Intro by King Musa
"Welcome back to The Hub Hero, where we explore the seven dimensions of wellness and how they shape your life at Stephen F. Austin State University. I’m your host, King Musa, and today, we’re diving into emotional wellness—how to manage stress, build resilience, and maintain balance.
Joining us is the one and only Dr. Andrew Dies, Dean of Students at SFA. Dr. Dies, welcome to the podcast!"
Breaking the Ice
KM: "Dr. Dies, great to have you! Let’s break the ice—what are your 4th of July plans?"
Dr. Dies: "Thanks for having me, King Musa! I’ll probably be at my friend’s pool, playing with her dogs. No fireworks, though—they scare the pups, and I’m definitely avoiding any kids. If there are kids around, I’m out!"
Understanding Emotional Wellness
KM: "Let’s get into it. What exactly is emotional wellness?"
Dr. Dies: "Emotional wellness is one of the seven dimensions of wellness. It’s about your thoughts, feelings, and how you manage them. Whether you’re happy, sad, angry, or nervous, emotional wellness is about recognizing and regulating those feelings in healthy ways."
KM: "Why should emotional wellness be a priority for students?"
Dr. Dies: "It’s the foundation of everything else. Emotional wellness affects every other dimension of wellness—physical, intellectual, social, and more. If you’re not managing stress, anxiety, or depression, it can derail every aspect of your life."
Recognizing Vulnerability
KM: "Who’s most vulnerable to emotional challenges, and why?"
Dr. Dies: "18 to 24-year-olds, which is most college students. Their brains are still developing, and they’re navigating new experiences like independence, relationships, and academic pressure. These transitions can trigger anxiety, stress, and other emotional challenges."
KM: "When should a student recognize it’s time to seek help?"
Dr. Dies: "As soon as something feels off. Don’t wait for things to escalate. Emotional intelligence is key—recognize when your feelings are impacting your day-to-day life and reach out for support."
Handling Emotional Triggers
KM: "How do past experiences, like childhood trauma, affect emotional wellness in college?"
Dr. Dies: "Childhood adversity, also known as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), can have lasting effects. These experiences—like abuse, poverty, or substance use in the household—can increase stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues later in life. It’s important to acknowledge and address these impacts."
Resources at SFA
KM: "What resources are available on campus for emotional wellness?"
Dr. Dies: "The Health and Wellness Hub is your one-stop shop. Located at East College and Raguet Streets, it offers counseling, health services, outreach support, wellness coaching, and even a food pantry. For virtual support, we have TimelyCare, which provides up to nine free counseling sessions a year, along with stress relief tools and 24/7 crisis support."
KM: "How do students decide between a counselor, therapist, or wellness coach?"
Dr. Dies: "It depends on your needs. For serious concerns like suicidal thoughts, see a crisis counselor or therapist. If you want general guidance or help managing daily stress, start with a wellness coach—they’re trained in the seven dimensions of wellness and can connect you to other resources."
Practical Tips
KM: "What are some proactive steps students can take to enhance their emotional wellness?"
Dr. Dies: "Think of emotional wellness like car maintenance. Don’t wait for a breakdown—check in with yourself regularly. Recognize when you’re stressed or upset, and take steps to address it. And remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of courage."
Outro by King Musa
"Dr. Dies, thank you for your wisdom and insights on emotional wellness. To our listeners: Emotional wellness is key to thriving in all areas of life. Don’t hesitate to reach out and utilize the resources here at SFA.
Stay tuned for more episodes of The Hub Hero, where we explore all seven dimensions of wellness. It’s your host, King Musa, signing off. Stay balanced, stay mindful, and take care of yourself and each other!"
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