CSU Counseling Center

03/02/2026

May Aygun’s verse invites us to listen inward—and to remember: how we speak to ourselves matters, but it’s not the whole story.

Our emotions and actions are shaped not only by our thoughts, but also by our nervous system and familiar patterns. In college, stress can wake up old responses and tighten the body. Gentle self-talk helps, but healing also comes from connection, pacing, and practice.

Why this matters:
- Self-talk shapes mood, but autonomic states (fight, flight, rest) influence energy and focus.
- Chronic patterns can repeat until we introduce new responses—small, repeated steps matter.
- A supportive environment, coping skills, and professional guidance can recalibrate our nervous system over time.

Practical steps (gentle, actionable):
- Name the feeling, then name a neutral activity you can do (pause, stretch, sip water).
- Check in with your body: where do you feel tightness or tension? breathe into it.
- Reach out: a friend, a campus counselor, or a peer support group can help re-pattern responses.

Poem & image credit: .aygun

02/23/2026

🚧You’ve now entered the Scale SMASH Zone🔨💥

Today’s Scale Mash brought our campus together to raise awareness about eating disorders and celebrate body positivity. You matter—every body, every story.

If you or someone you know is struggling, your campus counseling center is here to help. Reach out to schedule a confidential, non-judgmental appointment.

Resources:
- Campus Counseling Center: 706-507-8740
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleating disorders.org
- Crisis/text line: 988

02/22/2026

When you focus on others, you can start to forget about your own needs. When you focus on yourself, you give yourself the care you deserve. Our minds need both care and connection—especially during exams, deadlines, and tough weeks.

This week, try a tiny switch:
- Pick one small self-care action today (a 5-minute walk, 2-minute box breathing, listen to your favorite music).
- Check in with how you’re feeling, not just what you’re doing.
- Reach out to a friend, mentor, or campus counselor if things feel heavy.

You’re not alone. Our campus counseling center is here to listen, support, and help you find balance without judgment. Your mental health matters, and small steps add up.

02/12/2026

02/04/2026

To CSU Faculty and Staff:
The Counseling Center staff would like to invite you to attend Calm in the Chaos: Managing Anxiety in Uncertain Times, a workshop focused on understanding anxiety and discussing strategies to reduce stress, build resilience, and regain a sense of calm during challenging times.
To register: https://forms.office.com/r/74K74a4jaH

01/30/2026

We all have different ways of decompressing after a long week at CSU!

Are you an external processor (need to talk it out immediately) or an internal processor (need to write it down or sit with it first)? There is no wrong answer, but knowing your style helps you take better care of yourself.

👇 **Drop a comment below:** Are you Team Vent 🗣️ or Team Journal 📝?

01/22/2026

A purr-fect reminder to pause and be gentle with yourself. Remember, kindness to yourself is part of how we show up for each other. ♥️

01/12/2026

Welcome back to the spring semester from the Counseling Center!

We’re so glad to have you back and hope this semester brings growth, balance, and new beginnings. As you jump back into classes, remember that your mental health matters just as much as your academics. Whether you’re feeling excited, stressed, or somewhere in between, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Wishing you a healthy, successful, and fulfilling spring semester—don’t hesitate to reach out if you need us!

12/03/2025

Final Exams Are Here: Let’s Finish Strong!

Good luck to everyone taking finals—may your exams be fair, your pencils sharp, and your mind clear. On the other side of this week is a well-earned break!

A few reminders as you head into the home stretch:
🌟 Plan smart. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks. Short, focused sessions beat marathon cramming every time.
📝 Practice actively. Quiz yourself, explain concepts out loud, or teach the material to someone else. If you can teach it, you know it.
😴 Rest counts as studying. Sleep helps your brain consolidate information—don’t sacrifice it.
💧 Take care of yourself. Hydrate, stretch, eat real meals. Your brain needs fuel as much as your notes do.

You are capable. You are prepared. You’ve got this!

11/13/2025

College is more than classes — it’s an emotional marathon

Some days you’re on top of the world. Other days… not so much.
Here’s how to stay steady when things get real 👇

💭 1. Feel it, don’t fight it.
Stress, sadness, excitement — all emotions teach you something.
🧘 2. Breathe before reacting.
Pause. Inhale for 4. Hold for 4. Exhale for 4. It’s magic.
💬 3. Talk it out.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Friends, mentors, counselors — they’ve got you.
🌱 4. Protect your peace.
Sleep. Eat. Move. Unplug. Repeat.
💖 5. Be kind to yourself.
You’re doing your best — and that’s enough.
✨ Emotional strength isn’t about being unshakable. It’s about learning how to bend without breaking.
You’ve got this 💪

11/05/2025

🌿 Managing Anxiety in College: You Are Not Alone! 🌿

College life can feel like a constant balancing act — classes, deadlines, social life, and the future all at once. Anxiety is common, but there are ways to manage it effectively:

💬 Talk it out — Reach out to a friend, counselor, or mentor. Sharing helps lighten the load.
🕐 Create a routine — Structure brings calm. Try setting specific times for study, rest, and fun.
🌞 Move your body — Even a 10-minute walk can release tension and boost your mood.
🧘‍♀️ Practice mindfulness — Breathing exercises, journaling, or short meditations can ground you.
📵 Unplug — Too much screen time can fuel stress. Give your mind breaks from notifications.
💤 Prioritize rest — Sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s part of self-care.

Remember: Anxiety does not define you. Seeking help shows strength, not weakness. The CSU Counseling Center is here to help!

10/30/2025

Mental Health Retreat for Faculty and Staff:
No other than our Radical Acceptance guru, Dr. Yatsko, will be leading the workshop—so make sure to attend!
You could register by using the following link:
https://forms.office.com/r/74K74a4jaH