By Olivia Puppolo
With finals just around the corner, students across campus are feeling the pressure, leading to an increased demand for mental health support and resources.
In recent years, mental health concerns among college students have risen, with more students seeking support to manage anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues.
“In my experience here over the last two decades, anxiety and depression remain at the top of the list and are consistent themes for students seeking our support,” said Maria Kavanaugh, director of Counseling Services at Stonehill.
As finals begin to get closer, and the semester comes to a close, some students can find it challenging to manage their time, homework, and stress all at once.
It can especially be hard on first-year students who are experiencing this type of workload and new scheduling for the first time.
“We recognize that the transition to college and the academic rigor of college can create stress and anxiety for students. Sometimes our students struggle with time management and executive functioning as they adapt to the workload and style of college classes compared to high school,” said Kavanaugh.
Although some students may be hesitant to reach out to counseling services, they should know that there are many different options they can explore and choose based on what fits their needs and comfort level the best.
“We recognize that for some students, there can be barriers creating hesitation about counseling, whether it is unfamiliarity with what counseling is, fear of stigma, discomfort with opening up, or other reasons,” said Kavanaugh, “For students who are unsure, we do offer a ‘single session’ option if they want to try a session to target one specific need or problem area, and for many students that is a more comfortable entry point to counseling than a traditional intake with biweekly therapy.”
To book a one-on-one session, students can either go to the counseling services front desk located in the Chapel of Mary or the office manager, Jenni, who can assist students, at 508-565-1331, Option 1.
Students can visit counseling services even if they aren’t experiencing serious emotions such as anxiety or depression, as counseling at Stonehill can provide guidance in multiple different areas.
“Students use our office for a variety of reasons. It can be common for students to come in with needs related to anxiety, depression, communication/social skills, identity exploration, adjustment to college, time and stress management needs, relationship and family stressors, and trauma to name a few,” said Kavanaugh.
Different types of resources and information about mental health are on Stonehill’s website, Counseling Services | Stonehill College.
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