As a student, you have multiple intersecting identities. You are a student (who takes many classes), a friend, a roommate, a sibling, a partner, an activist, a leader, etc. There are times when everything can become too much. Class assignments seem to be piling up, and you can’t keep up with them. You may feel distant from your friends back home and notice a change in tone or pace depending on how often you are speaking to them. If it’s your first year, you also might be experiencing roommate challenges, and the expectation of becoming best friends with your roommates is far out of reach. If this wasn’t enough already, you might also find yourself longing to be back home and in the comfort of family. As you are trying to navigate these many challenges, it is important to recognize when it’s time to reach out for support.

Signs to recognize its time to try counseling or therapy.

• Stress exceeds your resources and ability to cope 
• Your day-to-day routine is off 
• Regular activities seem exhausting 
• You are overwhelmed with the amount of work you have
• You have experienced trauma and need a space to process 
• You feel like you are not working at 100%
• Going through a major transition in your life
• You are having difficulty regulating your emotions
• Building and maintaining relationships is becoming difficult 
• You are have been engaging in unhealthy patterns or behaviors 

Let’s Walk the Walk

Starting counseling can be daunting and challenging for many; your emotions are all over the place and sitting in front of someone telling them about the most challenging parts of your life can be difficult. Find comfort in the fact that counselors are ready to support you through any and all life challenges without judgment. 

If you have decided to seek counseling, FSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services is a great place to start. Here is some insight into what your first visit might look like and feel like. 

• Your first meeting has to be in-person at the Counseling & Psychological Services during the walk-in appointment times from 8:00 – 4:00 pm. You cannot begin this process via email. Here is a suggestion: go ahead and pick a time when you will be near the Askew Student Life Building. If you are located near the building, you will not have time to doubt your decision. It will also make your visit more convenient/less stressful for you.

• You will approach the desk and be asked to complete paperwork; here, you will need your device to access the internet. This meeting is not a counseling session, however, you will meet with a triage counselor to determine your needs and course of action. Take a deep breath. During this time, you will be in great hands. 

• When you meet with the triage counselor, be honest and transparent. Let them know what brought you in and all the factors that led you to seek counseling. It might be difficult to have this conversation and it will more than likely bring strong emotions. Please know the triage counselor is prepared for these strong emotions and will support you through the session. 

As you embark on this journey towards balance and healing, it is important to keep in mind that your counseling journey will not be a straight path, but rather one filled with many twists and turns. Some sessions will be filled with high emotions and others will be filled with pondering questions and thoughts. Keep close that your counselor is there to guide you every step of the way and that you are not alone in this journey. 

Written by Yanira Campos