Eating Disorder Awareness Week is Feb. 24-March 2.

Multidisciplinary treatment is the standard of care for eating disorders, says Caiti Bradbury, a licensed mental health counselor with CAPS. To provide this support, UCF has an Eating Disorder Management Team (EDMT), which includes professionals like Bradbury, as well as medical providers, dietitians, therapists, psychiatrists and, sometimes, substance abuse clinician from SHS and CAPS.

SHS, CAPS and the EDMT aim to empower students to seek education, support and treatment as they are comfortable and ready to do so.

“Any treatment advice we provide is always a recommendation, not a requirement. If you decide after that meeting that you aren’t quite ready to pursue treatment, you’ll have acquired some knowledge of how to get started when you are ready,” says Rebecca Kuerbitz, a primary care provider with SHS and EDMT member.

Here Bradbury and Kuerbitz share insight on eating disorders and how students can get help.

What are some common eating disorders and their symptoms?

Rebecca Kuerbitz (RK): Eating disorders are defined as a persistent disturbance of eating behavior that impairs health or psychosocial functioning. The most common are binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and disordered eating that doesn’t fit into other categories. Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating in which the person eats a large amount of food in a short period of time accompanied by feeling a loss of control overeating with some distress (like disgust, guilt or depression) after the binge.

Bulimia nervosa, like binge eating disorder, involves recurrent episodes of binging but binging is followed by a compensatory behavior such as purging, excessive exercise or misuse of medications like insulin. Compensatory behaviors are typically influenced by a person’s concern about their body shape and weight.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by restriction of caloric intake that leads to a low body weight. It is accompanied by an intense fear of gaining weight and distorted perception of body shape.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a more recently recognized eating disorder that involves food restriction and/or avoidance due to anxiety about certain foods. This leads to low body weight and nutritional deficiency but is not due to fear of weight gain or distorted perception of body shape or weight. Often people with ARFID will have only a few different foods that are comfortable eating.

How prevalent are eating disorders? Are some types of eating disorders more common than others?

RK: There is a lifetime prevalence of eating disorder of 8% in women and 2% in men.

Caiti BradburyÌę(CB): The most common diagnoses are anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder among college students. ARFID, although less common, has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

What are some common misconceptions about eating disorders?

CB: One major myth is that eating disorders are simply about food, when, in reality, they stem from deeper emotional and psychological issues, such as control, self-esteem and past trauma. Another misconception is that only women are affected but eating disorders impact people of all genders. It’s also not true that everyone with an eating disorder is underweight — disorders like bulimia and binge eating can occur in people of all body sizes. Some believe eating disorders are a choice or a temporary fad or are solely about appearance, but they are serious mental health conditions that require professional treatment and can be lethal. The idea that those with eating disorders are seeking attention is also false; most individuals hide their symptoms due to shame and guilt. Furthermore, recovery isn’t simply about gaining or losing weight, as eating disorders are long-term conditions requiring ongoing treatment, even after physical health improves. Many also think eating disorders are rare, but they affect millions of people across all demographics. Finally, while media and societal pressure can contribute, eating disorders are influenced by a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors.

What should students who are seeking help with eating disorders expect from the treatment process here at UCF?

RK: They can expect compassionate care from therapists at CAPS, nutritional guidance from our registered dietitian, medical care to address any health concerns by one of our primary care providers and psychiatric care from our Behavioral Health providers, if needed.

What advice would you give to students who are hesitant to seek help for an eating disorder, or for family and friends who want to support someone in need?

CB: To family and friends, I’d say don’t be judgmental and avoid comments or criticisms about one’s physical appearance and eating habits. For those in need, there is no shame in seeking help. You deserve to have a life you can feel proud of and enjoy without feeling consumed by thoughts of food or body image.

Students who are struggling with eating disorders are encouraged to set up an or . Join SHS and CAPS for , a celebration of self-love with photo booths, ask a dietitian and FreshU, and more, Feb. 26 at Ferrell Commons 10 a.m.-noon.

Recently, UCF was named to The Princeton Review’s 2025 Mental Health Services Honor Roll. The honor roll features 16 institutions who have shown a strong commitment to their student’s mental health and well-being. Distinctions included overall administrative support for campus mental health and well-being through its policies including commitments to staffing and student support. The list also looked at the campus’ quality of life that is both healthy and attentive to overall well-being, and how well a school is empowering its students to address their own mental health through education programs and peer-to-peer offerings.

The Mental Health Services Honor Roll was developed for the benefit of students looking for, heading to, or currently enrolled in colleges; that they might see the types of services provided.

The Princeton Review noted UCF’s committed to mental health advocacy by providing reliable resources that students can access help and develop successful coping mechanisms through. Through programs such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which is free to all enrolled students, UCF is able to assist with a wide range of free mental health services such as single, solution-focused sessions, short-term individual and relationship counseling, and crisis services. CAPS also provides mental health support on a variety of stressors ranging from panic attacks to academic difficulty. Students are also able to meet via anonymous screening, one-off counseling session, telemental video, or group therapy. CAPS also has drop-ins and scheduled appointments, and there’s a 24-hour hotline that will immediately connect them to a licensed therapist should they need it.

UCF’s events and course offerings to students were also noted by The Princeton Review. Paws-a-tively Events brings animals to campus to help reduce stress and improve mood. Field of Memories: Be Aware, Show You Care is designed to bolster awareness of suicide on college campuses. Students can attend classes like MIEA Intro to Mindfulness, a series of four 90-minute courses that teach mindfulness and meditation techniques. There are also free one-off hour-long monthly workshops conveniently held online, ranging from “The 7 Types of Rest” to “Managing ADHD Symptoms.”

The system of peer support was also spotlighted. With Togetherall, a free 24/7 online platform, students at UCF and elsewhere can anonymously connect and discuss anything that’s bothering them. It also provides self-assessment tools and always has trained professionals on hand. There are also student-run organizations that promote mental health awareness, such as Active Minds. Members encourage their classmates to fight the stigma of mental health disorders, recognize the warning signs, and take proactive steps to ensure they stay healthy. Students can also participate in To Knights, With Love, a campus chapter of the global organization More Love Letters. Created to help foster supportive, loving environments, the group crafts uplifting letters for their peers and leaves them around campus.

In addition to the services highlighted, there are also other resources to help students balance their schoolwork with opportunities to refresh and recharge.

Academic Support

If you are looking for some additional support with particular classes, check out now through Dec. 4. The office is open Monday to Friday from 7 to midnight, Saturday from 9 to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Special operating hours may apply according to the șŁœÇֱȄ’s academic calendar and scheduling policies.

Before and during final exam week, theÌęÌęwill host multiple in-person and virtual final exam review sessions spanning a variety of academic subjects.

Ìęhelps you navigate state and university policies related to academic record changes, curriculum file management, degree audits and graduation requirements. For more information about any of these services, visitÌęMillican Hall,Ìęroom 161.

Mental Health Resources

It’s important to prioritize taking care of your mental health. Take advantage of these resources here at UCF to help you:

• : CAPS offers free mental health walk-ins, and their 24/7 crisis hotline can be reached by calling 407-823-2811 and pressing 5.
• : TAO is a self-guided interactive program that aids with managing anxiety, depression and other concerns.
• : Togetherall is a peer-to-peer space to connect with others experiencing similar feelings in a supportive environment, with trained professionals on hand 24/7.

Well-being Services

If you are facing unexpected challenges, reach out toÌęÌęfor wrap-around care and support. The office can be reached by calling 407-823-5607, emailingÌęcaremanager@ucf.eduÌęand by submitting aÌęÌęfor yourself or a fellow Knight.

Ìęoffers wellness coaching to assist with your health goals and help you make lifestyle changes to optimize your well-being. Staff can help with nutrition, physical activity, stress management and more. CallÌę407-823-5841Ìęto make an appointment.

Other UCF Resources

UCF has an abundance of additional resources available to you. Whether you need them now or down the road, please do not hesitate to reach out.

• : available for Knights who need support with items such as food, clothing and toiletries.
• : offers free legal advice, consultation and court representation in select areas of law that students encounter most often, including lease agreements and assistance.
• Emergency Funding: for those who are facing financial insecurity, contact Student Care Services for an application to be considered for emergency funds.
• : provides all members of the university community with an independent, confidential and neutral place to share concerns and seek resolution.
• : use this website as a guide to report an incident or concern.

Overall, online sports betting continues to surge in popularity, with a projected revenue of $100 billion in 2023, according to the American Gaming Association. Among college students, a 2023 survey revealed 60% of students gambled illegally and one in five used financial aid to support their habit.

The lure of “big wins” and advertising that promises low-risk fun is often the starting line, says Stephanie Spies, director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services at UCF.

“People only talk about their wins; they don’t discuss the losses,” Spies says.

That culture of silence and the social nature of sports betting contribute to a lack of stigma, particularly as compared to something like substance abuse. When sports betting gets out of control, it’s easier to hide than other addictive behaviors until it’s too late, says Karen Hofmann, director of UCF’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

“If you’re failing at it, no one is aware,” Hofmann says.

Developing a habit typically comes incrementally. For instance, a few bets and wins with friends over the March Madness season can still become problematic. That’s particularly the case when paired with other stressors like midterms, says Jennifer Calame, assistant director of Substance Use Disorder Services at UCF’s Student Health Services.

“Students feel like it’s not a problem because they don’t do it all the time,” she says. “But that doesn’t mean it can’t become problematic.”

There are several signs that sports betting is out of control, including:

• Financial issues: Inability to pay bills, frequently asking for money
• Neglecting responsibilities: Skipping classes, staying up late to gamble, missing work
• Relationship issues: Irritability, compulsive behavior, lying

Hofmann encourages anyone experiencing issues with sports betting to reach out and seek help. It can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to cope and make better behavioral choices. Calame reinforces that message and would applaud any student with the courage to seek assistance.

“There is still hope for you,” she says.

For immediate help, call or text the National Gambling Hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537). For free counseling, reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 407-823-2811.

Learn more here:

With Thanksgiving behind us and final exams and the holidays quickly approaching, this time of year often comes with increased anxiety and unease.

Breathe — you’ve got this! Make a plan for preparation, schedule time for study and for self-care, do one thing at a time and check things off the list as you go. You will reach the finish line.

To help you balance your schoolwork with opportunities to refresh and recharge, I am sharing the many UCF resources available to support your success and well-being.

Academic Support

If you are looking for some additional support with particular classes, check out now through Dec. 5. Before and during final exam week, the will host multiple in-person and virtual final exam review sessions spanning a variety of academic subjects.

helps you navigate state and university policies related to academic record changes, curriculum file management, degree audits and graduation requirements. For more information about any of these services, you can visit us in Millican Hall in Room 161.

Mental Health Resources

It’s important to prioritize taking care of your mental health. Take advantage of these resources here at UCF to help you:

• : CAPS offers free mental health walk-ins, and their 24/7 crisis hotline can be reached by calling 407-823-2811 and pressing 5.
• : TAO is a self-guided interactive program that aids with managing anxiety, depression and other concerns.
• : Togetherall is a peer-to-peer space to connect with others experiencing similar feelings in a supportive environment, with trained professionals on hand 24/7.

Well-being Services

If you are facing unexpected challenges, reach out to Ìęfor wrap-around care and support. The office can be reached by calling 407-823-5607, emailing caremanager@ucf.eduÌęand by submitting aÌęÌęfor yourself or a fellow Knight.

Ìęoffers wellness coaching to assist with your health goals and help you make lifestyle changes to optimize your well-being. Staff can help with nutrition, physical activity, stress management and more. CallÌę407-823-5841Ìęto make an appointment.

Other UCF Resources

UCF has an abundance of additional resources available to you. Whether you need them now or down the road, please do not hesitate to reach out.

• : available for Knights who need support with items such as food, clothing and toiletries.
• : offers free legal advice, consultation and court representation in select areas of law that students encounter most often, including lease agreements and assistance.
• Emergency Funding: for those who are facing financial insecurity, contact Student Care Services for an application to be considered for emergency funds.
• : provides all members of the university community with an independent, confidential and neutral place to share concerns and seek resolution.
• : use this website as a guide to report an incident or concern.

We wish you every success on final exams and a happy, safe holiday season.

Along with your program office, the college is here to help you during your time at UCF. From admissions to graduation, we provide a range of services, covering policy management, analysis, and the formulation of recommendations to enhance your graduate education. We also offer guidance for interdisciplinary and cooperative programs. For questions about graduate studies, our team is available to assist you in Millican Hall, room 230.

Navigating Campus

Home to over 68,000 students, UCF is a sprawling institution with various campuses around central Florida, including UCF Downtown, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, and the Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona. Our main campus located in Orlando spans about 1,420 acres organized in concentric rings designed to simplify your navigation.

Various modes of transportation are available to assist you in getting around the campus, along with additional choices for reaching other university locations.

Too hot to ride a Spin Scooter? You can opt for the Pegasus Express shuttles, which provide convenient transportation around the university. They run 7 a.m.—7 p.m. Monday through Friday, during fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays. Students can also access Lynx bus routes for free with a valid UCF ID, take a shuttle to downtown, Rosen College, or Lake Nona, and even get transportation to the local grocery store.

Select the Shuttles icon on the to keep track of the schedules and stops and see how far shuttles are from you in real-time.

Located on the first floor of the across from College Optical, UCF’s bike shop provides free bike repair services for students, including tire inflation, brake adjustments, fixing loose handlebars, and gear adjustments. Bike N’ Gold, UCF’s bike share program hosted by the Student Government, also offers free long-term bike rentals for periods of up to one semester.

Resources

UCF strives to make graduate students’ lives easier by providing resources to support them during their studies. TheÌęÌę(GSC) is a designated space for graduate students on our main campus in Trevor Colbourn Hall, Suite 213. The GSC provides complimentary and reservable study spaces, private conference rooms, and presentation rooms. Additionally, they organize cost-free events and workshops throughout the academic year to foster community among graduate students. Starting this semester, the center will also offer poster printing for students.

Though the prospect of diving into your thesis or dissertation might initially seem intimidating, rest assured that a range of support services is in place to accompany you on your academic journey. The Office of Graduate Student Life (GSL) coordinates the format review and final submission process for (ETDs), establishes deadlines for thesis and dissertation submissions, oversees policies related to these projects, and offers assistance to students, faculty, and staff. Beginning this semester, a dedicated graduate assistant will be available to help you format your work.

The John C. Hitt Library offers many resources and tools for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. You can schedule consultations with the subject librarian, attend graduate and postdoc workshops, find information about scholarly publishing, and view archival theses and dissertations in the STARS Repository. You can access the library’s services for graduate students and postdocs at .

The library is open seven days a week: Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m.—1 a.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.—7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.—6 p.m. and Sunday noon—1 a.m. Starting this semester, they will also offer hours Sunday through Thursday 1 a.m.— 6 a.m. Please note that a UCF ID card is required for entry during these hours and only allows access to a portion of the second floor. No library services or printing are available during this time, but there are computers, restrooms and water fountains.

Events and Opportunities

provides a variety of services to support graduate students throughout their time at UCF and help prepare them for what comes after graduation. They also organize events and social gatherings for graduate students throughout the year, including their monthly First Wednesday Café, where students can enjoy free bagels and coffee while learning about university resources available to graduate students.

Next week, they are hosting the Fall Semester Launch beginning Aug. 21 with many social and professional development events offered — from Donuts with the Deans to a funding workshop. Don’t miss out on all the networking opportunities and free food. Visit the for the schedule and to see other events taking place throughout the semester.

Building your community is an integral part of having a fulfilling graduate experience. Whether you want to get involved on campus or seek opportunities to network and make friends, UCF offers a range of registered student organizations (RSOs) tailored for graduate students. Notable groups include the Graduate Student Association and the Graduate Student Advisory Council. You can explore more opportunities on theÌęÌęportal, hosted by the Office of Student Involvement.

Support Services

The (UWC) is another valuable resource that offers free individual and small-group writing consultations to UCF community members. Their purpose is not to “fix” papers. Instead, the UWC provides a collaborative environment that creates opportunities to support writers’ learning to help them to better understand and navigate complex situations for writing, both in and outside the university. Their tutors are qualified UCF graduate and undergraduate students dedicated to helping you produce your best writing.

Though graduate school may be stressful at times, taking care of your mental health is always a priority.Ìę provides an assortment of workshops, group counseling, and one-on-one counseling services to all UCF students. They also offer a selection of virtual services and self-help resources. In addition, the College of Graduate Studies offers a webcourse called designed to help graduate students be more proactive with their mental wellness.

Prioritizing your physical health is equally important, and engaging in regular exercise can help alleviate stress and improve your mood. The (RWC) comprises many programs, such as intramural Sports, Sports Clubs, Outdoor Adventure, Fitness, and Aquatics. The RWC also includes various facilities such as our state-of-the-art fitness center, the Climbing Tower, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and Lake Claire Recreation Area. There is also a satellite fitness center on the downtown campus. The RWC is open to all currently enrolled students and offers many services aimed at helping UCF students be healthy knights.

There are many sources of financial support for graduate students at UCF, from fellowships and assistantships to tuition remission and health insurance. To find out more about UCF financial assistance opportunities, visit the College of Graduate StudiesÌę page. Visit UCF’s Office of Student Financial Assistance siteÌęfor student loans and other funding sources.

In case you encounter a crisis while at UCF, such as homelessness, an unforeseen emergency, or a catastrophic event, Student Care Services offers to graduate students. You can find the criteria and access the application on their website.

UCF has its own police department contributing to a secure campus environment. The currently employs approximately 80 sworn law enforcement officers between the main and the three regional campuses in Orlando. They provide many services, including safe escorts, notary services, bike and property registrations, and self-defense workshops.

We are committed to your success and intellectual development. We are rooting for you to walk across that stage at commencement. Our goal is simple — to help you achieve your dreams and become the best in your chosen field.

You have an opportunity to change the world, so take full advantage of it and enjoy the ride.

Keeping UCF a safe place to learn, live, work and play is a team effort that requires each of us to look out for ourselves and one another. Visit ’ website to learn about signs of distress.

If you are experiencing mental health crisis and need immediate help, always call 911. The National Suicide Hotline is also available 24/7/365 by dialing 988.

For Students

provides crisis-intervention services and comprehensive psychological services for students by appointment, walk-in or 24/7 hotline. CAPS can be reached by calling 407-823-2811. For after-hours services, call 407-823-2811 and press 5 to be connected to a licensed therapist.

UCF Student Care Services is the umbrella for student-related care resources and a great place to start if you are not sure where to go for help. Visit for resources and support with academics, finances or personal wellbeing. Free services and information are available for academic distress, homelessness, mental health concerns, financial challenges and more. E-mail ucfcares@ucf.edu or call 407-823-5607.

For Faculty and Staff

The , provided by Health Advocate, is a university-funded benefit that offers the support and resources you need to address any personal challenges and/or concerns that may affect your personal well-being and/or work performance. It is confidential and free to all faculty and staff (excluding OPS student employees) as well as their eligible family members, including spouses, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law. Health Advocate can be reached by calling their toll-free number at 877-240-6863 or by visiting their website at .

For Everyone

offers free, confidential advocacy and support to any student or employee who has been impacted by crime, violence or abuse. Specialists will explain options, make connections to appropriate campus and community resources, and provide other assistance. Reach a victim specialist 24/7 by calling 407-823-1200 or texting 407-823-6868 to discuss what you are experiencing.

“It’s really hard,” I said as I unsuccessfully fought back tears.

Everyone tells you parenting is hard, but no one tells you just how hard. You hear about the “baby blues” but not that you might endure weeks before finally experiencing a day without any tears — yours, not the baby’s.

She gave me a look of understanding and then told me she didn’t feel like herself until six months after the birth of her own children.

OK, I thought. Six months. March 2020.

Ha.

Come March 2020 on top of my anxiety, depression and self-confidence issues, I was dealing with something that no one had experience with and could give me advice on: parenting an infant during a global pandemic.

Add into the mix that my husband — who I love with my entire being — and I were trying to figure out how to be around each other constantly. That presented its own set of challenges.

My professional life, which was now being done from home, included writing thousands of words daily about the impacts of COVID to the university’s students, employees and operations, publishing a magazine issue, and a university presidential search.

And I expected to navigate all of this with the perfectionist standards I’ve had my entire life.

The “shoulds” took over, as they often do.

I should be able to write award-worthy stories.

I should be able to whip up a variety of homemade solid foods for my son so his nutritional needs are met and he doesn’t become a picky eater.

I should be waking up at 5 a.m. every day to run at least a 5K.

I should be able to do all of this and more because, in my mind, parents always have — and many during more dire circumstances with far fewer resources than I have.

But I just couldn’t do all of it and none of my go-to coping mechanisms — exercise, adequate sleep, limiting caffeine — were working.

“I was tired of measuring the success of each day by if I merely survived it. I didn’t want to just survive my life. I wanted to appreciate it and live it.”

By July 2020, I decided I couldn’t live like this anymore. I was tired of measuring the success of each day by if I merely survived it. I didn’t want to just survive my life. I wanted to appreciate it and live it.

I think that feeling coupled with my devotion to the only podcast I listen to religiously, Armchair Expert — which advocates the benefits of therapy nearly every episode — motivated me to finally take some action. The hosts Dax and Monica made me feel seen and like I wasn’t alone in needing help; that seeking counseling isn’t a sign of weakness — a philosophy of which I think our society has a long way to go.

I had heard about UCF’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which offers six sessions of free therapy per topic, but in the past I had always shooed away the idea. I shouldn’t need that. I have no major trauma in my life to cope with. I just need to suck it up and get through this.

But one day I vowed, today is the day I call. In less than 30 minutes, I was matched with a counselor. I had never done counseling, so I had no clue what to expect.

In my first online session, I explained my anxieties — that even though rationally I knew I was a good mom, a good wife, a good coworker, it didn’t keep me from feeling like nothing I did professionally or at home was good enough. That I was so overwhelmed at times, I was missing out on the joy of my son and my husband. That I wanted to be me again.

My counselor asked me an important question that has continued to help me shape the way I reason with myself when I start to spiral:

If a friend was telling you these same things about herself, what would you say to her?

I realized I couldn’t extend myself the same compassion that I would give anyone who was in such distress. And I mourned that I subjected myself to such negative self-talk when I would never let a friend talk about herself that way. Why couldn’t I want that for myself? How many days of my life have I ruined doing this?

So that’s what I’ve been working on. I’ve since done 11 video sessions with my counselor. We message from week to week in between sessions, and it has been so helpful to just talk to someone.

There are days I am better at giving myself grace than others. I’ve learned the end goal isn’t to be happy. Life isn’t happy all the time, and all of your emotions, even the tough ones, are meant to be experienced. That means you’re living.

My husband and I have even done a couple of counseling sessions together since EAP covers family members too. We both love each other, and we both are confident in the strength of our relationship, but again it’s free; what do we have to lose? One of the strategies we’ve adopted from counseling is to set aside time during the week to check in with each other; to hash out anything that might be lingering, address needs that aren’t being met, or tell each other about the moments we truly appreciated one another during the week.

I plan to continue counseling. I know now that practicing self-compassion and self-care need to be included among what we demand of ourselves.

I resent that our society doesn’t normalize, prioritize or validate mental health like it does physical health. Maybe if it did, I would have sought counseling sooner.

Nevertheless, I am here now and I am thankful that UCF offers the resources that serve as a reminder that, as Albus Dumbledore said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Resources available to UCF students and employees

UCF offers its to all non-student employees. This program provides resources to help employees and their eligible family members — including spouses, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law — to address any personal challenges and/or concerns that may affect personal well-being and/or work performance. The EAP, administered by Health Advocate, provides confidential, short-term counseling at no cost to the employee.

Health Advocate toll-free number: 877-240-6863

Health Advocate website:Ìę

If you are a student looking for help, (CAPS) is UCF’s mental health resource for students. You can visit CAPS’ website forÌę.ÌęStudents can also schedule phone or virtual consultation with CAPS byÌęcalling 407-823-2811 or visitingÌę.

Student Care ServicesÌęcontinues to work remotely with anyone who needs additional academic or personal support during this time.

Jenna Marina Lee is a features writer for the UCF Marketing and Communications department. She has also worked for the university’s alumni and athletics departments.

Togetherall provides a safe and anonymous peer-to-peer support network that allows participants to connect through online message boards to share their feelings, chat with others experiencing similar struggles, and offer help to one another. The system is facilitated and monitored by licensed mental health professionals who encourage engagement and guide students to resources.

“The most common reasons college students seek counseling are anxiety, depression, stress and relationship issues,” says Karen Hofmann, director of CAPS. “The pandemic exacerbated mental health issues and we know our students have been experiencing more isolation and disconnection during this challenging time.”

In addition to a variety of workshops and outreach events, CAPS offers individual and group counseling sessions both in person and virtually. Togetherall supplements these resources, offering real-time support mechanisms online to students around the clock, regardless of their location or time of day.

“CAPS serves about 8-10% of the student population, but there are many students who will not seek counseling services to manage their issues, whether that is due to stigma about getting help for mental health or scheduling conflicts,” says Hofmann. “Togetherall will add another platform to our continuum of care and students will have to look no further than their phone or computer to get support.”

Through Togetherall, students can also conduct self-assessments and take self-paced classes on dozens of topics, like substance use, time management, goal setting, coping with grief of loss, and managing anxiety and stress.

“For many students, college brings new mental health challenges or magnifies feelings that were already present,” says Matthew McEvoy, senior vice president and general manager of Togetherall in North America. “The Togetherall community helps to normalize that depression or anxiety or stress by connecting users who are dealing with the same issues or have overcome similar struggles. Togetherall is a safe space where they can find each other and anonymously, without fear of judgement, work through their shared lived experiences together.”

While users and their information are completely anonymous, Togetherall moderators, who are all licensed clinical professionals, have the ability to reach out directly to participants who may be in danger of self-harm.

The launch of the Togetherall system at UCF coincides with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S., according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. ÌęAccording to the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, anxiety and depression have been increasing over the last 10 years for students seeking counseling.

UCF is using Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds for Togetherall and will offer the system for at least a year.

To register and access Togetherall, students can visit and enter their Knights email.

Mandi Nelson, a junior advertising/public relations student and UCF social media ambassador, recently shared her perspective on the importance of mental health during this time.

“We are all complex human beings with stories, and often times with those stories come with challenges that we hold in and they build up over time because we don’t want to burden others,” she says. “But talking about your struggles is healthy and shouldn’t be stigmatized.”

As an advocate for mental health, Nelson’s awareness on the topic developed in high school after the sports fan saw NBA player Kevin Love and NFL player Hayden Hurst share their personal struggles. After exploring her own mental wellness journey for a while, Nelson decided to start using UCF’s in November 2019 to get some additional support. Throughout the pandemic, she’s continued to work with CAPS through virtual telehealth appointments, and the organization has returned to limited in-person services this semester.

“Focusing on my mental health has taught me to have more empathy for others and patience with myself,” Nelson says. In the video above, she discusses what the process of becoming involved with CAPS was like for her and how other students can get help.

For students who don’t feel they’re ready to go to CAPS or are looking for peers to connect with, Nelson suggests becoming involved with . The UCF chapter is part of a national organization that promotes mental health awareness and aims to change the conversation around the topic.

One piece of advice, Nelson says everyone can benefit from is finding self-care practices that work for you. To learn more about what her practices are and how she found them, watch the video.

To learn more about CAPS, visit . CAPS staff can be reached directly via phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 407-823-2811 (press 5 for after-hours support).

Students, even graduate students, are not immune to stress. Many are facing changes at work, in their home life, and a shift to remote learning.

“The need for social distancing has increased feelings of isolation, and due to the switch to remote learning, students are experiencing a lot of changes occurring at once,” says Rebbecca Estrada, a psychologist at UCF Counseling and Psychological Services.

CAPS offers a variety of services to help students facing mental-health challenges and the university’s CARES office provides referrals to additional on-campus and off-campus resources. Although UCF shifted to remote learning after Thanksgiving and the winter break is just around the corner, students will still have access to crisis services at CAPS. Students can access the crisis line by calling CAPS and hitting “5” for the after-hour services where therapists are available. CAPS also provides TAO, a self-guided interactive, web-based program that offers assistance to help overcome anxiety, depression, and other concerns.

The services are available to all UCF students. șŁœÇֱȄ employees who work with students were also required to take Kognito training Ìęthis year to help recognize students in distress. The Board of Governors earlier this month mandated all university employees take the training moving forward.Ìę But the first step is recognizing your stress or anxiety level and deciding to prioritize yourself.

“As graduate students, we tend to be hard on ourselves about academic productivity and it can be difficult to take a break,” says Emily Ross, a clinical psychology doctoral student. “We are also used to feeling in control of our situation. Unfortunately, there is a heightened sense of ambiguity and loss of control right now, which can be difficult to adjust to.”

Estrada offers some tips that may be especially useful during the winter break.

• Make time for yourself.
• Exercise, even if it’s just a walk around the block.
• Be aware of situations that may impact your mental health, and schedule relaxation time before and after.
• Reach out for social support.
• Sleep, getting rest is key.

For more tips access .

“This has been a difficult year,” Estrada says. “The pandemic changed the way we go about our daily lives. We have to be more intentional about caring for ourselves.”