UCA Student Services announced on Sept. 22 three new groups that would allow students to engage in meaningful connections with other students who may be dealing with the same issues. 

These groups are welcoming to newcomers or students who are familiar with what student services does to better the campus. 

The Counseling Center spearheaded these groups, stating that they would be “an opportunity to connect with others, feel less alone in our challenges, and get feedback from your peers.”

The first group meets on Mondays at noon in the Student Health Center in room 328 and will be led by Daryl.

The group is all about elevating your mental health by mediating, stating that the “benefits of meditation are decreased worry, improved concentration, increased mood stability, and much more.” 

If you have found yourself needing to take a minute to yourself anytime from the beginning of the semester to now, this group would work for you. 

The use of meditation dates back ages, and shows strong evidence to help mental health. 

Even if you have never tried mediation, I think this group would be a good and easy first time. 

If you find yourself free on Mondays at noon, probably in between classes with pounds of stress that are heavier than your backpack, this group would be perfect for you. 

Another group that works specifically with anxiety and how to control it occurs every Monday at 4:15 p.m. in the Student Health Center, room 328. 

This group does not wish to rid students of anxiety, but rather help control it and how it makes you feel through the day. 

Deven Dyer plans to lead this group every Monday, and states that “through group discussions coping skills will be identified, unhealthy thinking challenged, and participants will be supported as they try new behaviors.”

I think every college student deals with anxiety at some point in their college life, and sometime before and after too. 

The main point of these groups is to make students feel comfortable talking about their mental health, reminding them that on one has to go through something alone. 

The final group focuses on depression recovery. This group screams “self-care,” which is vital to students’ mental health. 

The depression recovery group meets every Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Student Health Center, in room 328. 

The group will be led by Shelby Byrne and states that “participants will have the opportunity to connect with others, engage in self exploration, learn coping skills, and develop a personal care plan.”

If any of these groups sound interesting to you, do not hesitate to attend the meetings. 

These groups and more like them can be expected from the Counseling Center, so it’s vital that students attend when they need to.

There is no harm in trying a group out for size, and if you don’t like it, no harm no foul. At least you can say you tried it. 

If you have been looking for a sign to reach out for help, this is it. 

Any questions or concerns regarding these groups can be directed to 501-450-3138.