When You're Feelng Down, Anxious, or Alone
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Our sense of well-being fluctuates, as does our confidence that we can deal with our problems. Mental healthiness is the optimal state of well-being and is best nourished through attention to our emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual needs. Students tend to focus on intellectual demands and neglect the rest. Take time to notice how you are feeling physically as well as emotionally.
If you notice you are not feeling your best it is important to do something about that right away. This is called coping. People usually first attempt to cope through ignoring the problem, then talking with a friend, they may even use drugs and alcohol to deny the problem exists. Having a variety of coping tools can help you survive. Make sure these tools include something physical (e.g., walking/jogging), intellectual (e.g., having a positive outlook), spiritual (e.g., watching the sunset, meditation), and emotional (e.g., crying, talking). When your usual coping tools are not working it is time to seek additional help and support. Talking with a resident assistant, professor or parent can also be useful as coping tools.
If you have any of the following experiences, consider talking with a professional mental health counselor:
If you are feeling helpless and inadequate, hopeless, negative about yourself and your abilities, and have a change in sleep and appetite patterns for more than 2 weeks, you may be experiencing depression.
If you worry about your life excessively and can't control the worry, are irritable, experience panic attacks along with a fear of losing control, have recurrent and persistent images or thoughts that are disturbing, and these feelings interfere with your daily functioning, you may have a problem with anxiety.
If you have lost someone to a death-be it accidental or through illness-it can be a very stressful time. Each culture, religion, or family has their own ways of coping with the grieving process. There is no standard time for how long the grieving process should last. However if you feel that your grief is interfering with your life, your ability to study or concentrate, if you find yourself isolating from friends/family or lashing out at them, you may want to talk with a professional. It is important to share your pain, be patient with yourself, accept your grief feelings, monitor your use of alcohol and other drugs, and think about joining a group of others who are grieving.
Seeing a psychologist can help you address any of the above issues. A psychologist can help you look at things differently, offer suggestions on how to cope, and even refer you for medication if indicated. A psychologist does not tell you what to do and talking to one does not mean you are crazy (or make you crazy)! To make an appointment with a psychologist at Counseling Services call 893-441. Your registration fee pays for this service so all you need is your Access card at the time of your first appointment. You can find out more information about counseling through our website: www.counseling.ucsb.edu.
When You're Feeling Down, Anxious, or Alone:
- Talk with someone. If you are missing classes because of the difficult feelings you are having, talk with a professional.
- Don't wait too long. Problems usually get worse and are then more difficult to take care of.
- You are not alone. Most students experience depression, anxiety and/or loss.
- Stay as healthy as possible in all aspects of your life. Being healthy includes intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Students tend to neglect the last two.
- Having a variety of coping tools can help you survive. Make sure these tools include something physical (e.g., walking/jogging), intellectual (e.g., having a positive outlook), spiritual (e.g., watching the sunset, meditation), and emotional (e.g., crying, talking).
- If your coping tools aren't working, and talking with friends, resident assistants, or family hasn't helped, consider talking with a psychologist. Psychologists are trained to help you work through more serious depression, anxiety, stress and even bereavement issues. Make an appointment at Counseling Services by calling 893-4411 and ask to see a psychologist. Check out our website for more information: www.counseling.ucsb.edu
- Jeanne Stanford, Counseling Psychologist, Counseling Services
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