Tips While Waiting for Support Appointments
Waiting for an appointment for support or treatment can be stressful and that’s normal. Below are some resources that might be helpful for you while you wait.
- Student Support Services (for undergraduate students) – has virtual drop in hours Mondays – Fridays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- MIT Student Mental Health & Counseling Service’s Access Team – available 24-hours for urgent matters by calling 617-253-2916
Talk with other students
There are many great peer to peer groups on campus that might be able to help you while you wait. Here are a few student groups that focus their efforts on student health and wellbeing:
- Wellbeing Ambassadors
- MedLinks
- PLEASURE
- REFS – Use this survey to connect with a REFS member. Interested in becoming a REFS member? Contact refssupport@mit.edu.
- Residential Peer Mentors – Consult with a member of your house team to find your residence’s PM’s.
Reach out to loved ones
Call or text a friend or loved one to talk or just to check in on how they are doing.
Check out resources in the local community
There are a lot of resources outside of MIT, including in Boston and Cambridge, that might be helpful.
We all cope and navigate feelings differently. Try to integrate one new healthy coping strategy into your routine. Be patient with yourself, it takes time to learn and change habits.
Try writing down your feelings
It can be helpful to track your mood and behaviors as you wait for services. Are you feeling preoccupied, stressed, or anxious? Write down your goals and hopes for the future. You might consider bringing this list to your appointment to share with the support staff you meet with. It takes some pressure off you to remember several weeks back and gives your service provider an accurate picture of what your mental health has been.
Get outside
Even if it is only sitting in the sun or going for a five-minute walk. This can break up your day and help you refocus your energy for a moment.
Slow down your thoughts through movement
- Take a Wake up & Stretch class from MIT Recreation to get your day started
- Virtual Zumba Class – Tuesdays at 12pm
Try mindfulness
- Telephone Guide Meditation – Call 617-253-CALM (2256) for a guided, three-minute relaxation recording
- Free Guided meditations with Tara Brach
- Try a mindfulness app – Some examples are Calm, 10% Happier, Headspace (student rate is $10 per year), Oak, and Smiling Mind.
Practice gratitude
- 20 questions to help you practice gratitude
- Daily gratitude questions
- There are also some great Gratitude Apps available to you for free like Bliss Journal and Gratitude Journal
Get quality sleep
- Sleep tips from Community Wellness at MIT Medical
- Print and Audio Sleep Resources
- Journal prompts for better sleep
There are always resources available for you 24/7 and on nights and weekends. If you need support before your appointment, contact any of the resources below:
- Dean on Call – 617-253-1212 (ask to speak with the Dean on Call)
- MIT Urgent Care – 617-253-1311
- MIT Urgent Mental Health Concerns – 617-253-2916
- MIT Police – 617-253-1212 or dial 911
- ULifeline Crisis Text Line – Text “START” to 741-741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 1-800-273- 8255
For other tips to prioritize your wellbeing visit doingwell.mit.edu.