Editor’s Note: The monthly “Elevate Well-Being” blog series shares thoughts and reflections of Clemson Well-Being Council members and University faculty and staff. Our August 2025 blog is courtesy Birma Gainor, director of Counseling and Psychological Services.
Taking care of yourself has never been more important than it is now, but we have less time than ever to do so. As the semester starts, we all try to take on new responsibilities, juggle multiple roles, support our loved ones and discover new things about ourselves. Sometimes it seems like a tall order to do all of that and also take care of ourselves physically and psychologically. No one wants to hear that they should take care of themselves before they can care for someone else (oddly enough!). But time and again, I see when people do not prioritize their own mental health — in addition to obligations that stretch us thin — stress only gains more of a foothold. As stress increases, it opens a pathway for less positive thoughts, and a reduction in self-care widens that space.
While everyone doesn’t have thoughts of self-dislike or self-harm, many do, at least fleetingly. When these thoughts are more frequent or less fleeting, or you find yourself responding to these thoughts by ruminating, it becomes necessary to do something to address your health.
When we make a plan for self-care around the roller coasters of life, we proactively address the stress we experience in our lives. I do this by making an appointment with myself by planning something I enjoy. Clemson and the surrounding area are full of activities and events that may give you a boost or a break; you deserve to devote time to yourself as much as you devote to academics or professional responsibilities.
Below is a (non-exhaustive) list of some resources on or close to campus you may find helpful.
Campus Recreation has indoor and outdoor activities and resources accessible to students and employees , including fitness programs, Clemson Outdoor Recreation and Education (CORE), and intramural or club sports.
Clemson Experimental Forest is a local landscape managed by the University which includes 100 miles of shoreline, rivers, streams, scenic trails and a dedicated lake, along with 800 acres of campus farms and historic sites.
The South Carolina Botanical Garden is 900+ acres of cultivated landscapes and natural woodlands. Additionally, neighboring counties have many examples of varied nature surrounding our University.
Taking care of yourself can be a big job; support makes it feel much more manageable. People around you are always more willing to help than you think, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. But if you are worried about bothering someone, we have many other resources to help you when life seems unmanageable. Counseling and Psychological Services is always available as an on-campus resource for students, or someone trying to help a student. Calling 864-656-2451 during business hours will allow you to speak to a counselor and determine how to best meet your needs. If you are in crisis, staff are available in person to help. If you need help after hours, call 656-2451 and select option 2 to speak to a counselor. You may also call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
If you are a faculty or staff member, I encourage you to utilize the Employee Assistance Program. We have help through our ComPsych program for 24/7 Live Assistance by calling 866-465-0813 or reaching out through the GuidanceNow app.
Having thoughts of self-harm isn’t a sign you want to hurt yourself — it can be a symptom of stress or emotional struggles. Don’t judge yourself if these thoughts occur and know many people have these types of thoughts at one time or another. The key is to be aware of what may be causing the thoughts and have the willingness to take care of yourself. As Clemson family, we don’t just care for each other, we also care for ourselves. We’ve learned we can only pour from a cup that’s full.
