Finding and utilizing a counselor
College is hard. And being in college can be stressful, too. If you have a hard time focusing because your mind wanders to your endless to-do list or you find yourself up at night, it might be time to consider some options. There’s nothing wrong with being overwhelmed, even if people say your life should be easy. It’s never that simple. So I want to share some tips and give you some pointers on getting the help you deserve.
First, Monmouth College has two counselors working on campus. Their names are Cindy Beadles and Thomas Caudill, and you can email them at cbeadles@monmouthcollege.edu and tcaudill@monmouthcollege.edu. When you feel like you need to talk, all you have to do is email one of them and ask about seeing them. They’ll handle your schedule, which they can access, and then you can choose a time to meet. Seeing a counselor isn’t just for severe mental illness; it can help anyone who needs a safe, confidential place to talk. Word gets around when you vent to friends and loved ones, and sometimes the things you wish you could talk to them about are actually pertaining to them. That’s where counselors step in. They can give you the tools you need to manage social interactions, prioritize your time and help calm you down when things are tense in school.
If you’re seeing a counselor already, here are some great tips on how to calm yourself during an anxiety attack. Take deep, measured breaths. Some people use the 4 7 8 method, which is an inhale while counting to four, holding for 7 and releasing through 8. This can also help you fall asleep at night. Alternate nostril breathing works wonders, too. For this, you just cover one nostril with a finger, breathe in through the other, and then exhale through the one you covered, switching back and forth. You can also do something mind-intensive, like games, puzzles or watching a show.
I know when you’re stressed the last thing you want to do is put off work for later, but putting your mental health first is important in college. If you’re depressed, talking with friends, petting animals, being more physically active, and maintaining a solid sleep schedule are crucial. Remember that your friends are here to cheer you on, and they want to see you succeed.
Carrie King
Contributing Writer