Wellness Wave Wisdom

If you have ever struggled with mental health - you are not alone! Health Services and our Mental Health Peer Educators would like to invite you to watch a short (17 minute) film, hear from a fellow student, and gain resources for your mental health as well as find out how to help a friend. You might just save a life! We are teaming up with Palomar College Behavioral Health Counseling Services and their student peer equivalent, the Student Wellness Advocacy Group, to present the following program: Watch the 17 minute film “ It’s Real: College Students and Mental Health ” Hear first-hand accounts from students from your campus Hear one of our counselors share how to access resources and how to help friends Optional: Participate in a discussion about mental health and well-being after the film To accommodate your schedule, the program will be offered twice, at two separate times online via Zoom. Register here: Tuesday, Oct. 5th, 4pm-5pm: http://ow.ly/xcGd50GdlNi Wednesday, Oct. 6th, 11

 By Health Services Director Kim Marquardt, MSN-RN This is an embedded Microsoft Office presentation, powered by Office .

By Abby Burd, LCSW, full time Mental Health Counselor  September is National Recovery Month. September 21st will also be the first annual National Opioid and Substance Awareness Day. I thought I'd answer some common questions about substance abuse treatment and opioids in particular. What does the word "substance" refer to? In this context, "substance" refers to alcohol and drugs that can be misused, abused, or cause addiction/dependence.  What are "opioids?" Opioids are a class of drugs, including Heroin and painkillers like Fentanyl, OxyContin, Codeine, Vicodin, Hydrocodone, Methadone, etc. Painkillers could be prescribed by a doctor for a legitimate reason and still lead to problems. Other times they are purchased illegally.  Opioids are known for causing both psychological addiction as well as physical dependence and tolerance. Does taking opioids once mean you become addicted? No. Individuals respond differently, and we don't fully know why, a