It’s common to wonder if what you’re thinking and feeling is “normal” and to question if it would be helpful to talk with a counselor. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. For many years, it was thought that your mental health and physical health were completely separate entities. The answer is a little more complex and still evolving. Many researchers are beginning to notice the connections between our physical and mental health. When people are living with mental health conditions such as depression, it has been found that they have an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and arthritis just to name a few.
Your primary care doctor typically wants to see you each year for a physical exam just to make sure everything is going well and to identify any potential medical conditions. Our mental health should be treated just the same way. Some signs that it may be a good time to check in with a counselor can include any of the following:
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Feeling agitated and restless.
- Having a constant feeling like something bad is going to happen.
- Feeling annoyed, irritated and impatient with others more than usual.
- Feeling lost or that your life does not have a purpose anymore.
- Relying on unhealthy coping strategies to get through the day.
- Avoiding social gatherings due to fear or anxiety.
- Having difficulty concentrating.
- Experiencing suicidal thoughts.
If you are experiencing any of these things, or are curious about mental health counseling, please know that help is available. WCC offers free personal counseling to students enrolled in the current semester. Counseling services at WCC are short-term and solution-focused. We encourage you to take advantage of this service. To schedule an appointment you can give our office a call at: 734-677-5223.
Have questions about counseling? Drop into Let’s Talk.
Let’s Talk meetings are informal meetings where students can briefly meet with a WCC counselor to ask for advice about specific problems. These meetings are a great way for students who have never seen a counselor before to learn about the therapy process. A Let’s Talk consultation can also be a great way for students to seek a counselor's perspective on a particular issue. As part of these meetings, we can assist with referrals to on-campus and off-campus resources.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and need immediate help please access any of these trusted resources. Help is available 24/7.
24/7 mental health support is available to students by calling 833-WCC 4 YOU (833-922-4968)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line -Serves anyone, in any type of crisis. A live, trained crisis counselor will respond quickly. Text HOME to 741741