Because Life Happens

Welcome to Season 3 of Because Life Happens - a podcast presented by Wolverine Support Network.

Three Michigan freshmen discuss their experiences coming to Michigan this year, focusing on mental health and managing their expectations of college with the realities.

We talk to Michigan students, as well as Mario Nanos and Jamaine Atkins, President and VP of Washtenaw County Families Against Narcotics, about substance abuse in young people. For more information on FAN: familiesagainstnarcotics.org/washtenaw.

In this episode, we are joined by two U of M students, Spencer Semple and Zoe Garden, to discuss the impact of social media on mental health. From not using social media at all to running an Instagram blog, our guests will talk about their personal experiences with social media use, how social media has affected their mental health throughout their lives, as well as share some helpful tips for maintaining a healthy relationship with social media.

In this episode, we will hear 5 members of WSN to discuss the impact that COVID has had on students’ mental health, as well as helpful coping mechanisms. By listening to unique perspectives and experiences, we talk about how despite the different ways students were affected by COVID, no one is alone in feeling lonely or depressed and there are other people going through similar things. If you find yourself in distress or need immediate help call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or text HOME to 741-741 to talk to someone at the Crisis Text Line. U of M’s Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS for short, offers counseling and other services to any U of M student. Need help with an urgent mental health concern? CAPS After Hours lets you speak with a counselor at 734-764-8312.

In this episode, we are joined by representatives from three different U of M student organizations — Black Student Union, Dil Se, and Arab Student Association — to talk about their experiences with mental health. We discuss their personal experiences growing up in their culture and also how their experiences changed in college due to the impact of their cultural organizations.

While these members come from organizations associated with a specific culture or ethnic identity, these individuals' experiences are not reflective of all experiences of people who identify with this group. Our hope is that listeners can relate to & appreciate this dialogue and learn more about their fellow students’ experiences.

If you find yourself in distress or need immediate help call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or text HOME to 741-741 to talk to someone at the Crisis Text Line. U of M’s Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS for short, offers counseling and other services to any U of M student. Need help with an urgent mental health concern? CAPS After Hours lets you speak with a counselor at 734-764-8312.

In this episode, we are joined by two U of M freshmen, Mateo Brown and Marcel Wong, to talk about the experience of freshmen on U-M’s campus during this new COVID-19 reality. We discuss ways to take care of yourself, how other students and staff can support freshmen, and advice for students struggling with similar issues.

If you find yourself in distress or need immediate help call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or text HOME to 741-741 to talk to someone at the Crisis Text Line. U of M’s Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS for short, offers counseling and other services to any U of M student. Need help with an urgent mental health concern? CAPS After Hours lets you speak with a counselor at 734-764-8312.

In this episode, we are joined by two U of M students, Sophie Busch and Nikoo Ghaffarloo, to talk about the practice of yoga and its benefits for mental and physical health. As a member of the executive board for the Michigan Yoga Club, Sophie provides insight into getting started with a regular yoga practice, no matter how much experience you may have. Nikoo is a certified yoga instructor and discusses the impact yoga has had on her, as well as leads us in a breathing practice from 6:24-13:39.

If you find yourself in distress or need immediate help call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or text HOME to 741-741 to talk to someone at the Crisis Text Line. U of M’s Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS for short, offers counseling and other services to any U of M student. Need help with an urgent mental health concern? CAPS After Hours lets you speak with a counselor at 734-764-8312.

The practice of meditation is known to reduce stress, increase self awareness, and improve overall emotional health. This episode explores the benefits of meditation and how to incorporate a daily practice into your lifestyle with the help of two guests, Brandon Klein and Mac Realo. Brandon is a former U of M student who is now a practicing meditation coach, and Mac is currently a U of M student who founded Mindful Michigan. The first 24 minutes feature a conversation about meditation with Brandon and Mac, and Mac leads us through a guided meditation beginning at 24:56 to help get you started with your own practice.

*CONTENT WARNING: obsessive thoughts and death discussed.*

If you find yourself in distress or need immediate help call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or text HOME to 741-741 to talk to someone at the Crisis Text Line. U of M’s Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS for short, offers counseling and other services to any U of M student. Need help with an urgent mental health concern? CAPS After Hours lets you speak with a counselor at 734-764-8312.

Wolverine Support Network presents: Because Life Happens, a podcast made by students, for students.