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What to Do While You Wait for an Appointment

The staff at the Counseling Center is here to meet the mental health needs of the students of the University of Central Arkansas.  We do our best to see clients in a timely manner but there may be points in the semester when there is a bit of a wait.

If you are experiencing a crisis and require immediate assistance please call 501-450-3138 or visit us in Student Health Center, suite 327.  A counselor will meet with you.   Visit  uca.edu/counseling/emergency-services for additional information on crisis counseling.  For after-hours crisis please call 501-450-3111 (UCA PD).

We offer you some suggestions on what to do while you wait for an appointment.  The following are for situations that are not crisis in nature.

  1. Many people are aided by journaling.  Sometimes writing something down can help you think things out and provide temporary relief.
  2. Talk with someone close to you/support system. This could be a friend, pastor, RA or instructor.
  3. Think back to a time when you might have had a similar challenge. What did you do to resolve it?
  4. You can go to the HPER or walk outdoors.  Take a friend.
  5. Catch up on your sleep. A lack of sleep can make a situation worse.
  6. Anxiety and hypoglycemia can look the same.  Make sure you are maintaining your sugar level.
  7. Inquire about Group Therapy
  8. If your challenge is academic then visit the Office of Student Success and make an appointment with a Success Coach.
  9. Practice mindfulness meditations. Google mindfulness meditations and you will find a variety of exercises on YouTube.  You can also visit the Bear Zen room in Main 029 A.
  10. Focus on what you can control.
  11. Remind yourself of your strengths and those who love and support you.
  12. Remind yourself that there are no “mistakes” only “learning experiences”.
  13. Focus on the process (the moment) and not the results.
  14. Volunteer or help a peer. Giving back can improve your mood.
  15. Listen to uplifting music.
  16. Visit the mental health resources  on our website.
  17. Call the local community mental health center (Counseling Associates) 24-7 Warm Line: 1-833-236-2131.

Not all of these suggestions will work for you so try the ones you like and ignore the rest.  Again, if this is an emergency, call 501-450-3138 or 501-450-3111 (after-hours).