A new 'pick me up' for SDSU students

Health experts from across San Diego State University have collaborated to produce a timely new resource for students with questions about mental health or just experiencing everyday anxiety or worries: a Pick Me Up Kit, available from the San Diego State University Library.

The kits cover resources related to the mental health topics of anxiety, depression, self-care, substance misuse, and trauma. Each kit contains books, relevant resources available on campus and online, and sometimes a small support item such as a fidget toy, all packaged in a canvas tote bag. 

“It is so nice that the school is acknowledging mental health,” said Halina Santos, an aerospace engineering student excited by the kits and said, ”And I really like the fidget!”

Health Sciences Librarian Cat Ellis collaborated with Mark Teles, a clinic therapist at Counseling and Psychological Services, and Libby Skiles, executive director of Student Health Services, to create the resource. 

“My colleagues and I at Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS) are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the University Library and Student Health Services in supporting the well-being of our community,” Teles said. “We hope students find these kits to be one of the many accessible and supportive resources available to them through SDSU. All of us here at C&PS remain committed to supporting the well-being of our community as well as the success of our students.”

Skiles called the kits “a great way for our community members to access resources and information about mental health and well-being.”

“Mental health plays such an important role in our well-being, and finding resources can sometimes be overwhelming or intimidating,” Skiles said.

The kits are kept at the Circulation Desk for checkout; the contents and tote bag may be kept for up to four weeks.

Ellis was inspired to find resources about mental health issues by her mother, who is a school psychologist. “I grew up surrounded by psychologists discussing mental health issues, and I am very aware of the need for easily accessible information,” she said. “I am really excited to be able to do this project.”

For the kits, she carefully selected books that are evidence-based and reflect the diversity of the SDSU student population. There are multiple books in each kit, including non-fiction, memoirs, and graphic novels.

“We don’t expect anyone to read all the books, but there is a variety so each person can choose what works best for them,” she said.

Aerospace Engineering student Alan Figueroa said, “I think it’s great to give people a place to begin and easy access to information.”

Ellis emphasized the kits are not a substitute for professional care when needed. She hopes they will help students who are unsure if they are ready to approach a health professional, who want more information about a topic, or used as an add-on to professional care. She especially wants those who might be experiencing mental health challenges to know “they aren’t the only ones” and hopes that these easily accessible kits will help reinforce that idea. 

“The University Library has collaborated with campus partners, including Student Health Services and Associated Students, for years on issues related to health and wellness,” said Scott Walter, dean of the University Library, “and this makes sense given the nature of the library as a campus space where thousands of students come every day to conduct research, complete assignments, and prepare for upcoming deadlines in the classroom, at work, or at home. 

“We know that our students regularly come to the library with the need to juggle deadlines, manage stress, and gain access to the resources they need to thrive at SDSU, and we believe these new kits, like our single-use study rooms, will become an important part of the library contribution to the SDSU commitments to health, wellness, and student success.”

For those in need of immediate assistance with a mental health struggle, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just in need of someone to talk to, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7/365 for counseling support by call, text or chat.