Counseling services are a critical component of any campus community. I asked Scott Radtke, associate dean of students for health and wellness, to describe how students can take advantage of the resources Lawrence already offers:
“All students can attest to the stress that comes with being in college. There are a number of issues that all students face (academic pressures, homesickness, general adjustment to a new environment). In addition, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety impact on the lives of many in our community. Counseling is just one of the many resources available for students to use when feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Unfortunately, there is stigma attached to asking for help. It is important to know that a student does not have to deal with a problem alone.
Counseling Services offer free and confidential individual appointments. There are also walk-in appointments (Monday to Friday from 1p.m. – 3 p.m.) for urgent situations that cannot wait until that scheduled appointment. In addition, the staff in Health and Wellness can talk with students about other wellness initiatives such as getting good sleep, the importance of a healthy diet, exercise and how best to manage stress.”