Daily Skiff

Just like school, work and other stressful situations can take a toll on students' bodies, so can they affect their mental health. Many refrain from seeking therapy or counseling because of the social stigma attached to mental health problems, but more people are struggling with those issues than students may realize.

Linda Wolszon, director of the TCU Counseling, Testing, and Mental Health Center, said the number of counseling appointments has increased about 8 percent compared to last year.

Walk-in appointments have increased 16 percent in the same span, she said.

The increase in the number of students seeking mental help is not alarming but encouraging. At this stage of their lives, many college students are grappling not only with stress related to grades, but they are also dealing with developing and maintaining - or ending - more mature relationships as well as coping with the death of grandparents.

In addition, college-adults are adding to their plate concerns about their family's financial situation and their future in a slumping economy. Trying to wrap one's head around all this can be rather overwhelming. Why sit there dazed and confused when help is within an arm's stretch?

Students who need help and don't act are not only endangering their health but also their college career. The Counseling Center has five staff members and a counselor on-call every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to tend to students who have not made an appointment and need urgent care. Students may also seek help outside of campus.

Asking for help doesn't indicate weakness, but not pursuing a problem does.

Web editor Julieta Chiquillo for the editorial board

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