Izzy Harris
Equinox Staff
Getting through that first week of school can be tough, but for many college students, it doesn’t exactly get easier after it’s over.
Brian Quigley, the Director of The Counseling Center says that, “Research shows the first six through eight weeks is the most challenging period of college around that transition.”
Likewise, Quigley said, “For many people, staying patient through that period gets them through successfully.”
Luckily for Keene State College Students, there are many resources for getting the help a student may need during this adjustment period.
For academic help, Quigley said he suggests taking advantage of help from professors, advisors, the Aspire office, tutoring resources, the Academic and Career Advising center, and the Dean of Students office.
Many students also struggle emotionally during the transition period, and Quigley said those student’s should reach out to the counseling center and that they are, “…available to help students during what is often typical of transition.”
The office of Transition and Parent Programs is also a great place for students to seek help. Quigley said that, “She [Casey Justice, director of Transitions and Parent Programs] has a staff whose role is to help students around this transition in a more centralized way,” said Quigley.
In addition, Quigley said the Center for Health and Wellness is available to, “…support students who would like to see medical professionals for things they are struggling with.”
Other soft resources Quigley suggests to students are staff members of residential life. “They are trained and experienced in helping students navigate that emotional stress with transitioning into those first weeks of college,” said Quigley.
Jessica Caldwell is the President of the Active Minds Club on campus, which is, “…about raising awareness of mental health and fighting the stigma that is around mental health,” said Caldwell.
Caldwell said that many students feel stressed because it may be the first time they moved away from home, and that it, “…can be hard for people to come out of their shell and meet new people.”
John Finneran is an associate professor in the addiction option for the Department of Public Health, as well as the advisor for the Active Minds Club.
Finneran said that you should never worry alone, and “…there’s no place for the worry to go except to stay inside and get bigger,” if you don’t reach out to someone.
Mental health is, “…a silent epidemic that we don’t talk enough about,” said Finneran.
There are also a plethora of ways students can self soothe when they start to feel stressed. Quigley said to, “…find ways to distract yourself from what’s creating the stress,” like engaging in hobbies, or watching Netflix or Youtube.
In addition, exercise is also a great way to reduce stress. “It releases helpful brain chemicals that help people feel more relaxed,” said Finneran.
Quigley said that students should considering seeking help, “…any time they start to see it as a fearing in their life, in a way it’s become hard to manage.”
“At the end of the day if you don’t know, any time is a good time to reach out to us. No problem is too small,” said Quigley.
Izzy Harris
can be contacted at
iharris@kscequinox.com
