Emotional and mental well-being

man with his head in his hands

Emotional and mental well-being can be described as feelings and experiences that improve one’s quality of life, help to realize a person’s full potential and cope with the stresses of life.  

Normalizing access to mental health services is vital for the improvement of emotional and mental well-being, the elimination of systemic inequities in mental health and the application of appropriate treatments. 

Utilizing coping techniques and self-care to navigate the expected and unexpected stressors can be highly effective. Additionally, recognizing affecting factors of stress and anxiety can help to reduce its negative effects. Check out I'm so stressed out for ways of recognizing and managing stress and anxiety.

Self-care is often thought of as treating ourselves on occasion, doing yoga or meditation, or journaling in our spare time; however, self-care is best utilized when it is part of a dedicated and thoughtful process, specific to your own needs.  

Here are a few examples of self-care activities to help restore your well-being: 

  • Setting boundaries with yourself and others;
  • Intentionally exploring what your own personal goals are;
  • Identifying ways to reduce unhealthy behaviors that don’t benefit you;
  • Recognizing destructive or limiting talk, whether internal or with others;
  • Eating and moving for health and longevity; and
  • Making dedicated time and space to think and process your thoughts and emotions.

Now ask yourself: 

  • What could get in the way of me consistently caring for myself in the ways I want?
  • If I can’t remove the barriers to me practicing self-care, how can I adjust to still make myself a priority?
  • In what ways can I begin to incorporate the goals I have for self-care?

Self-care goals that don’t rely on the actions of another person or involve the care of others, such as children, parents, or loved ones with physical or mental health challenges, help to keep the focus on your own care and areas of improvement.

Check out these virtual and in-person self-care events through Eventbrite or on our very own Detroit Mercy Live.

Helplines

Contact Us

If you are a student who feels in crisis or emergency and this is outside of the Detroit Mercy Wellness Center clinic hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) please contact the following:

Emergency Assistance

Police – Fire – Medical — 911

University of Detroit Mercy Public Safety/Emergency Line — 313-993-1234

Call for help

University of Detroit Mercy Public Safety Escort Services
McNichols Campus — 313-993-1234
School of Law — 313-993-1234
School of Dentistry — 313-494-6706

Detroit Mercy Personal Counseling Resources

Personal Counseling for Students

Detroit Mercy offers in-clinic and online access to counseling sessions. Session modality will be determined according to student need. Therapists will be available for crisis intervention treatment from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Wellness Center Personal Counseling for McNichols, Novi, and Riverfront Campuses

West Quad, Room 104
Detroit Mercy McNichols Campus
4001 W. McNichols Rd.
Detroit, MI 48221

School of Dentistry Personal Counseling for the Corktown Campus

Employee Personal Counseling and Assistance

Employees may utilize the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered through UNUM to receive personal counseling from Licensed Professional Counselors. Referrals for additional treatment are available when needed. In a crisis, emergency help is available 24/7. Accessing this service is easy and confidential. Counseling assistance is available for the following: 

  • Stress, anxiety, depression.
  • Relationship, family, parenting issues.
  • Substance abuse.
  • Anger, grief, loss.
  • Life transitions.
Tips for faculty and staff connecting students to personal counseling services.

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    Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Wellness

    There are many places within the university to ask for help, request resources, or discuss where to go for assistance. One such space with a focus on belonging, service, and spiritual development is University Ministry. 

    Supporting our university community with appropriate resources, both virtual and in-person is vital.

    • Mental health counseling can offer a great deal of support and connection during times of major adjustment and change. If interested in online counseling appointments, contact the Detroit Mercy Wellness Center: personalcounselingwc@udmercy.edu.
    • Mindfulness and meditation apps, such as Headspace and Insight Timer, can also be a helpful resource to practice guided meditations to manage stress and combat sleep difficulties.

    Physical Wellness Helps Mental Wellness

    • Movement, physical exercise and deep breathing help the body regulate stress hormones. Short walks or even stretching can help us feel less fatigued and gain mental clarity. It is likely many of your favorite, local exercise studios are now offering online virtual classes, which can offer a source of accountability and connection.
    • Fitness apps can also be a great resource to track progress and goals.
    • Practice physical self-care with a balanced diet and consistent rest, necessary to fuel your body with nutrients.

    Action

    • Curate your news and social media experience by selecting content that keeps you informed, not panicked or helpless. Be sure to include news or social media that is positive and uplifting.
    • Acts of service and kindness can be extremely beneficial for your own well-being. Reach out to family and friends to check-in or if you have the means, donate to a local organization. Working together as a community creates solidarity.
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    Pastoral Care

    Pastoral Care for Students

    University Ministry offers pastoral counseling and spiritual direction both in-person and online according to student need. University ministers and spiritual directors (priests, sisters and lay people) are available between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday via email or office phone. The University Ministry Office is located on the ground floor of the Student Union across from the bookstore. Spaces for prayer and reflection are available in the following areas:

    • McNichols: St. Ignatius Chapel in the Commerce & Finance Building, the Islamic Prayer Room on the first floor Student Union, the Holy Spirit Chapel on the lower level of the Student Union past the group study rooms, and the Multi-Faith Reflection Room on the ground floor of the McNichols Library.
    • Corktown (Dental): Reflection Room and Muslim Prayer Room on the fourth floor of the Clinic Building in Room 4-106.
    • Riverfront (Law): Peter and Paul Church and Multi-Faith Reflection Room on the first floor.
Ask a question about Detroit Mercy Health Guidelines