What Is Social Well-Being?
Developing and maintaining connections that allow you to form a community of mutual support
What Does Social Well-being Mean to You?
What Social Well-being Looks Like for COPE
At COPE, we believe social well-being is about connection, balance, authenticity, and kindness. For our students, it means having friends you can be yourself around, choosing relationships that uplift you, and practicing reflection and patience. It's about finding moderation in life, surrounding yourself with people who care and creating genuine bonds with those who value you.
As ambassadors for the Counseling Center, COPE is here to support you in building those connections. Whether it's through our outreach events, peer-led conversations, or campus-wide initiatives, we aim to create spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and part of a community. Social well-being is not just an idea-it's something we live out together at UM.
Through our work, COPE reminds you that you're never alone on your journey. We're here to help you navigate challenges, celebrate growth, and find belonging in meaningful ways. Because when we take care of our social well-being, we all thrive.
Connection Over Consumption: Social Well-being and Substance Use in Student Life
What Is Social Well-being in College?
Social well-being is about more than just having friends. It is how connected, supported, and included you feel on campus.
Key Points:
- Healthy, respectful relationships
- A sense of belonging in your classes, dorm, or social circles
- Open communication and emotional support
- Feeling safe to be yourself, without pressure
Why it Matters:
Social well-being is a major protective factor against stress, anxiety, and substance misuse.
How AOD Use Can Impact Social Well-being
Substance use may start as a way to socialize or cope, but it can backfire and harm your relationships and mental health.
Potential Effects:
- Isolation or drifting from friends
- Miscommunication and conflict in relationship
- Regret after risky or out-of-character behaviors
- Disconnection from academic, social, or career goals
- Increased exposure to unsafe situations
Strong Social Well-being = A Protective Shield
When your social well-being is strong, you're less likely to rely on alcohol or drugs to cope.
Protective Benefits:
- Confidence to say no to peer pressure
- Support from friends who respect your boundaries
- Better coping skills during stress or transition
- Higher motivation to focus on your goals
What You Can Do to Strengthen Social Well-being
Build a social life that supports your mental health, not one that depends on alcohol or drugs.
Ideas:
- Host or suggest sober-friendly hangouts (game nights, hiking, study cafes)
- Get involved in clubs, intramurals, or volunteer groups
- Talk to someone - friends, counselors, peer support
- Create boundaries around drinking or drug use that feel right for you
Instructional Programs and Social Well-being
- Social Connection and Belonging: Shared experiences, especially challenging ones, foster a sense of community and belonging.
- Interpersonal Skills: Encourages verbal and non-verbal communication, especially in partner-based activities like Jiu Jitsu and tennis doubles.
- Emotional Support: Participants often form friendships that extend beyond the class.
- Personal Growth: Engaging with other helps build self-esteem and confidence.
- Cultural Exchange: Classes like ballet and Jiu Jitsu often attract people from varied backgrounds, promoting cultural awareness.
Group Fitness and Social Well-being
- Sense of Community and Belonging: Exercising with other creates a shared experience that fosters connection.
- Reduced Loneliness and Isolation: Regular interaction in a positive setting helps combat social isolation.
- Motivation and Accountability: Knowing others are expecting you can increase commitment and consistency.
- Positive Reinforcement: Encouragement from peers and instructors boasts morale.
- Diverse Social Interactions: Classes often bring together people from different backgrounds, broadening social networks.
Engage With Your Well-Being
- Outdoor Adventures Trips
- Suicide Awareness Month: Joshua's Walk | Monday, Sep. 22 | 4 p.m. | IM Fields
- Air Bike Sprint Challenge | Wednesday, Sep. 24 | 4-7 p.m. | Herbert Wellness Center
- COPE Information Session | Wednesday, Sep. 24 and Thursday, Sep. 25 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Virtual
- Community CPR Class | Saturday, Sep. 27 | 9-11 a.m. | Herbert Wellness Center | Register Here
- COPE Meet & Greet | Monday, Sep. 29 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | TBD
- Dinner, Desserts, and De-Stress | Tuesday, Sep. 30 | 7-8 p.m. | Pearson Lobby
- Wellness Tips | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Centennial Village
- COPE Applications | Deadline: Friday, Oct. 10 | Apply Here
- Group Fitness Schedule | Herbert Wellness Center | Learn More
Check your email every Wednesday for Ibis News to see upcoming events for the week, and view the University events calendar for a complete listing of on-campus events and programs.
