Daniella Tebib
News Editor
Transitioning into college can be scary, but Murray State offers many resources to help students with their mental health.
Angie Trzepacz, director of university counseling services, said freshmen don’t necessarily struggle more than other students, but they deal with different issues.
“For many students, this is their first time being away from home and being independent and in charge of their own schedule,” Trezpacz said. “Some students love that, but others struggle at first. It’s not uncommon for freshmen to feel homesick or lonely or overwhelmed by the workload in college or wonder where they fit in on campus or how to meet new people. Those are all things that counselors can help with.”
To help students, faculty and staff on campus, Murray State provides a variety of free counseling services including individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy. The services are provided by licensed mental health professionals in three different centers: the Counseling Center, the Psychological Center and the Counseling and Assessment Center. Clients are typically seen on a biweekly basis, but if clients are in a crisis, they can be seen weekly on a short-term basis.
However, counseling services do not perform court-ordered or court-mandated counseling or assessment. The center also does not provide primary substance-abuse treatment, prescription services, or letters for students seeking emotional support animals.
The Counseling Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday The University also has a counselor on call from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year to meet with walk-in clients or help with crisis situations.
All staff members in the Counseling Center adhere to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act to ensure all discussions with counselors and completed paperwork is treated confidentially.
Common issues students can utilize counseling services for are adjusting to new situations, depression, managing stress, homesickness, anxiety, poor anger control, grief, eating and body image issues, relationship issues, social issues, family problems, Asperger’s Disorder, crisis intervention, suicidal thoughts, trauma recovery, diversity and cultural issues, LGBTQIA+ concerns, self-awareness, self-care and public speaking anxiety management, according to Murray State’s Counseling Center’s website.
Trzepacz said she encourages students to come forward about their mental health if they are dealing with issues.
“If you need to talk to a counselor, that is nothing to be ashamed of or feel bad about,” Trzepacz said. “We are here to help, and it doesn’t mean you are a failure if you can’t do it on your own. If you have a cavity, you don’t try to fill it on your own—you go to a dentist, because they are trained to fix your cavity properly and safely. If you are anxious or depressed, and your mental health issues are interfering with your ability to function and participate in your normal activities, it’s time to contact a mental health professional and ask for assistance.”
When getting situated into a new lifestyle, Trzepacz said it’s important to establish a schedule and routine.
“Even if you aren’t leaving the house and don’t have any scheduled activities for the day, try to get up at a reasonable hour, take a shower, eat breakfast and make a list of what you want to accomplish during the day,” Trzepacz said. “Some days that list might include homework or cleaning your room or going to work, and other days the list might include going for a walk, calling a friend and playing with your dog. And then try to go to bed at a reasonable hour as well, so that your schedule doesn’t get completely off track.”
For more information, visit murraystate.edu/counselingcenter.
