The Pacer

Issue date: 3/27/07 Section: Campus News

Do you manage your moods or do they manage you?

Those attending the Wednesday Forum on March 21 received some answers to that question, as well as some advice on how to ensure that you are in charge rather than letting your moods rule your life.

Sponsored by the UTM Counseling Center, the "mood" forum was advertised with signs asking, "Are you crabby, sad or worried?"

Dr. Jennifer Y. Levy, center director, discussed the importance of knowing what causes your moods. She encouraged writing in a journal, drawing, or talking to a friend whenever your emotions overcome you. She said that by doing one of the above, you will be able to easily sort out your feelings and handle them before they get out of control.

Levy also said that you should always take care of your basic needs first, adding that hunger and sleep deprivation will make people more likely to handle situations with tension rather than with calm logic.
Prevention also is a great way to handle moods, Levy said.

"Regular exercise helps to promote calming brain chemicals. Practices such as regular meditation, prayer, yoga, or certain martial arts also help you to stay calm and in control," she said.

This next one may seem a little odd, but Levy explained that thinking about your thoughts will help you to handle your moods. She used the example of someone passing by you. Just because someone doesn't say hello to you every time he or she sees you doesn't mean the person is angry with you. Instead of thinking so negatively, Levy said, train yourself to think positively, such as maybe the person just didn't see you.

"Humor is one of the most effective mood management tools," Levy said, adding that "it is hard to laugh and cry at the same time."

Levy's final piece of advice was that you should not abuse others with your moods. Talk to people about your problems, but don't make them feel as if your problem is their fault.

"It's not fair to make them (family and friends) 'walk on eggshells' to avoid upsetting you," Levy said.

The Counseling Center holds the Wednesday Forums weekly at 12:15 p.m. in UC 125, the back of the cafeteria. Students may bring their lunches while they listen to the scheduled topic.

The next forum is Wednesday, March 28, and the topic to be discussed is "Till Death Do Us Part." It will highlight the dangers associated with loving an abusive partner.
For more information, call the Counseling Center at 881-7720 or e-mail Levy at jlevy@utm.edu.

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