Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being

Objective: Raise awareness about the mental health continuum, reduce stigma associated with mental illness, promote help seeking behaviors and  emotional well-being practices, and prevent suicide through individual education and outreach events.

Mental health has a direct impact on academic success and it is important to cultivate practices that support emotional well-being. When mental health is overlooked, it can have detrimental effects on the individual and the community. 1 in 4 adults live with a mental health disorder. 1,100 college students die by suicide each year and regretfully, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for college students. But there is hope. 

Emotional Well-being Consultations

Emotional Well-being consultations consist of a 30-60 minute one-on-one educational appointmnet. Please call 949-824-9355 to make an appointment.  You can also email our Mental Health & Emotional Well-being Programs Manager, Toni Martinez (antoniam@uci.edu) for more information.

Please note these consultations are educational in nature and not intended to provide mental health treatment or professional therapy. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8 for free, 24/7, confidential support.

Consultation Topics:

  • Learn about:
    • Mental Health Continuum (from general mental wellness to mental illness/disorders)
    • Stigma Reduction and Breaking Barriers to Promote Help Seeking Behaviors
    • Emotional Well-being Practices
    • Mental Health Awareness Advocacy
  • Develop goals:
    • Self Awareness (recognize adaptive vs. maladaptive behaviors, identify triggers, etc.)
    • Design a Plan (change/maintain healthy behaviors, referral to counseling and treatment resources)
  • Create self efficacy:
    • Be informed- educate yourself on mental health issues most impacting college students
    • Be proactive- implement protective factors such as yoga, deep breathing, regular physical activity, effective communication, etc.
    • Be an advocate- fight the stigma surrounding mental health issues
  • Take action:
    • Pledge to be a Stigma Fighter
    • Support policy/institutional change to support College Mental Health
    • Join Active Minds chapter at UCI

Mental Health Awareness materials are available to students and campus groups/organizations to aid in program development.

Workshops

Are you interested in scheduling an interactive mental health education workshop for a group of 25 or more?  Behind Happy Faces is a mental health awareness curriculum especially designed to equip college students with the tools to help them navigate the mental health continuum to support academic success and promote life skills. Fill out the workshop request form here. Email antoniam@uci.edu for more information.

Media

Resources

UCI Counseling Center

  • The UCI Counseling Center is committed to delivering quality services that help students achieve optimal mental health for academic success, personal growth, and increased capacity to cope with the stresses of being a university student.
  • The Counseling Center also provides training and learning opportunities to prepare future leaders in mental health and other service-oriented positions.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 

1-800-273-8255

  • Know the warning signs of emotional pain or suicidal thoughts
  • Call lifeline if you are in a crisis or have concern about someone

National Institute of Mental Health 

1-866-615-6464