Reasons to seek therapy
The following are some signs that may indicate the need to seek help:
- Difficult changes in personal relationships
Death of a family member or close friend; difficulties in intimate relationships; problems at home with family members; problems with roommates or friends. - Feelings of sadness for no apparent reason
Prolonged feelings of despair and unhappiness; withdrawal; missing family; missing home; loneliness; lack of concentration; loss of interest in usual activities; eating changes; feelings of hopelessness and helplessness; sometimes wondering whether life is worth living. - Problems in academic performance
Dramatic drop in grades; overwhelming / disabling test anxiety; sporadic class attendance; excessive procrastination and poor academic performance; dissatisfaction or confusion about your major or your career plans. - Excessive anxiety or fear
Unexplained nervousness; panic; inability to sleep; avoidance of certain activities or situations; profound shyness; constant worrying. - Personality changes
Unexplained and sudden shifts in mood or behavior; being overly argumentative, angry or aggressive; excessive alcohol consumption; habitual use of legal or illegal drugs; strong feelings of disconnectedness with one's self. - Physical complaints when no medical reasons can be found
Frequent stomach aches; headaches; back or joint pain after a physical exam shows nothing; difficulty falling or staying asleep. - Desire to talk with a neutral person
You need someone to listen to you and give you an objective point of view.
You are not alone. Students come to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for a variety of reasons. Students who seek therapy usually are experiencing discomfort or dissatisfaction in some aspect of their personal lives. Common reasons include:
- Cultural stressors
- Symptoms of depression (including hopelessness, sadness, lack of motivation, lack of enjoyment in things)
- Symptoms of anxiety (including difficulty sleeping, racing heart, trouble calming down
- Relationship distress (including roommate disputes, family issues, breakups, interpersonal challenges, difficulties with communication)
- Stress management
- Time management
- Homesickness
- Decision making and goal setting
- Eating disorders / body image concerns
- Isolation and loneliness
- Death, grief, and loss
- Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
- Personal/Parental Divorce
- Substance Use
- Sexuality identity issues
- Gender identity issues
- Suicidal thoughts and non-suicidal self injurious behaviors
If you are interested in making an appointment please see our How to Make an Appointment page.