The Counseling Center offers students who are feeling stressed or depressed a lifeline of support.

“I’m really stressed out about my major right now,” said Vanessa Olena, a freshman Nursing major. “It’s been very overwhelming. … I broke down crying last week because some nursing classes are so tough.”

Her experience is not unique. 

Almost 90% of all students say their mental health disrupts their ability to study or complete assignments at least occasionally, while one in 10 say these disruptions occur every day, according to a new survey by Kahoot!, a digital game–based learning platform.

The problem of college student stress is well known. 

Last spring’s National College Health Assessment, a survey of more than 100,000 college students attending 154 institutions, found that 76.4%  of students report experiencing overall moderate or high levels of stress within the last 30 days. The study also found that nearly 37% of students report experiencing stress levels high enough to affect their academic performance.

That is why the center exists. 

”Every student could benefit from the free and confidential therapy offered by the Counseling Center,” said Yu Fei, a doctoral candidate extern who works there.

“We offer free psychological testing as well for students worried that they are struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety or any disorder that could be affecting their academic career,” she said. “We can help to diagnose and work to create academic plans for students who are struggling.”

The center’s services are designed to help students like junior Henry Hofferth juggle classes, homework and a part-time job. 

“I don’t know if I have figured out how to deal with the stress yet. It feels like something that I have to figure out throughout my life.”

While most students find ways to balance their responsibilities, it’s not always easy.

“Having a decent schedule like writing everything down that I have to do for the next few weeks helps,” said Hofferth. “My calendar on my phone is pretty packed with all of the stuff that I have to do, it’s a very helpful resource.”

For students who need more help, the center is available. While most services are provided by appointment, the center does offer crisis support to students who are thinking of suicide, or harming themselves or others.  

The Counseling Center is located at the Riley Center on the Hammond Campus, or by calling (219) 989-2366.