The All State

Media Credit: Patrick Armstrong Melissa Conwell, left, and Priscilla Dale, right, working in the Counseling Center. [Click to enlarge]

The beginning of a new semester at Austin Peay State University has many new students excited to begin college and returning students the chance to reconnect with friends.

However, the transition from high school to college, or simply summer to college, rarely happens without its obstacles and worries.

APSU Student Counseling Services presents an opportunity for students to receive guidance and support through the difficult circumstances that occur during a student's transition.

Located in the Ellington 202, SCS addresses a wide scope of academic and non-academic issues.

"We exist to help students become successful in school and life," said Director Lowell Roddy. "We try to help people understand there are many outlets for dealing with disturbances. If we can help remove the impediments they can be successful."

Typical counseling concerns range from struggles with anxiety and depression, to family and relationship issues, though more serious problems can exist.

A 2006 report from the National College Health Assessment shows that 33.8 percent of APSU students reported significant stress. An additional 16.3 percent suffered from depression and anxiety.

The counseling center responded to 585 students last school year, though Roddy suspects many more can be helped.

"On any given day, 10 percent of students suffer from stress," Roddy said. "Many people do not seek help because they are embarrassed they can't handle things by themselves."

An important detail to counseling is confidentiality. Students who visit the counseling center receive a consent form that outlines the obligation of the counselor to keep the visit and all details confidential.

This also means that a student can feel free to discuss any issues without worries of academic disciplinary action.

For those who feel they may want help with issues, the counseling center Web site features an online screening tool designed to identify possible areas of concern.

From there, an appointment can be made to visit one of the counselors. Though appointments are preferred, emergencies walk-ins are welcome at any time.

In addition to grief counseling, the center also provides couple and marital counseling as well as support for military families.

While Roddy and the staff at SCS continue to work with faculty to help students' problems, he also has advice on how students can help promote a safer campus.

"Don't be afraid to get involved," he said. "Talk to your friends. When you see something that doesn't look right, it probably isn't."

For more information regarding Student Counseling Services, visit: http://apsu.edu/counseling or call 221-6162.

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