relationship Violence Outreach, Intervention, and Community Education Center
    Visit to find support if you have been impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, harassment, or other campus climate issues.
  • Health Promotion and Wellness 
    Learn about a variety health education programs related to alcohol, marijuana, sexually transmitted diseases, nutrition, and more.
  • Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
    Contact the center if you have concerns related to an open, safe, and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students at Penn State University.
  • Multicultural Resource Center 
    Receive individual counseling and educational services at the Multicultural Resource Center, a service for undergraduate multicultural students at University Park.
  • Religious and Spiritual Support 
    Explore a multitude of faith traditions in a compassionate, open-minded setting through the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development (CSED).
  • Student Disability Resources 
    Contact the Office of Student Disability Resources (SDR) for support services and reasonable academic accommodations.
  • Student Legal Services
    Contact Student Legal Services for advice, representation, referrals, and other legal help.
  • University Health Services (UHS) 
    Receive specialized outpatient student health services through UHS.
  • Resources for Veterans
    See a list of local and national resources to help returning veterans address common concerns that may impede a quality university experience.

Talking to Someone Who Can Help: In the Community

Help with Food and Housing Insecurity

  • Basic Needs
    Nationally and at Penn State, food and housing insecurity is an increasing concern for many college students. We are here to help provide the resources you need to thrive and succeed, so you can focus on your goals and making the most of your time at the University.
  • Resources for Food, Clothing, Toiletries, and Other Basic Needs
    Penn State resources can provide assistance with groceries, meals, toiletries, basic household items, clothing, and more.
  • The Lion’s Pantry
    The Lion’s Pantry serves as the official on-campus student food pantry at Penn State’s University Park campus.
  • Housing Support
    If you are facing homelessness or housing insecurity, there are a variety of resources available. Penn State cares and staff are here to support you.

School Supplies

  • Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success
    This initiative ensures every Penn State student has access to essential school supplies at no cost...notebooks, pens, binders, folders, calculators, flash drives, erasers, and more.

Self Help

  • Wellness Self-Help
    Welltrack Boost is a self-guided, clinically supported, set of tools that will help you assess, understand, and work on your own behavioral health and wellness.

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