BY TOTAL WELLNESS
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Dear reader,
NICHOLAS CARPO Editor in Chief
HANNAH CHEW Digital Media Director
In just a year, so much has changed. The terms social distancing and six feet have been given new meaning. College campuses, gathering places, and fitness centers have been shut down. And mental health has been challenged at every turn. Yet this story is not ours alone to tell. In this issue, you’ll find a photographed collection of perspectives from UCLA students and teachers whose lives and mental health have been affected by the pandemic. Some talk about silver linings and overcoming obstacles; others, about anxiety and vulnerability. By reading through these pages, we hope you find peace in knowing that through every struggle, you are not alone. With this zine, let us bring conversations of mental health to the forefront as we continue to wholeheartedly support one another from afar. To better days ahead, Nicholas, Hannah, and Eleanor
ELEANOR PAE Digital Media Director
FINDING SILVER LININGS CREATED BY: HANNAH CHEW
year’s silver lining was finding the beauty in the small “This everyday things, whether it’s getting your favorite Starbucks treat or re-watching a movie with your family. ” - Maddy Britt, Class of 2021 the hardest parts of this year, I learned how to balance and “Through spend time on what fills my heart and helps me grow as a person. ” - Yashvi Reddy, Class of 2024
now in isolation, many people, including myself, “Especially find it easy to get stuck with negative thoughts, but music has really helped balance my mental well-being. � - Randal Manago, Class of 2021
HEALTHY BALANCE CREATED BY: MADELINE PINEDA
“Before Covid, I would spread myself thin and get involved in anything and everything. I still find myself wanting to do that, but I’m now more aware of finding a healthy balance, and I tell myself that it’s okay to have a break!” - Roxanne Pasiliao, Class of 2024
“At first, it was very mundane, and it often times still is, but I try to take each day as an opportunity to learn something new or improve in an area of my life.�
STAYING IN CHECK CREATED BY: KATERA LEE
“
I find that when I have tasks to check off a list and a schedule to follow, I’m at least distracted enough to forget the chaos for a moment. I haven’t yet gotten to a point to where I can convince myself that this is normal though. ” - Nancy Ochoategui, Class of 2022
“
Working out has helped me set a ‘normal’ routine and keep myself in my right mind. ” - Zelda Lee, Class of 2021
LEARNING BY TEACHING CREATED BY: ELEANOR PAE
“COVID-19 has forced me and other teachers to rethink educational goals and find new ways to support our students — especially as the challenges associated with distance learning have highlighted and exacerbated underlying educational inequities.” - Robert Valencia, Class of 2019 and Teacher
“Although the challenges posed by the academic side of education were large, we knew, going into this school year, that our biggest challenge would ultimately come from supporting our students’ mental health and getting them access.”
“Whether it’s one-on-one wellness checks, parent conferences, late night emails, or online messages, I have made connecting with my students my priority. I’ve worked with my students to start building sustainable habits to manage school, home life, social life, and time.”
TO GO OR NOT TO GO? CREATED BY: NICOLE HUANG
“As an immunocompromised individual, I had to convince myself that everything around me outside was contaminated, and either limit my exposure, or take extra precautions if I did go out. When things started reopening, it was especially difficult to choose between going out with friends and staying at home, since I knew that I didn’t have as healthy of an immune system as others might.”
“Although I’m always finding new ways to balance work and relaxation, I’ve learned to allot time and effort to take care of my health. I’ve practiced making different foods that were not only tasty but also beneficial for my health.”
STAYING CONNECTED CREATED BY: PAULINE VARTANY
“
My friends and I have used activities such as Netflix Party and Facetime to stay connected virtually; being able to to talk to them and laugh together definitely helped my mental health.
Overall, these virtual activities definitely helped me feel more connected to my friends, because I knew that we would be there for each other no matter what and always find a way to continue our friendships. - Karina Balekjian Class of 2024
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Total Wellness Tips Watching movies through Netflix Party. Baking with friends over Facetime. Virtual painting classes. Zoom yoga classes. Book clubs.
You’ve Got a Friend in e Me
CREATED BY: EMILY XING “During the quarantined time, he boosted my emotional and mental state. I give him safety and happiness while he brings me joy and company. He taught me to be more patient, responsible, and a better multitasker.” -Emily Su, Class of 2020
“Just being with him relaxes me, and playing with him significantly improves my mental state.” -Nora, Class of 2023
our quarantine buddies
“We wanted to cheer my grandpa up by giving him a pet and additional responsibilities because we sensed that he felt down due to the pandemic and the absence of me and my cousin.” -Flora, Class of 2023
MORE TIME, MORE THOUGHTS. CREATED BY: BELLA HUNG
“
Because I have so much more free time during quarantine, I find myself thinking about a lot of introspective topics such as the future, my insecurities, and my friendships.
”
- Neha Bhongir, Class of 2023
has good “ Everyone and bad days and
mental health is a journey everyone is on.
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RESOURCES Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Suicide Prevention Hotline
Crisis Text Line
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
(310) 825-0768 Support, mental health treatment and services, wellness education.
Text HOME to 741741 Text with a trained Crisis Counselor when in crisis.
Resilience in the Student Experience (RISE)
rise@caps.ucla.edu Classes, trainings, and self-directed resources to foster and support resilience, connection, and well-being.
(800) 273-TALK (8255) Confidential hotline for people thinking about suicide or experiencing a crisis.
(310) 889-7200 NAMI Westside Los Angeles offers support groups, classes, and referrals.
Campus Assault, Resources, & Education (CARE) (310) 206-2465 Confidential services for survivors of sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking.
LiveHealth
www.livehealthonline.com $5 using your UC SHIP ID number, $49 without insurance.
WAZO Connect
www.wazoconnect.com Meditation workshops and one-on-one mentorship about self-expression and self-care.
Screening and Treatment for Anxiety and Depression (STAND)
www.depression.semel.ucla. edu/stand_ot Track your mental health and receive immediate mental health help if needed.
Resilience Peer Network (RPN)
www.resilience.ucla.edu/ resilience_peer_network UCLA students are trained in active listening and provide motivational support for stress, depression, and anxiety.
LA County Dept. of Mental Health
dmh.lacounty.gov/ covid-19-information COVID-19 mental health resources, 24/7 help line, and free Headspace Plus subscription.
PsychHub
psychhub.com/covid-19 Free database for COVID-19 mental health resources.
about the team
Total Wellness is a division of the UCLA Student Wellness Commission (SWC), dedicated to spreading awareness of and sharing knowledge on student health issues through a digital media platform and print publications. Digital Media Team: Bella Hung, Eleanor Pae, Emily Xing, Hannah Chew, Katera Lee, Madeline Pineda, Nicole Huang, Nicholas Carpo, Pauline Vartany
totalwellnessmagazine.org
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sneak peak
HOW TO OVERCOME LONELINESS IN A DIGITAL WORLD by KARLIE HAYES
Loneliness is a complex problem that definitely can’t be solved
overnight. However, there are some things that we can do if we or those around us are experiencing loneliness. Perhaps one of the most important things that you can do in these times is to check in with yourself. You can ask yourself: “Am I able to connect with others on a ‘deeper’ level?”, “Do I feel like there are people I can turn to?”, “Do I feel ‘in tune’ with the people around me?” Asking these questions can help identify whether you are experiencing loneliness... Keep reading on our website!
totalwellnessmagazine.org
