Dr. Danielle Liso returned to speak at MEGA Monday on April 15 at the CF Ocala Learning Resources Center. MEGA Monday is a recurring event with a focus on mental health. This talk was about developing advanced coping skills.
Finals are upon us, and it’s a stressful time for many students. Dr. Liso spoke about the causes of stress and how the symptoms can present emotionally, mentally and physically. She explained that thinking negatively contributes to stress, following up with ways students can combat negative thoughts. Students were offered free coffee, cookies, and pop fidget toys.
Dr. Liso defined the word “coping” as how we deal with things. She explained that it is a strategy that works with a varying degree of success. She acknowledged that the effectiveness of coping can change from day to day.
Dr. Liso stated that we are in control of our thoughts. She relayed that changing the way we think could have a positive impact on our mental well-being. Dr. Liso offered ways to cope with stress: taking deep breaths, playing video games or reading. She urged students to take breaks instead of working nonstop. She also said that volunteerism, forgiveness and gratitude are beneficial to mental health.
Dr. Liso explained the problems of perfectionism and negative self-talk. Perfectionism leads people to believe that their mistakes are equivalent to failure. Negative self-talk purports that when anything goes wrong, it’s because of our shortcomings. Dr. Liso pointed out that these ideas are too extreme and could easily ruin our day. She said that mitigating these thoughts is possible by choosing to see the best in everything.