Emotional & Mental Health
Feet on campus, heart at home: first-generation college students struggle with divided identities
First-generation (FG) college students, or students whose parents have not earned a four-year degree, face unique psychological challenges. Although perhaps supportive of higher education, their parents and family members may view their entry into college as a break in the family system rather than a continuation of their schooling. In families, role assignments about work, […]
Guilt is one of the biggest struggles first-generation college students face
First-generation college students, or students whose parents have not earned a four-year degree, face unique psychological challenges. Although perhaps supportive of higher education, their parents and family members may view their entry into college as a break in the family system rather than a continuation of their schooling. In families, role assignments about work, family, […]
Self-care for Young Men of Color
Being a teenager can be tough. You are growing into an adult and your body is changing, sometimes quickly and in ways you don’t expect. School gets harder and you become more self-aware. And it’s time to think about your future and what you want to do after high school, which is only a few […]
3 Tips to Boost Your Confidence
When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to lurk at every corner, you’ve probably heard the advice, “Be more confident!” But where does confidence come from, and how can you get more of it? Watch this TED Video for tips on how to boost your confidence!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
We love a chance to talk about mental health, and this is mental health awareness month! Mental Health America created a calendar with one simple thing you can do each day of the month to improve your mental health. Some of the challenges include: May 4th: Do something with friends and family – have a […]
Managing Academic Stress Series Kickoff
BeWell and BridgeUP staff are so excited to be kicking off our academic stress management series! School work and college applications seem to be a big source of stress for teens everywhere and scholars at BridgeUP. We have created a series of tools to teach BridgeUP scholars about things that can be done to manage […]
Managing Academic Stress with Meditation Apps
Getting back to school can be stressful as you begin to think about getting good grades and applying for college. Don’t let that stress get you down! Different types of stress management work for different people, and you should find what works best for you. Stress management includes all of the things you may […]
How to Manage Stress in College
College is the time in your life where you begin to figure out who you are and where your place is in the world. During these next few years you will learn to navigate new relationships and ultimately decide which career path you will choose. It is inevitable that you will feel “stressed out” during […]
“Coming Out” as LGBT
Coming out – the process by which an individual tells other people that he or she is something other than straight or cisgender – can be a challenge. Sharing your sexual orientation or gender identify with a person can be both exciting yet scary, liberating yet anxiety producing. Additionally, it is important to realize that […]
You Decide What Beauty Is: Pushing Past Media-Driven Aesthetics
Many American popular culture icons have a standard look: skinny, yet perfectly curvy, fair skin and light eyes. Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow, Marlon Brando and Leonardo DiCaprio are all undeniably stunning and stylish in their own way, but for the longest time, their style of beauty is all that was considered to be beautiful by […]
10 Steps to Positive Body Image
“One list cannot automatically tell you how to turn negative body thoughts into positive body image, but it can introduce you to healthier ways of looking at yourself and your body. The more you practice these new thought patterns, the better you will feel about who you are and the body you naturally have.” Below […]
What to Expect When You See a Mental Health Counselor
When you go to a doctor for a physical, you may have a good idea about what will happen because you have received medical care in the past. Often, you will get your height, weight, blood pressure and temperature taken. Your provider will ask you a few questions, examine you and order some lab tests and […]
How to Tell Your Parents About Your Mental Health Concerns
It takes courage to tell a parent or guardian that you are having trouble with your feelings. Adults can help you through tough times, and it’s important to get the support you need. When you are ready, try to find a time when you won’t be interrupted. You may even need to schedule a time […]
Understanding Depression: Just The Facts
Understanding depression can be very difficult. We have compiled a list of some symptoms and facts about depression to help you understand a bit more. Symptoms of Depression: Loss of Interest in activities, like hobbies Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or suicide Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol Trouble concentrating, memory, and making decisions Isolating yourself […]
What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology to send mean, threatening, or embarrassing messages to or about another person. It might be in a text, e-mail, or in a post online. Cyberbullying can be anonymous, which can sometimes make it even worse. It also has a wider audience, and can spread quickly. Targets of cyberbullying often […]
It’s Ok to Ask for Help
Did you know that… – Four million children and adolescents in this country struggle with a serious mental health issues that can cause them to have conflicts at home, at school, and with peers. -Approximately 50 percent of students with a mental illness age 14 and older drop out of high school – Suicide is […]
Mental Health Resources
Mental health issues are common during adolescence and young adulthood. While some young people feel comfortable in reaching out and receiving help from counselors, others may be reluctant to do so because of stigma related to getting services, myths about teens and mental health or misunderstanding about what happens during treatment. “Only ‘soft’ people go […]
Understanding Depression: Facts & Quiz
Understanding depression can be very difficult. We’ve compiled a list of some symptoms and facts about depression to help you understand a bit more. Also, do not forget to test your knowledge with a quiz at the end. If you send us a photo showing you got a perfect score on the quiz, you can win […]
Tips for Self Care!
Self-care is vital in ensuring that your mind and body stay happy and healthy. Check out this article we created on Buzzfeed about our 18 top tips for self care! If you feel like you need additional help with finding self-care activities that suit you or if you feel overwhelmed in general, reach out to your BridgeUP Fellow […]