As a student at UCSD, you may have found yourself experiencing a wide range of emotions – from excitement and enjoyment, to stress, confusion, and anxiety.  Finding one’s place and strengths within in a large competitive university is a most challenging venture.  There’s so much to do, so many people to meet, and so many pressures, that it may often feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get it all done!  This is a very common feeling experienced by many students. Many things contribute to college being challenging, such as loneliness, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and substance use.  When these issues result in significant changes in your academics, social, and emotional well-being, it may be time to help yourself.

In addition, while you are busy trying to manage your own life as a student, you might recognize that a friend may be experiencing difficulties and challenges.  It can be someone you get to know through your college, in a class, at work, through your sorority or fraternity, or on your team.  Most of the time, we can help our friends by providing them support and encouragement.  But sometimes you might not know exactly what to do and/or how to help your friend. 
The staff at Psychological and Counseling Services (P&CS) is here to help you figure out what you can do for yourself and your friend in these situations.  As stated earlier, providing emotional support can be a tremendous aid to a friend.  However, sometimes students can benefit most when they receive assistance from a mental health professional.  As a friend, knowing when to recommend professional assistance is important.  This means being aware of your own strengths and limitations in providing the support necessary to best help your friend.

If you notice changes in you or your friend’s mood, thoughts, and behaviors that are resulting in a significant decline in overall functioning (e.g., school, relationships, sleeping, eating, substance use), it may be a time to seek assistance from P&CS.  P&CS offers psychological counseling to students experiencing a variety of mental health issues -- free of charge.  In addition, if you feel you or your friend is in danger of hurting your or others, do not hesitate to contact P&CS to consult with one of our staff psychologists at (858) 534-3755. 

For those of you who would like to learn more about various issues students face here at UCSD, “check out” our books and articles from our Self-Help Library.  Topics include (but are not limited to) …