It’s a nerve-racking experience sharing your secrets and deepest thoughts with a stranger, but that is what you may need to do if faced with anxiety, depression or another mental health issue.
Mental Health in College Students
One of the most common issues faced at the university level is the mental health of college students. Stress is high from pressure to get good grades and prepare for a career. Anxiety may strike when meeting new friends or struggling with interpersonal problems. Things may even get as serious as needing to provide assistance to a friend with suicidal thoughts. In each of these cases, Lehigh has professionals its students can talk to through its University Counseling and Psychological Services (UCPS).
Dr. Ian Birky, director of UCPS, says the center has a multitude of offerings.
“We are, in a sense, the therapy or counseling center for students,” Birky says.
Back in my sophomore year, I was having my own mental health difficulties as the result of a bad breakup. I got to the point where it was affecting my schoolwork—I was not attending classes or interacting with friends. A friend recommended I go to UCPS. At first I was hesitant to go, but I knew I needed to because I had run out of options and eventually, I was so glad I did.
How to Improve Mental Health
Learning how to improve my mental health became easier once I was able to get professional help. UCPS is located on the level below the Health Center in Johnson Hall. I remember walking down the hallway and only hearing the sound of white noise machines keeping the sounds from each room confidential. My first appointment served to let my counselor get to know me and we went through some routine questions. It felt great to get out some of the thoughts I had been holding inside for a while. Since my mental health was affecting my schoolwork, one of the most effective things UCPS did was arrange for me to meet with Student Support & Case Management Services. A staff member in this office was able to contact my professors and let them know I was going through a difficult time. I came back weekly for about five sessions to talk things through and work on some strategies to build myself back up to my normal self.
UCPS offers individual counseling as well as group counseling with about 10 students per group, based on student needs. Birky said UCPS also serves as a crisis center for students who need to speak to someone just once, or those who need to take advantage of the 24/7 hotline. For students, parents or faculty who feel they know someone who needs help, UCPS provides consultations. UCPS also meets with Greek houses, clubs and organizations to hold discussions related to mental illness.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact UCPS at 610-758-3880 or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255.