Category: Health & Wellness

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Can someone explain to me why it is SO hard to find a therapist? This is not a complain to BC as I know UCS & The Dean of Students Office provides good referrals & follow-up.

A research simulate patients calling psychiatrist in Boston area found only 18% success rate in booking an appointment. doi.org/110.1176/appi.ps,201400051. Another research shows students of color are less likely to connect with off campus referrals when referred by counseling. doi.org/10.1300/J035vZZn02_03. Another research shows that generally SES & race difference correlates with appointment offer rates - certain SES/identity are less likely to get therapy appointment doi.org/10.1177/0022146516647o98. Just trying to show intersectional factors + effect on seeking mental health resource & How Hard it is to find. And some community center has a 5 month waitlist...can someone explain to me wy it is SO hard to find a therapist? This is not a complain to BC as I know UCS & The Dean of Students Office provides good referrals & follow-up.
A research simulate patients calling psychiatrist in Boston area found only 18% success rate in booking an appointment. doi.org/110.1176/appi.ps,201400051. Another research shows students of color are less likely to connect with off campus referrals when referred by counseling. doi.org/10.1300/J035vZZn02_03. Another research shows that generally SES & race difference correlates with appointment offer rates – certain SES/identity are less likely to get therapy appointment doi.org/10.1177/0022146516647o98. Just trying to show intersectional factors + effect on seeking mental health resource & How Hard it is to find. And some community center has a 5 month waitlist…can someone explain to me why it is SO hard to find a therapist? This is not a complain to BC as I know UCS & The Dean of Students Office provides good referrals & follow-up.

Thank you for sharing those articles! I’m sure many people would welcome an answer to this question. Finding a good therapist can be very difficult. To be honest, finding all kinds of medical specialists can be very difficult. But because of the complexity of mental health issues and the wide variety of approaches to mental health treatment, it can be very hard to find a specialist who is a) a good match for one’s needs, b) available, and c) covered “in-network” in one’s insurance plan. Layer cultural differences on top of these complexities, and it’s clear that making productive appointments is what engineers would call a non-trivial problem.

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How to overcome anxiety, self-doubt & not believing in yourself

How to overcome anxiety, self-doubt & not believing in yourself
How to overcome anxiety, self-doubt & not believing in yourself

Talk to someone! When you’re having self-doubting and anxious thoughts, it’s easy to feel like you have to rely on your own understanding alone — but that’s not the case! Speak with your family, friends, and other members of your support system for a dose of reality when you’re feeling down on yourself. Don’t be afraid to speak with a professional counselor too; dialectical behavioral therapy has been particularly useful for some of my more anxious assistants. bit.ly/BC-counseling

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How to overcome childhood trauma

How to overcome childhood trauma
How to overcome childhood trauma

I’m so sorry you experienced childhood trauma. What has a way of sticking with people for years is not so much the trauma itself, but the strategies those heroic little child-selves created to protect themselves from the trauma. Those strategies were absolutely brilliant & served their purpose well at the time: you survived. Adults no longer subjected to the trauma need new strategies that won’t interfere with adult relationships & situations, at the same time that they need to recognize (and celebrate!) the remarkable self-preservation accomplishments of the child-self. There are many different avenues of healing; almost all of them begin with some form of therapy. If you are a student at BC, avail yourself of counseling (bit.ly/BC-counseling). If you aren’t, begin with your primary care physician – you may need a referral for insurance purposes.

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Recipe for a happy life?

Recipe for a happy life?
Recipe for a happy life?

As a wall, I’m most content when I’m living in the moment and appreciating what’s around me. Our busy lives often get us thinking (and stressing) about the future rather than just seeing what’s in front of us. For me, the practice of this mindfulness leads to greater contentment and happiness in the day-to-day. If you’re interested in reading more about this, check out Jon Kabat-Zin’s ‘Full Catastrophe Living’ at RA785 .K33 1990! I hear therapy really helps personalize your path to happiness, too… 🙂

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Does smoking weed when you’re sick help you?

Does smoking weed when you're sick help you?
Does smoking weed when you’re sick help you?

Marijuana does have anti-nausea properties, among other potential benefits. The Mayo Clinic site (bit.ly/mayo-weed) lists some potential benefits for some conditions, but also advises caution. Side effects vary unpredictably, as does dosage. If I were sick I’d follow tried and true advice: see a doctor and follow their recommendations.

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Why do farts give me pink eye?

Why do farts give me pink eye?
Why do farts give me pink eye?

A search on PubMed bit.ly/BCPubMed (the major database of the biomedical sciences) for the subject terms “conjunctivitis” and “flatulence” brings up no results. Equally the National Library of Medicine’s medical information for laymen, MedlinePlus, has no notes about farts in the entry on pinkeye bit.ly/PinkEyeMedlinePlus, but it does say causes include “substances that cause irritation.” I can only assume your farting is quite irritating…

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Any tips for coming out to my parents?

Any tips for coming out to my parents?
Any tips for coming out to my parents?

That can be really tough. This guide from the Human Right’s Council may help you: bit.ly/OutHRCGuide. BC also has some resources for you: bit.ly/LBGTQBC. I sincerely hope your declaration is met with acceptance and love.

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How do I stop observing/hanging around (not stalking… I’d say) someone?

How do I stop observing/hanging around (not stalking... I'd say) someone? Any idea besides talking to a therapist? What if that person is a therapist? or do I have to stop? I think the prevalance rate of situation isn't low ~
How do I stop observing/hanging around (not stalking… I’d say) someone? Any idea besides talking to a therapist? What if that person is a therapist? or do I have to stop? I think the prevalance rate of situation isn’t low ~

Determination of stalking is not for the beholder but for the beheld. However, regardless of whether you or the other would consider your behavior “stalking”, you expressed that you want to stop. If you are having trouble doing that, talking to a therapist is the best option. And don’t worry if the stalkee is a therapist; those people should have procedures to handle stalkers and can refer you to another therapist if necessary.

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I’m sad @ BC over the summer, what should I do?

I'm sad @ BC over the summer, what should I do?

I’m sorry you’re down. If it’s just an ordinary sad feeling, I’d recommend staying busy, making sure to interact with people, and getting lots of fresh air in this finally lovely weather. But if you are feeling overwhelmed by the sadness, or it doesn’t go away, please consider contacting Counseling Services (bit.ly/BC-counseling), They can help!

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Am I a bad person if I take the elevator up 1 floor? what is the minimum requirement to be able to take the elevator?

Am I a bad person if I take the elevator up 1 floor? what is the minimum requirement to be able to take the elevator?
Am I a bad person if I take the elevator up 1 floor? what is the minimum requirement to be able to take the elevator?

No, you’re not a bad person, and there’s no rule saying you can’t take the elevator, but my third cousin, the staircase, tells me he misses you. Taking the stairs is (generally) better for your health and the environment. If it’s really hard to physically go up one flight of stairs, you might want to mention that to your doctor. But who am I to talk – I just stay right here.

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I am 4% Neanderthal. What resources are there to help me?

I am 4% Neanderthal. What resources are there to help me?
I am 4% Neanderthal. What resources are there to help me?

Well, 4% of you is probably experiencing some culture shock. We have lots of books you could read to get up to speed on what 4% of you has missed, and to help you make sense of the different reactions to things you’re probably having. bit.ly/bc-neanderthal. Unfortunately it looks like cosmetic surgery is not covered by the student health plan, if that’s a concern.

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How do I drop acid? [Response: Fuck finals]

How do I drop acid? [Response: Fuck finals]
How do I drop acid? [Response: Fuck finals]

1) Be aware it’s a class I controlled substance, so selling or possessing risks a federal felony offense, and because of illegality, 2) it’s likely to be impure and have unknown strength or dosage amount, whether in liquid form, on blotter paper, or in gel tabs, 3) It’s a psychotropic, which means it can have strange, unpredictable effects on the mind & emotions, so you’d need someone around who’s experienced it and knows how to shepherd you through your experience, and 4) effects can last as long as 8 hours, so you’d need a big block of time set aside in a safe space. As a rather sedate Wall, I recommend extreme caution. As to the response: I don’t see how it’s related to the OP, though I understand your frustration & wish you the best of luck.

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How do I stop pooping orange?

How do I stop pooping orange?
How do I stop pooping orange?

If your diet mostly consists of Cheetos and orange Fanta (not judging) you might consider rebalancing things. If it continues it’s not a bad idea to stop by health services.

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Dear Answer Wall, Lately I’ve been wondering if I might be autistic

Dear Answer Wall, Lately I've been wondering if I might be autistic, as I have some of the classic signs: I've often felt out of place in social situations (i.e. I rarely make jokes for fear of being misunderstood, and at parties, I can be found standing awkwardly in the corner); despite usually having an exceptional memory, I often forget people's names; I engage in some repetitive behaviors, like cleaning my nails even when there's nothing stuck under them; and I do tend to ramble about my sometimes-niche interests, even to an uninterested crowd. At the same time, I have a few good friends, am doing exceptionally well in my classes, and have no...
Dear Answer Wall, Lately I’ve been wondering if I might be autistic, as I have some of the classic signs: I’ve often felt out of place in social situations (i.e. I rarely make jokes for fear of being misunderstood, and at parties, I can be found standing awkwardly in the corner); despite usually having an exceptional memory, I often forget people’s names; I engage in some repetitive behaviors, like cleaning my nails even when there’s nothing stuck under them; and I do tend to ramble about my sometimes-niche interests, even to an uninterested crowd. At the same time, I have a few good friends, am doing exceptionally well in my classes, and have no…
...sensory issues of any kind Part of me is afraid that these wonderings come from a perverse desire to feel special, but that's the same thing I worried about when I was wondering if I was asexual and I am totally ace. I've looked at online tests that are supposed to give you an estimate of whether or not you might be autistic, but I always back out before taking them, becuase I worry that my expectation might bias the results. My questions for you are: Is there a definitive way to find out if I am autistic? Would there even be any point in finding out, given that I'm in my twenties and doing mostly fine? P.S. I am female, if that matters.
…sensory issues of any kind Part of me is afraid that these wonderings come from a perverse desire to feel special, but that’s the same thing I worried about when I was wondering if I was asexual and I am totally ace. I’ve looked at online tests that are supposed to give you an estimate of whether or not you might be autistic, but I always back out before taking them, becuase I worry that my expectation might bias the results. My questions for you are: Is there a definitive way to find out if I am autistic? Would there even be any point in finding out, given that I’m in my twenties and doing mostly fine? P.S. I am female, if that matters.

Thanks for sharing your candid & discerning disclosures. As you know, “autism” describes a broad spectrum of conditions (bit.ly/nimh-autism). You may or may not have a particular set of behaviors that would result in a diagnosis on this spectrum. Whether or not you are diagnosed, setting the process in motion could help you (and a professional) create a treatment plan that could address some of the behaviors you’d like to change, or it could just give you peace of mind to know for certain. You could begin the process either with Counseling Services (bit.ly/bc-counseling) or with your own primary care physician, and ask for a referral for testing. (BTW, your skepticism about online tests sounds healthy.) Whatever you do, I’m sure you’ll find a way to know yourself better.

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How do you tell ur roomate he has sleep apnea?

How do you tell ur roomate he has sleep apnea?
How do you tell ur roomate he has sleep apnea?

I would go the “I am not a doctor” (IANAD) route and not diagnose him, but gently bring up the symptoms that you’ve noticed, tell him they alarm you, and suggest he might want to ask his doctor (or see University Health Services (bit.ly/BostonCollegeHealth) about it. It’s good that you’re making the effort to do this; sleep apnea is no joking matter!

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AAAAAAHHHHHH

AAAAAAHHHHHH
AAAAAAHHHHHH

The infinite scream may not be the hero we want, but it’s the hero we need. Please visit twitter.com/infinite_scream for your screaming needs. Or get inspired by the students of Uppsala University: bit.ly/flogsta-scream.

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What do D:

What do D:
What do D:

I’m so sorry you’re feeling stressed out. Wishing you peace and better days ahead. Don’t let the turkeys get you down

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Should I kill myself

Should I kill myself
Should I kill myself

I’m sorry you’re feeling that bad. Please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8355) right away, and/or immediately call Counseling Services (617-552-3310) or visit them in Gasson 001 and ask to speak to with the Psychological Emergency Clinician (PEC). If it’s not during work hours, call BC Police (617-552-4444) if you’re on campus or 911 if not. I and many, many people want you to get past this bad moment, and are ready to help.