Helpful Websites and Resources
Mental Health Readings and Videos by Topic
Please check out some of the resources we have found for you! For campus specific resources, please check out the Campus Resource Guide.
Ted X Talk on overcoming Anxiety- Jonas Kolker’s talk explores the concept of “embracing the suck.” How does one turn a diagnosis into activism, empowerment and coaching?
Ted X Talk on Rethinking anxiety: Learning to face fear- Dr. Dawn Huebner believes we can all be taught to overcome fear and anxiety. In this engaging talk she explains how anyone, at any age, can conquer debilitating fear.
Ted X Talk on breaking the loop of anxiety- Colin suffered from a panic disorder caused by a malaria prophylaxes for over 2 years. During a behavioral therapy, he learned how to break out of the vicious circle of anxiety. But not only that, he also realized how to use the same approach to form new stress relieving routines in his life. A personal journey about anxiety, stress and happiness.
Ted X Talk on Getting stuck in the negatives (and how to get unstuck) by Alison Ledgerwood
Ted X Talk on Mindset- Dr. Crum says the biggest game changer is “YOU, by harnessing the power of your mind." She explores scientific results that show the influence of the mindset on the body, and how changing the subjective mindset produced different outcomes.
Ted X Talk on Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck.
Ted X Talk on Emotional Mastery: The Gifted Wisdom of Unpleasant Feelings- What often blocks people from feeling capable in life and from having greater success with finances, health or relationships is how they handle unpleasant feelings. Psychologist Joan Rosenberg unveils the innovative strategy and surprising keys for experiencing the challenging emotions that lie at the heart of confidence, emotional strength, and resilience.
Ted Talk on "I'm Fine" - Learning To Live With Depression by Jake Tyler.
Ted Talk titled “This could be why you're depressed or anxious” by Johann Hari.
Ted Talk titled “The power of vulnerability” by Brené Brown. https
Ted Talk titled “Why Im done trying to be “man enough” by Justin Baldoni.
Ted Talk titled “How to do laundry when you are depressed” by KC Davis
The Missing Ingredient in Self Care | Portia Jackson-Preston | TEDxCrenshaw:
Many titles can be located online or through the Mardigian Library database.
1. Davis, M., Eshelman, E. R., & McKay, M. (2019). The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook. United States: New Harbinger Publications.
2. Stahl, B., & Goldstein, E. (2010). A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook. United States: New Harbinger Publications.
3. Robertson, J. C. (2018). Anxiety: Stress Management Guide for Overcoming Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, and Panic Attacks Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnosis and Meditation: Understand Psychology and Remove Shyness. Saginaw, MI: Joel Robertson.
4. Dugas, M. J., & Robichaud, M. (2015). The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Workbook: A Comprehensive CBT Guide for Coping with Uncertainty, Worry, and Fear. United States: New Harbinger Publications.
5. Eifert, G. H., & Forsyth, J. P. (2016). The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety: A Guide to Breaking Free from Anxiety, Phobias, and Worry Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. United States: New Harbinger Publications.
6. Raja, S. (2012). Overcoming Trauma and PTSD: A Workbook Integrating Skills from ACT, DBT, and CBT. United States: New Harbinger Publications.
7. Schwartz, A. (2017). The Complex PTSD Workbook: A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole. United States: ALTHEA Press.
8. Jaque, S. V., & Thomson, P. (2019). Creativity, Trauma, and Resilience. United States: Lexington Books.
9. Charney, D. S., Southwick, S. M. (2018). Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
10. Henderson, N. (2012). The Resiliency Workbook: Bounce Back Stronger, Smarter and with Real Self-Esteem. United States: Resiliency in Action.
11. Reivich, K., Shatte, A. (2003). The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength and Overcoming Life's Hurdles. United States: Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale
12. Livheim, Fredrik. (2018). The mindfulness & acceptance workbook for stress reduction [electronic resource] : using acceptance & commitment therapy to manage stress, build resilience & create the life you want. Oakland, CA : New Harbinger Publications.
13. Kreisman, J & Straus, H. (2021). I Hate You--Don't Leave Me: Third Edition: Understanding the Borderline Personality. TarcherPerigee; 3rd edition
14. Tolle, E. (2004). The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. New World Library
15. Mason, P. & Kreger, R. (2010). Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder. New Harbinger Publications; Second edition
Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief will be. Grieving is a personal and highly individual experience. How you grieve depends on many factors, including your personality and coping style, your life experience, your faith, and the nature of the loss. The grieving process takes time. Healing happens gradually; it can’t be forced or hurried—and there is no “normal” timetable for grieving. Some people start to feel better in weeks or months. For others, the grieving process is measured in years. Whatever your grief experience, it’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold.
Stages of Grief
Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.”
Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”
Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in return I will ____.”
Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”
Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what happened.”
If you are experiencing any of these emotions following a loss, it may help to know that your reaction is natural and that you’ll heal in time. However, not everyone who grieves goes through all of these stages—and that’s okay. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to go through each stage in order to heal. In fact, some people resolve their grief without going through any of these stages. And if you do go through these stages of grief, you probably won’t experience them in a neat, sequential order, so don’t worry about what you “should” be feeling or which stage you’re supposed to be in.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Grief
Shock and disbelief – Right after a loss, it can be hard to accept what happened. You may feel numb, have trouble believing that the loss really happened, or even deny the truth. If someone you love has died, you may keep expecting him or her to show up, even though you know he or she is gone.
Sadness – Profound sadness is probably the most universally experienced symptom of grief. You may have feelings of emptiness, despair, yearning, or deep loneliness. You may also cry a lot or feel emotionally unstable.
Guilt – You may regret or feel guilty about things you did or didn’t say or do. You may also feel guilty about certain feelings (e.g. feeling relieved when the person died after a long, difficult illness). After a death, you may even feel guilty for not doing something to prevent the death, even if there was nothing more you could have done.
Anger – Even if the loss was nobody’s fault, you may feel angry and resentful. If you lost a loved one, you may be angry with yourself, God, the doctors, or even the person who died for abandoning you. You may feel the need to blame someone for the injustice that was done to you.
Fear – A significant loss can trigger a host of worries and fears. You may feel anxious, helpless, or insecure. You may even have panic attacks. The death of a loved one can trigger fears about your own mortality, of facing life without that person, or the responsibilities you now face alone.
Physical symptoms – We often think of grief as a strictly emotional process, but grief often involves physical problems, including fatigue, nausea, lowered immunity, weight loss or weight gain, aches and pains, and insomnia.
Importance of Taking Care of Yourself
When you’re grieving, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself. The stress of a major loss can quickly deplete your energy and emotional reserves. Looking after your physical and emotional needs will help you get through this difficult time.
Face your feelings. You can try to suppress your grief, but you can’t avoid it forever. In order to heal, you have to acknowledge the pain. Trying to avoid feelings of sadness and loss only prolongs the grieving process. Unresolved grief can also lead to complications such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems.
Express your feelings in a tangible or creative way. Write about your loss in a journal. If you’ve lost a loved one, write a letter saying the things you never got to say; make a scrapbook or photo album celebrating the person’s life; or get involved in a cause or organization that was important to him or her.
Look after your physical health. The mind and body are connected. When you feel good physically, you’ll also feel better emotionally. Combat stress and fatigue by getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising. Don’t use alcohol or drugs to numb the pain of grief or lift your mood artificially.
Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel, and don’t tell yourself how to feel either. Your grief is your own, and no one else can tell you when it’s time to “move on” or “get over it.” Let yourself feel whatever you feel without embarrassment or judgment. It’s okay to be angry, to yell at the heavens, to cry or not to cry. It’s also okay to laugh, to find moments of joy, and to let go when you’re ready.
Plan ahead for grief “triggers.” Anniversaries, holidays, and milestones can reawaken memories and feelings. Be prepared for an emotional wallop, and know that it’s completely normal. If you’re sharing a holiday or lifecycle event with other relatives, talk to them ahead of time about their expectations and agree on strategies to honor the person you loved.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224 (TTY)
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Wayne County
First Step:
734-722-6800
888-453-5900
ACCESS
313-216-2204
Oakland County
Haven:
248-334-1274
Women's Survival Center:
248-335-2685
Macomb County
Turning Point
586-463-4430
Counseling and Psychological Services
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128