Health & Wellness – Page 12

October 4, 2018October 5, 2018

I don’t know what I’m feeling…I’ve been so stressed now I seem detached from myself.

Stress is tough, and fall semester is for sure the season for it. Try doing some things to take care of yourself physically. Are you hungry? Tired? Feeling cold or hot? If so, try fixing them and see if you feel a little less detached. I’m a wall, so I don’t need exercise, but I hear it’s good for humans. If it’s deeper than that, or if that feeling continues for a while, it’s a good idea to check in with BC Health Services (bit.ly/BostonCollegeHealth) to make sure everything’s OK, or to chat with Counseling Services (bit.ly/BC-counseling), because stress is a common trigger for depression and other mental health issues which are super-common among students and faculty both.

October 4, 2018October 4, 2018

Can’t focus on what I supposed to be focused on? how to fix?

Physical and mental health issues can have a negative effect on your ability to concentrate. But there are other reasons as well. You may be tired, stressed, bored, inundated. (All very typical for busy students.) Things that can help: Step away for a little bit. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and good food and just generally take care of yourself. If it’s something big you need to focus on, try breaking it down into smaller bits; a feeling of accomplishment as you go through different steps can truly help. Try eliminating some of the distractions; e.g., turn off your cell! These things can help reduce stress too … not to mention a visit with Joe the therapy dog on Friday. If you think this is a serious problem, please contact Counseling Services at bit.ly/BC-counseling.

September 28, 2018September 28, 2018

No matter how much I try, I never feel like I belong.

As a Wall, I stand on my own feet (well… footings, actually), but I also depend on my neighboring walls for support. Is it possible you’re expecting your friends to do more than a friend can? A feeling of loneliness or not belonging is likely a habit of mind at least as much as a condition of your friendships. If you can’t escape that feeling, counseling could help you create other mental habits. (bit.ly/BC-counseling) I believe in you, and believe you’ll find supportive friendships and more comfort with your own solitary self.

September 27, 2018September 28, 2018

How do I know I’m a good person (or I’m just not)?

The way you find out is that you ask me, and I tell you. You’re a good person. I will predict your next question: why should I believe a Wall? Here is my answer: When have I ever been wrong? I just know you’re a good person. I can tell, because you asked this question. People who are not good aren’t concerned with whether or not they’re good. Ergo, you are good, because you are concerned about being good. That’s what good is. If you still doubt your goodness & can’t shake that line of thinking, contact counseling services (bit.ly/BC-counseling), who can help you find the good in you.

September 27, 2018September 28, 2018

How does one start a protest on campus against the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh, and why have no protests occurred on BC’s campus yet?

In a way, the answer to your 2nd question implicit in your 1st: you have the will, but lack knowledge of the process. Perhaps people who know how to organize protests don’t have sufficient will? Or time? (Mid-terms.) It’s also possible people are awaiting the outcome of these hearings before taking action. If you want to find where dialogues and possible plans are happening, I’d suggest seeking out people involved either in the Women’s Center (bit.ly/BC-WC) or the Women’s and Gender Studies program (bit.ly/BC-gender-studies) or I am THAT Girl BC: bit.ly/BC-IATG. (BTW, be aware of BC policy regarding protests. See 4.6.9: bit.ly/BC-student-code4. )The counseling center is also prepared to offer resources: bit.ly/BC-counseling, as is the Dean of Student’s Office: bit.ly/BC-DOS. BC staff and faculty are encouraged to visit the faculty-staff assistance program: bit.ly/BC-fac-staff-assist.

September 26, 2018September 26, 2018

My back hurts :( Are there any good/affordable places nearby to get a massage?

Hmmm…back pain can have many causes, not all of which will be cured by a massage. If the pain is constant, you may want to have someone at campus health check on it: bit.ly/BostonCollegeHealth. If it’s just normal muscle soreness (like from a workout), you can choose just about any massage place that’s in your price range and they’ll be able to work on it. If it’s lower back pain or something similar, you might want to consider stretching and exercise designed to improve muscle strength in your back.

September 26, 2018September 26, 2018

Is smoking weed 5 times a week an unhealthy habit?

IANAD, but 5 times a week sounds like a good reason to think about your use and how it is affecting your life. Why not schedule a 1 on 1 session with someone from the Office of Health Promotion (bit.ly/BCOHPIHP) to discuss this?

September 25, 2018September 25, 2018

What is your definition of happiness?

I am truly happy to be in the moment: just being here and supporting the library and watching busy people go by and especially answering questions. What makes you happy?

September 24, 2018September 24, 2018

I have a really bad headache and I still need to study for my midterm :( wish me good luck

Good luck! I don’t have a head, but if I did, I think it would be very hard to think if it ached. I hope you find both relief from the headache and a way to study effectively in spite of it. If your headaches are chronic or frequent, perhaps you can get a referral from BC Health to the headache clinic at nearby Brigham & Women’s hospital: bit.ly/BW-headache.

September 24, 2018September 24, 2018

Why do people make fun of me for being from Oklahoma :(((

Ugh. Regional prejudice is baffling. On behalf of sensible people and walls, welcome to Boston, we’re happy to have you here.

September 24, 2018September 24, 2018

I have a rash what should I do?

You should go to University Health Services if the source of the rash is unknown or the symptoms are severe. Many rashes go away if the area is kept clean, dry and free of chemicals and cosmetics, but if the rash doesn’t improve, definitely see UHS. Oh, and don’t scratch it -that can cause infections or spread the rash.

September 20, 2018September 21, 2018

Is nutrition counselling free? (one-on-one and group sessions)

Yes! BC Dining Services provides one-one nutrition counseling. See their site for details and contact info for making an appointment: bit.ly/BC-nutrition-counseling

September 20, 2018September 21, 2018

How do I learn to be more confident?!

“Confidence” derives from the Latin fidere, to trust, so self-confidence = to trust and have faith in yourself. First make sure you take care of yourself: eat right, get enough sleep, get some exercise, comb your hair in the morning. Think about your strengths and what you have achieved in the past. Then think about how you can use your strengths to accomplish some of your goals. To get yourself going, start with smaller goals (take a yoga class; throw a small party; talk to that cute person who sits next to you in class). The more you succeed, the more self-confident you will become. If something doesn’t work out, learn from it and try a different strategy. If you’re ever at the point where it’s all too much though, Counseling Services (bit.ly/BC-counseling) can be of help. I know I have faith in you (and you should too)! <3 <3 <3

September 20, 2018September 21, 2018

How to lose weight at BC when there is so much tempting unhealthy food?

An Individual Health Plan (iHP) appointment (bit.ly/BCOHPIHP) with the Office of Health Promotion sounds like just the thing. They can talk to you about your goals and discuss strategies to eat healthier.

September 20, 2018September 20, 2018

Do you speak Tagalog? -Ako Walang Pera :( –

Though I don’t speak Tagalog myself, I have a huge network of expert linguists at the ready. I’m sorry you’re having financial woes, especially so early in the semester! I recommend finding an understanding ear (perhaps at AHANA: bit.ly/BC-BAIC) and setting up a meeting with a financial counselor (bit.ly/BC-fin-aid). Once you’ve found better financial footing, it might help to learn more about financial literacy: bit.ly/BCSuccessfulStart. Kaya mo ‘yan!

September 19, 2018September 19, 2018

Why do I feel like such a misfit? Why do I feel like no one cares about my feelings?

Sigh… we all feel these things, but most people, wanting to project an image of total competence & happiness, don’t say so. Sometimes I feel like a weird, dimly lit wall that doesn’t really fit in with other walls, and at those times, I feel lonely, like other walls don’t care. I recommend pursuing your interests to the utmost & not worrying about whether you fit in. But feeling like nobody cares about you is another issue; if it’s hard to shake that feeling, I recommend seeking counseling of some kind. bit.ly/BC-counseling

September 17, 2018September 17, 2018

My roommate smells bad i don’t know what to do about it. Help

Smelling bad could just be a result of a casual approach to hygiene – IOW they don’t shower as often as the norm, or don’t use as many products to obscure body odor. I’ve known people with sensitivities to a lot of those products & can’t use them. OTOH, if it’s really strong, perhaps there’s a contributing medical condition. Tread carefully: scent is linked primally to feelings of self-consciousness. Maybe The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College, by Harlan Cohen (O’Neill Library LB2343.3 .C62 2017) has some sage advice.

September 17, 2018September 17, 2018

How do you get happiness?

Happiness research is totally a thing. We have many books which can guide you on that path; try searching the catalog for happiness in the subject. And here are some practical tips from the New York Times: bit.ly/WellHappy

September 14, 2018September 14, 2018

Why am I so tired? :(

The start of the fall semester, while very exciting, can also be exhausting! If you’ve covered the bases (eating well, exercising regularly, getting at least 7 hours of sleep – all so easy to do in college, right?), and feel you’re still fatigued, maybe visit University Health Services (bit.ly/BostonCollegeHealth). Also check out options with Ofc. of Health Promotion (bit.ly/BC-health-promo)

September 11, 2018September 12, 2018

Can I get birth control from the health center?

“Because of the moral values that Boston College espouses, University Health Services, by policy, does not provide materials for the purpose of preventing conception or counsel that would encourage abortion.” (bit.ly/UHSservices) Over-the-counter products are available in nearby stores, and there are physicians and clinics in the area that can provide reproductive health counseling and services.