How Do I Know if I Need Help?

Students who seek counseling usually are experiencing discomfort or dissatisfaction in some aspect of their personal lives.  Problems with relationships with others, concerns about personal adequacy, feeling overwhelmed, or feeling sad or anxious without knowing why are common reasons why a student might access counseling services.  The following are some warning signs that may indicate the need for counseling assistance:

• Problems in academic performance
  Dramatic drop in grades, incapacitating test anxiety, sporadic class attendance, excessive procrastination and poor academic performance, dissatifcation or confusion about your major or your career plans.
• Difficult changes in personal relationships
  Death of a family member or close friend; difficulties in marriage or intimate relationships; problems at home with family members; problems with roommates.
• Feelings of sadness for no apparent reason
  Prolonged feelings of despair and unhappiness, withdrawal, loss of interest in usual activities, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
• Excessive anxiety or fear
  Unexplained nervousness, panic, inability to sleep, avoidance of certain activities or situations, profound shyness or constant worrying.
• Personality changes
  Unexplained and sudden shifts in mood or behavior, being overly argumentative, angry or aggressive, excessive alcohol consumption, or habitual use of legal or illegal drugs.
• Physical complaints when no medical reasons can be found
  Frequent stomach aches, headaches, back or joint pain after a physical exam shows nothing.

Students experiencing any one or combination of the above may benefit from counseling, where a collaborative effort to determine what is wrong and finding a solution can happen.