Students at the University of Oregon have access to resources that provide mental health support in many forms as finals close in.
The Duck Nest, located on the ground floor of the EMU provides students with support in reducing stress levels to combat anxiety. It offer weekly drop-in programs such as yoga, pressure point acupuncture and workshops that introduce ways to relieve stress.
Other services include meditation classes, aromatherapy sessions and even pet therapy on weekends. These services are completely free and all students are welcome to attend any time.
According to Adria Godon-Bynum, the health promotion manager at the University Health Center, the Duck Nest is a safe environment and a great place to explore ways of maintaining a healthy mental well-being.  
“The best part is that there is no commitment,” Godon-Bynum said. “There’s no pressure so you can check it out and if it’s not for you, you don’t need to worry about it.”
In addition to the variety of programs they offer, the Duck Nest also welcomes anyone who wants to walk in and relax, make a cup of tea or take a nap between classes in a relatively quiet space.
For Sophomore Atul Subramanian, the Duck Nest is a place where he can go when feeling overwhelmed with school.
“I like the location and how it disconnects you from the surroundings,” he said. “The music and atmosphere itself is calming. I’m surprised not many students know about it.”
Apart from the Duck Nest, the University Counseling and Testing Center also provides services that can assist students in getting the care they are looking for.
Jacob Lee, one of the student workers at the University Counseling and Testing Center Advisory Board, believes stress can be accumulated when students are away from their families for the first time, not having the same support they had at home. He mentioned that college is a rough time for many students including himself, which is one of the reasons why he decided to get involved by tabling to try to bring attention toward mental health and the programs that are available at school.   
He noted there is a myth in which students can only get up to 10 sessions. However, he points out this is not true and students are able to get as many sessions as they need in accordance with spacing and availability.
Despite having all these resources, Godon-Bynum encourages students to take care of themselves by getting enough sleep and slowing down the mind and brain by taking deep breaths. She emphasizes sleep is crucial for many facets of our lives as it directly impacts our ability to process information and solve problems.
“Even taking short naps during the day is better than nothing.”
 

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Duck Nest Wellness Center located in the EMU, ground floor room 041. (Theresa Wanner/Emerald)