UIndy offers help for students
Many students face the winter blues, but if the down-in-the-dumps feeling persists or affects your daily activities, you’re not alone.
According to the American College Health Association, 30 percent of college students said stress inhibits them from doing their daily tasks. Stress and depression may lead to suicidal thoughts, and according to the University of Connecticut Suicide Prevention Committee, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.
“We see a number of students here, [at the Student Health and Counseling Center] and the top things we see are stress, depression and anxiety issues,” said Kelly Miller, director of the Student Health and Counseling Center.
Stress particularly affects college students because of the independence and freedom many students encounter when first entering college. With new freedoms comes more responsibility, according to Miller.
Social fears, relationship problems, independence issues and financial concerns are some factors that overwhelm college students across the globe. More students come to college already experiencing psychological issues, and it may be genetic because depression can be family related.
“Utilizing stress management is a lifelong lesson,” Miller said. “Students need to learn that stress isn’t always a bad thing, but to learn how to manage or harness it in a positive way.”
The University of Indianapolis offers free counseling services at the Student Health Center. The Academic Success Center also helps students deal with the stress of trying to obtain perfection.
“Learning techniques now will really help them throughout life,” Miller said.
The Health and Counseling Center offers Secrets of Success workshops and presentations to classes about time management and balancing extra-curricular activities with school. These are listed in the upcoming events schedule on the MyUIndy page.
Miller emphasized that everyone feels down, and students need to isolate what it is that is causing them to feel that way.
“If they can identify what the issue is, they can work on the problem and come up with solutions,” Miller said.
Fatigue can make students feel down, and Miller suggested giving the body and mind some rest and recognizing that trying harder doesn’t always mean better results. Signs of depression include personality change, difficulty sleeping, changes in weight, irritability, feeling that life is hopeless, losing interest in activities that were once important, withdrawal from friends and in some cases suicidal thoughts. Miller advises getting a professional involved if suicidal thoughts arise.
“Family and friends can be aware of the signs and let the individual know that they’re concerned and care,” Miller said. “Just letting them know that they care and are there to listen is a huge help.”
There are options for students dealing with stress, anxiety or depression such as Campus Program Board’s activities, exercise, getting adequate sleep and going to UIndy’s Counseling Center to get help.
The Counseling Center also offers “Dog Days,” which is when the Health Center employees bring their dogs to campus as a sort of “pet therapy” for students during exam weeks. The staff offers free giveaways, games and free massages to students.
“It’s a way to remind students to take it easy during exam week,” Miller said.
The Counseling Center is hoping to soon start a women’s group on Tuesdays and Thursdays to talk about anxiety and stress in general.
“You don’t have to be distressed. Get the help that you need,” Miller said. “Talk and come see us. There’s no reason to suffer alone. You’re not alone or the only one. It’s a normal part of life to feel down. But if it’s affecting your life, seek help.”
