As the semester continues, stress levels among students continue to rise. Sarah Billman, treasurer of Active Minds, says, “I feel like with in-person classes in a pandemic, it takes physical and psychological toll.” As classes make the transition from hybrid to in-person, many students struggle to adjust. 

Tim Hall, Assistant Director of Outreach and Prevention, says “College is just inherently stressful, but definitely since COVID started there’s been more accuity and just higher stress overall.” 

One resource available to students is TAO (Therapy Assistant Online). TAO is a self-paced online therapy service. Students have access to a free account and can sign up through the BW Counseling Services page. Jacket Care is also offered through BW Counseling Services and provides access to 24/7 mental telehealth care from anywhere in the United States for free. 

The Counseling Center is also providing weekly workshops to learn strategies for managing stress and anxiety called a Moment of Calm. The group takes place every Wednesday from 5:00-6:00 pm on Zoom. 

While there are a variety of resources available to students, many are not being utilized. Hall says, “I think we could do a better job at helping students capture some things that happen that could be used for stress relief. For counseling services we see an increasing utilization year upon year, but I know that there’s a lot that happens on campus that doesn’t get taken advantage of fully.” 

“Many students want to take care of their mental health, but get caught up in school work and get more stressed. This becomes a cycle of being stressed and not being able to take care of themselves” Billman said. 

Stress is a normal part of college, but there are resources available to help you navigate the difficulties of this semester. Mental health is something that should be taken seriously and no student should feel like they have to go through college without help. 

If you or someone you know is in need of help, BW Counseling Services provides 24/7 access to a crisis counselor.  For support or crisis intervention please call 440-260-4399. In an emergency please call 911.