Student Counseling Services at USM Provides Help to Ease College Stress

Fri, 02/25/2022 - 02:50pm | By: Van Arnold

College students face more than enough stressors without a crippling pandemic adding more pressure to their daily lives. At The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), a staff of highly trained, compassionate counselors strives to help alleviate the anxiety students often face.

Student Counseling Services at USM supports students by promoting sound mental health and the coping skills necessary for successful pursuit of their educational and life goals. As mental health professionals, the staff work in a spirit of collaboration with professionals across the University community to support individual responsibility, personal growth, and wellness of all members of the student body.

When the COVID-19 virus began spreading rapidly throughout the United States in March 2020, colleges and universities were forced to alter customary campus protocols. Lockdowns became prevalent; in-person classroom courses switched to virtual learning; mask mandates were imposed, and many students felt overwhelmed.

Over the past two years, additional COVID variants have emerged as have vaccines to combat the virus. Many COVID-related restrictions have eased dramatically in the past year and in-person classes have returned at USM. Heidi Nelson, NCC, LPCS, Director of Student Counseling Services at USM, points out that the pandemic has greatly impacted the staff’s caseload.

“Quite like the national statistics imply, there appears to be a great need and interest in mental health supports. Student Counseling Services has seen an increase in service requests and appointment completions,” said Nelson. “Fall of 2021, which was the campus’ return to complete in-person education and support, was one of our busiest semesters to date.”

Nelson emphasizes that SCS encourages the USM student community to prioritize self-care and life balance amid the ongoing COVID crisis.

“Our attitude is that individuals ‘grow through what you go through.’ However, we should monitor ourselves for changes in our mental and emotional health as well as be intentional about implementing preventative measures,” said Nelson. “SCS is here to answer questions and to be a resource for on-and-off-campus services. If a student is unsure about whether they need our support, they should call and we can help guide them.”

A 2021 study by the American College Health Association found that 48 percent of college students reported moderate or severe psychological stress, 53 percent reported being lonely, and one in four had considered suicide. Statistics show that suicide is the No. 2 killer for children and young adults age 10-24.

Some of the common issues that bring students to SCS include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Relationship stressors
• Identity development
• Managing independence
• Academic stress
• Financial challenges

SCS Assistant Director Amanda Kirtland, LPC explains that students are offered screening appointments to address individual needs.

“Also, we offer outreach services to the campus community that target needs around education for well-being and includes topics on depression prevention and management,” she said. “If a student is dealing with suicidality, we offer risk assessments and crisis support.”

Among its many services, SCS also provides sanctuaries designed to help students cope with college life. These include:

Art Room – Where expressive therapy is often used to articulate thoughts and feelings that may be otherwise difficult to verbalize.

Zen Room - Offering many ways to relax, de-escalate or unwind either in session or independently.

Additionally, SCS offers group therapy and updates about the groups for each semester that can be found on the center’s Facebook page.

Nelson emphasizes that no subject is considered “off-limits” by SCS counselors. She suggests that students be proactive about scheduling time for self-care and healthy interpersonal activities.

“Investing in your support system and being open about your needs is essential for stress management,” said Nelson. “In addition, enjoying activities outdoors can have a positive impact on coping with stress.”

SCS office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. While appointments are recommended, the center does offer daily walk-in services. SCS is also available for emergency mental health crises after hours and on weekends by calling or texting 988.

To learn more, visit: https://www.usm.edu/student-counseling-services/index.php