UCSD - University of California - San Diego
10/31/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2024 03:12
Managing Emotions in Our Daily Lives
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October 31, 2024Article Content
How can we identify symptoms of anxiety and depression? What strategies can we use to improve those symptoms? What is the relationship between mental and physical health?
As part of its ongoing commitment to support the well-being of its campus community members, UC San Diego recently hosted two days of workshops entitled "Mental Health: Practical Strategies to Manage Emotions in Our Daily Lives," with a presentation designed to answer these questions and provide attendees with practical tools to enhance emotional resilience and navigate mental health challenges.
The latest in UC San Diego's Equity in Mental Healthquarterly series, these workshops were hosted by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)and funded by the University of California Office of the President. Since its launch last year, the series has covered topics ranging from addressing burnout in higher education to exploring wellness and rest. Each event is part of the university's broader effort to promote trauma-informed practices and provide essential mental health resources.
To serve UC San Diego's diverse population, the fall quarter workshops were held on Oct. 8 in Spanish at the Faculty Club and on Oct. 10 in English in the Dolores Huerta/Philip Vera Cruz Room. Both sessions included interpretation services to ensure accessibility for all attendees.
Held in Spanish, the Oct. 8 workshop reached capacity and brought together students, faculty and staff from across campus to learn strategies for emotional resilience and mental health.
"This quarter's events reflect our commitment to supporting all members of our UC San Diego community, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to access tools and resources they need to flourish," said Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Becky R. Petitt. "It is essential that we equip ourselves with practical strategies to manage our emotions in daily life. Our EDI Equity in Mental Health series continues to provide opportunities to learn through training."
The featured speaker, Dalia Pimentel, is a mental health expert known for her work with Latinx and underserved populations. A graduate of La Verne University, where she earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology and community, Pimentel uses her bilingual and bicultural background to connect deeply with her patients. Her clinical expertise focuses on treating individuals with chronic pain and traumatic brain injuries, as well as understanding the stress that comes with adapting to new environments.
Dalia Pimentel
During her presentation, Pimentel highlighted the strong connection between mental and physical health, explaining how emotional struggles can manifest physically if left unchecked.
"When we're talking about mental health, we're also talking about physical health. It's related, and our body reacts to stress and depression," Pimentel explained. "If you're going through stress, anxiety, depression-and especially if you're having a hard time expressing it-then it can manifest in pain in your body or other medical illnesses that have no explanation."
Pimentel's presentation covered key mental health topics, including the relationship between thoughts, behaviors and emotions, as well as strategies for managing stress and emotional challenges. She discussed how neglecting mental health can negatively impact both personal and professional life, and shared tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy, deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation.
In addition to offering techniques for self-care, Pimentel also addressed the impact of workplace stress on emotional well-being. Work can be both a source of fulfillment and stress, she said, underscoring the importance of setting boundaries and knowing when to step back. According to Pimentel, it's important to recognize when work is impacting your mental health, and to adopt strategies such as setting reasonable standards, taking breaks and asking for help when needed.
For many attendees, the practical tools shared during the workshop provided new ways to address their own stress. Esther Lopez Gonzalez, a senior custodian for Eighth College, found the event held in Spanish to be particularly impactful.
"I am grateful for the opportunity UC San Diego has given us to attend the mental health equity event in my language (Spanish). It is essential to understanding what they are teaching us," said Lopez Gonzalez. "At this event, they gave us advice that I understood perfectly, and I am putting it into practice and have been feeling better. I have been able to reduce stress and anxiety, and I would like to learn more."
One of the most memorable moments of the event was an imaginary exercise in which Pimentel guided attendees through a mental simulation of being lost in an alley. Participants were asked to notice their physical and emotional responses, with the exercise highlighting the body's natural "fight or flight" responses that often occurs during stressful situations.
How to Manage Work Stress
During her presentation, Pimentel shared the following strategies for managing stress in the workplace:
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Take breaks
- 10 minutes of rest can help "reset" your emotional state
- Take a walk
- Get fresh air
- Breathe
- Have a social interaction with someone
- Walk away from the situation
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Set reasonable standards
- Do you say yes to everything and don't know how to say no?
- Do you feel responsible for everything that happens at work and take responsibility for things that are not yours?
- Set limits
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Don't expect perfection
- People who are perfectionists and inflexible tend to have higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression
- Clarify your job description
Featured speaker Dalia Pimentel, second from left, is pictured with Belinda Zamacona, left, deputy chief of staff for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Maddy Agamata, second from right, cultural events manager; and project coordinator Miriam Wood Alameda, right.
The first 20 participants to arrive at the event received a copy of "Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?" by Dr. Julie Smith, a resource that offers practical mental health advice. The event also included lunch, providing time for attendees to connect with one another and reflect on the presentation.
As UC San Diego moves into the second year of its Equity in Mental Health initiative, the university remains committed to building a culture of care. These workshops, along with the other events in the series and its companion podcast, aim to provide the tools and support necessary for members of the Triton community to thrive both personally and professionally. Information on upcoming events will be made available on the Equity in Mental Health website as event details are finalized.