A certain level of stress comes along with being a college student, but Wichita State’s Counseling and Testing Center looks to both aid students in coping with a massive workload and break the stigma of mental health issues.

“I think the biggest thing is that a lot of students feel like it’s a weakness to ask for help,” said Maureen Dasey-Morales, director of the Counseling and Testing Center. “We’re continuing to work in educating the campus community that it’s actually the strong ones that ask for help. Getting past the stigma is the biggest challenge.”

Stress and anxiety are the biggest student struggles reported at WSU.

“The most common issue is managing stress, managing juggling multiple roles and the stress that comes with that,” Dasey-Morales said. “We also see a number of students with anxiety or depression and relationship issues. These are the most common.”

Mental health workers urge students dealing with any kind of mental health issue to address the matter immediately before it gets worse.

According to the American Psychology Association, 95 percent of college campuses have a growing concern about students’ mental health. Struggles with anxiety affect 42 percent of students and depression shows up in 36 percent.

Across the nation, counseling center directors say that at least 21 percent of their clients suffer from severe psychological issues as opposed to 40 percent dealing with minor problems.

The Counseling and Testing Center at WSU provides assistance for students in several areas, including individual, couple and group counseling, psychological testing for learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder and tests for anxiety. The office works to use all its resources on campus to reach out to students who might be struggling silently, encouraging them to ask for help.

“Students might not realize we work with faculty and staff to train them on how to help students,” Dasey-Morales said. “We rely on faculty and staff to help get students connected with resources.”

For those struggling with stress and anxiety, studies show that ongoing issues can lower the rate at which students graduate. It is a nationwide epidemic which Dasey-Morales said can be thwarted with the resources provided at the center.

“Everyone has stress,” Dasey-Morales said. “If we can prevent issues earlier, I think we can keep a lot of students in school.”

The best way to learn how to cope with stress or any other mental health issue is to schedule an appointment for a screening by the Counseling and Testing Center. The first evaluation is free, and any additional appointments cost $10 each.

Dasey-Morales and staff psychologist Amy Barfield warn that untreated stress, anxiety or depression symptoms can lead to bigger problems later.

“Not seeking help can interfere with daily functioning, academics, work, family relationships and friendships,” Barfield said.

The office has moved temporarily from the third floor of Grace-Wilkie Hall to the first floor of Brennan II while crews work to renovate the building. Counselors and staff will be working out of Brennan II over the next year as their home office is updated.

Three new clinicians have been added to the staff. One specializes in working with LGBTQIA students and multicultural issues. The other two are general clinicians, who can assist people from all walks of life.

Dasey-Morales said it is crucial for students to take the time to pay close attention to their behaviors and speak with someone if they feel they are overwhelmed with any of life’s challenges.

“It’s unlikely it’s going to get better on its own,” Dasey-Morales said. “It’s our job to help figure out what they [students] need to do, so they have the coping skills to do it without us at some point.”

To set up an appointment or get more information about the Counseling and Testing Center, call (316) 978-3440.