Texas Tech University School of Law Mental Health Wellness Toolkit

This toolkit provides a framework with which you can develop a holistic, healthy approach to overcome distressing symptoms such as anxiety and depression. This toolkit is designed as an aid for learning positive skills to assist in times of stressful situations.

Please be advised that this is simply a guide and does not replace medical assistance by your physician. If you are in immediate crisis, please call 911 immediately.

Wellness Resources:

•  The Texas Tech University College of Education Counseling and Education Program provides wellness support to law students in the Wellness Room. To schedule an appointment, please contact Associate Dean Sofia Chapman at sofia.capman@ttu.edu. All wellness support meetings are confidential.
• The Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program provides confidential help for law students, lawyers, and judges with substance abuse or mental health issues. Their website is: https://www.tlaphelps.org/.
• The Texas Tech Crisis Helpline (806-742-5555) is a 24-hour service to assist students experiencing a mental health or interpersonal violence crisis. Crisis counselors are familiar with Texas Tech University and Lubbock community resources and will be able to direct the caller to appropriate resources. 

Food and Supplies Assistance:

•  The Law School's Food Pantry is available to all law students. Please contact Dean Chapman at sofia.chapman@ttu.edu if you need assistance.
• Law students may also visit Texas Tech University's Raider Red's Food Pantry for assistance. Please see their website for further information.
• The Lubbock South Plains Food Bank provides assistance for all Lubbock citizens.
• The Texas Tech Law School Foundation Student Emergency Fund provides limited financial assistance to currently enrolled Texas Tech law students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of an unanticipated, temporary hardship resulting from an emergency situation or other disruption in their educational lives. Please contact Dean Chapman at sofia.chapman@ttu.edu for the application.

Mindfulness Meditation:

Mindfulness meditation assists with calmness, often achieved by focusing your awareness on the present moment and accepting any feelings, thoughts, and sensations. Regular practice enhances your overall health and reduces stress levels significantly.

You may access free Mindfulness Meditation videos on YouTube. This is a great five-minute video from UCLA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFSc7Ck0Ao0.

Wellness Room:

The Wellness Room is a place where students can meditate, relax, and enjoy aromatherapy for 30 minutes to one hour—no studying allowed. Please contact Dean Chapman at sofia.chapman@ttu.edu for more information.

Wellness Wednesday:

On the second Wednesday of the month, SWAC and the Office for Student Life encourage students to gather together, de-stress, and enjoy healthy snacks such as fruit, muffins, sandwiches, and salads.

Well-Being in Law Week:

Each year, the Office for Student Life celebrates Well-Being in Law Week with events such as Yoga and Smoothies.

World Mental Health Day:

Each year, the Law School celebrates World Mental Health Day in October with events such as yoga and mindfulness meditation sessions, and the provision of fun mental health themed swag.

“On the Menu” Food Series:

The Office for Student Life hosts this food series for students during finals. Finals week begins with the “Breakfast for Dinner” event in which breakfast is served by Tech Law administrators and faculty. Students are then provided lunch each day during finals. Coffee and hot cocoa are also provided each day of finals for students.

Workout Tips:

• Take some time each day to get outside as Vitamin D is essential to your health. Taking a walk or going for a run is a great, inexpensive way to get physical exercise. If you have a backyard or patio, consider allocating a few hours of study time or work time outside.
• The Texas Tech University Department of University Recreation and the Student Recreation Center is a comprehensive fitness, leisure, and wellness department with world-class facilities and cutting-edge programs and services. All Texas Tech law students are eligible to use the recreation center. Please see here for more information: Student Rec Center | University Recreation | TTU

Chatting with Chapman:

Contact Dean Chapman if you would like to schedule a “Chatting with Chapman” meeting with her. The purpose of “Chatting with Chapman” is to provide students and Dean Chapman with the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue related to student success. “Chatting with Chapman” meetings are usually scheduled during the lunch or dinner hour. Contact Dean Chapman at 
sofia.chapman@ttu.edu for great conversation and a free meal!

Grounds for Review Coffee Bar:

The Office for Student Life and SBA are excited to announce that we will be hosting “Grounds for Review,” a free coffee bar for all students during the academic year and during summer school. We will have coffee, cream, sugar, and syrup available in the Office for Student Life from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Things to remember:

• It is always important to strive to do your best. However, it is equally important to remember that you are human and you don't have to be perfect in law school. 
• Patience and understanding with yourself and others is key.
• Be aware of triggers and develop a plan to manage triggers.
• It is okay to ask for help.