By Isabella Simons

Some students’ names have been changed to protect the identity of those interviewed.

When COVID-19 hit last January, people weren’t sure what to think.  Some overlooked it, others took it seriously, but now, in February 2021, it has affected us all.  When the pandemic broke out, students had to return home from school mid semester, employees were laid off, and for many, loved ones have suffered or passed away due to COVID-19.

During this tumultuous time, many of us are struggling with mental health. Marla Smith, counseling director at Marian’s Counseling and Consultation Center (CCS), said, “Many college students across the country have reported an increase in stress and anxiety due to the COVID pandemic. Multiple stressors have been identified that have contributed to this increase in stress and anxiety including fear and worry about their own health and of their loved ones.”  She added that this can also cause difficulty in concentrating, disruptions to sleeping patterns, decreased social interactions due to physical distancing, and increased concerns on academic performance.

She said that writing a list of coping strategies, such as mediation and deep breathing, can help to relieve stress.  She also mentioned that engaging in relaxing hobbies like exercising and journaling can be helpful to assist with managing stress and anxiety.

One resource is CCS.  There, students can get counseling and support their mental health.  Smith said that there are many benefits to CCS.  Students can utilize this free resource to deal with their mental health.

She cited some of the common benefits of counseling, including improved communication skills and coping skills, increased self-esteem, being able to manage and regulate emotional responses, decrease in anxiety and depression, improved relationships, gaining empowerment, and improved ability to gain insight into current and past experiences. 

At the counseling sessions, Smith said that students work with a therapist to improve their quality of life through self-exploration and self-exploration.  She added that counseling encourages open and honest dialogue about the issues that cause distress.  Smith said that in counseling, students work to identify and understand how these stressors are impacting their life, and developing coping strategies to manage any distressing symptoms.

One student, Sarah Williams, has taken advantage of Marian’s counseling services in the past.  She said that CCS has helped her because it gives her time to talk about her feelings.

As for Juliana Thomas, a junior here at Marian, she says counseling keeps her grounded.  “It helps you get perspective.  It helps you to rationalize what you’re going through and it helps the things you’re going through not seem so big.”  Generally, Thomas talks about school and friends during counseling.  She added that counselors can help you with career advice, relationships, as well as balancing school and other parts of your life.  Talking with a counselor can also help to reduce stress. 

Mary Wright, a sophomore here at Marian, also appreciates using the counseling services. She said that it is nice to have time to talk about what is on her mind and get advice.  During counseling, Wright mentions, she talks about family issues as well as managing schoolwork.

Wright said that COVID has affected her anxiety levels.  She said that as someone with ADHD, virtual classes are difficult because of lack of motivation.  She added that it is hard to meet deadlines.  She added that COVID has increased her anxiety. 

Juliana said that the counseling service gives students an extra person to talk to because they are there to listen.  She added that counselors are aware themselves of the effects of the pandemics and they are there to help you deal with that.

Williams said that during sessions, she talks about how her week is going, as well as getting advice on working through conflicts with her friends.

In CCS, there are different counselors that each have their own styles and perspectives.  Students will be paired up with a counselor who has experience working with a variety of individuals, so they will be able to help with specific needs.  Counseling can be uniquely tailored to each student.

Williams said, “I think everybody is different and like each counselor appeals to different people.  For me, it went well, and it helps me to grow personally.”

Williams has not gone recently on account of the fact that she doesn’t feel that she needs it right now.   While she struggles with the isolation due to COVID-19, she feels that she is doing all right.  Williams mentioned that if she feels that she needs to go in the future, she wouldn’t hesitate.

Thomas said that talking with your counselor is beneficial because they are there to help and there is no need to feel bad about talking to them.  If people don’t feel comfortable talking to a friend, they can go to a counselor.

Williams said that counseling is an important service for people, and that making sure people are taking care of their mental health is very important.  She added that CCS is a good service for college students, citing that it is cheap and effective.

Williams added that if someone were to try it out, she would praise them for taking steps in their mental health.  “I think that society gets the wrong idea about counseling.  Just because you are going to counseling doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you, it’s just that you have to talk.”

Wright said that you should not be afraid to reach out if you need help.  She said that it can be helpful to have a space where you can talk without fear of judgement.  She recommends this service to anyone needing to talk about issues they are dealing with.

Juliana said “it’s nothing to be afraid of or ashamed of, because everyone deals with all sorts of different things, and that is what counseling is for.”  She added that it is  okay if it does not work for someone, but it is a good thing to try if you are struggling or if you want to grow in some way, whether academically, social, or mentally.

According to Smith, “CCS provides individual and group therapy, outreach services to the Marian community, consultations to students/faculty/staff, and referrals to community providers.”

If you would like to make an appointment, please call (317) 955-6150 or email [email protected] and request a new client appointment.  Next, you will then complete some brief registration paperwork and an intake appointment will be scheduled for you.

The counseling service is located in Clare Hall.  Counselors are available from 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Right now, the majority of services are conducted via teletherapy (video or phone). This provides students with easy access to services at times and in spaces where they are comfortable.