Mental Health Outreach & Advocacy

Mental Health Outreach and Advocacy

The mental health outreach and advocacy program is grounded in teaching students  how to promote their well-being by developing effective coping strategies and creating and sustaining satisfying relationships while at Binghamton and beyond.

The mental health outreach and advocacy program works closely with the University Counseling Center (UCC). Students may encounter personal, social, career, or academic issues that require assistance beyond the advice of friends and family. The UCC provides a variety of free and confidential counseling and referral services delivered by professional counselors.

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How to help a friend

We encourage you to look at these self-help tools and tips on how to help below.

If there is immediate danger, call 9-8-8 or use emergency resources. You can also refer someone to the CARE Team by completing the refferal form.

  • Stress

    Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; it has physical and emotional effects on us and can create positive or negative feelings.

    How can I manage stress better?

    1. Determine what is distress you. What are your stressors and your emotional and physical reactions.
    2. Recognize what you CAN change.
      • Can you change your stressors by avoiding or eliminating them completely?
      • Can you reduce their intensity (manage them over a period of time instead of on a daily or weekly basis)?
      • Can you shorten your exposure to stress (take a break, leave the physical premises)?
      • Can you devote the time and energy necessary to making a change (goal setting, time management techniques and delayed gratification strategies may be helpful here)?
    3. Reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions to stress.
      • Try to see the stress as something you can cope with rather than something that overpowers you.
      • Put the situation in perspective. Do not labor on the negative aspects and the "what if's."
    4. Learn to moderate your physical reactions to stress.
      • Slow, deep breathing will bring your heart rate and respiration back to normal. Relaxation techniques can reduce muscle tension and calm the mind.
    5. Build your physical reserves.
      • Exercise for three to four times a week (moderate, intensity exercise, such as walking, swimming, cycling or jogging).
      • Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals.
      • Avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine and other stimulants.
      • Mix leisure with work. Take breaks and get away when you can.
      • Get enough sleep. Be as consistent with your sleep schedule as possible.
    6. Maintain your emotional reserves.
      • Develop some mutually supportive friendships/relationships.
      • Pursue realistic goals which are meaningful to you, rather than goals others have for you that you do not share.
      • Expect frustrations, failures and sorrows. These are a natural part of life.
      • Always be kind and gentle with yourself - be a friend to yourself.
  • Anxiety

    If someone you care about has been experiencing anxiety symptoms, you can be a valuable resource. 

    • Be empathetic and understanding.
    • Don't minimize the severity of anxiety symptoms.
    • Avoid critical or shaming statements.
    • Encourage coping strategies which don't rely on avoidance of anxiety-provoking stimuli.
    • Challenge expressions of hopelessness.
    • Don't argue about how bad things are.
    • Don't become angry even though your efforts may be resisted or rejected.
    • Advocate for treatment of anxiety.
    • Consult with a mental health professional if an anxious friend refuses necessary treatment.
  • Depression

    A depressed individual can be emotionally withdrawn, isolated, lethargic, self-critical and sometimes suicidal. 

    • Be empathetic and understanding.
    • Don't try to "cheer up" a depressed person.
    • Avoid critical or shaming statements.
    • Challenge expressions of hopelessness.
    • Empathize with feelings of sadness, grief, anger and frustration.
    • Don't argue about how bad things are.
    • Don't insist that depression or sadness are the wrong feelings to be experiencing.
    • Don't become angry even though your efforts may be resisted or rejected.
    • Advocate for their recovery from depression.
    • Seek consultation if a depressed friend refuses necessary treatment.
  • Suicide

    We all experience feelings of loneliness, depression, helplessness and hopelessness from time to time. Each person's emotional makeup is unique, and each of us responds to situations differently.

    • Notice the warning signs:
      • Talking about wanting to die or being a burden
      • Feeling hopeless, lonely or trapped
      • Sudden or reckless behavior or mood swings
      • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
      • Changes from usual eating or sleeping
      • Loss of interest in activities or relationships
    • Remain calm: In most instances, there is no rush. Sit and listen. Give understanding and active emotional support.
    • Deal directly with the topic of suicide or depression: Most individuals have mixed feelings about death and dying and are open to help. Don't be afraid to ask or talk directly about suicide.
    • Encourage problem solving and positive actions: Remember that the person involved in an emotional crisis is not thinking clearly; encourage them to refrain from making any serious, irreversible decisions while in crisis. Talk about the positive alternatives that may establish hope for the future.
    • Get assistance: Seek out resources that can lend qualified help, even if it means breaking confidence.