DACA Support Resources

The staff of the Counseling Center have been following the recent developments with the DACA program, and know that the recommendation to terminate the program will have a significant impact on students who are DACA recipients and/or have close friends and family who are recipients. During this time of uncertainty, we want to be sure that members of the Sam Houston community are aware of our commitment to provide support to those affected by the DACA decision. 

Resources for those affected by the DACA decision:

General Information:

What Do I Need to Know if the DACA Program Ends? by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) (8/31/18)

https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/daca_update-20180831.pdf

Mental Health & Civil Rights Resources from National Immigration Law Center

https://www.nilc.org/mental-health-and-civil-rights-resources/

 

Things you can do to take care of yourself

  • Reach out and talk to someone. There are people who care about you! Do not worry about burdening them; they can decide if they are not able to listen and be supportive.
  • Try to get back to your regular routine. This will help you feel like things are returning to normal.
  • Spend time with others (e.g., friends, family, or members of an organization).
  • Give yourself permission to feel however you feel. Again, everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.
  • Do things that make you feel good (e.g., a favorite hobby).
  • Take care of your body.
    • Get plenty of rest and sleep.
      • Journaling before bed/if you wake up in the middle of the night may help with nightmares/sleeping difficulties.
      • Limit use of electronic devices (e.g., phone, TV, tablet, computer) when you are trying to fall asleep.
      • Listen to soothing music or turn on a fan for background noise.
    • Eat well-balanced and regular meals (even if you do not feel like it).
    • Drink plenty of water. Try to avoid drinks with caffeine (e.g., coffee, soda, or tea), as they may make you feel more anxious and jittery.
    • Even a 30-minute walk around campus a few times a week can be helpful.
  • Limit use of alcohol and other substances. While they may offer temporary relief, they prevent you from actually working through your thoughts, feelings, and reactions.
  • Engage in relaxing activities (e.g., meditation, yoga, reading, getting some fresh air, listening to soothing music; visit the Self-Help section of the Counseling Center’s website for more Relaxation Techniques)
  • Manage your time effectively. Make a to-do list, and then prioritize items that need to be done today. Be sure to include and prioritize self-care activities on your daily to-do list! Self-care is NOT selfish!
  • Set realistic goals to manage perfectionism.
  • Know your limits. Be sure to take plenty of breaks. Say “no” when your plate is too full.
  • Be patient with yourself as you are healing.
  • Remember: You have a 100% success rate when it comes to surviving life’s difficulties! Things may be hard, but you are resilient.
  • Do not be afraid to ask for help!

 

Visit our Helping Kats C.O.P.E. Workshops to learn some additional tips to manage stress during this difficult time. You can also visit the Counseling Center anytime between 9am-3pm Monday-Friday to speak with a trained counselor. Appointments are NOT required to attend workshops or to visit the Counseling Center.