by Lindsay Cox
Welcome back Cobras! Whether you are new to Parkland or a returning student, the first week of school can be stressful. When making any transition in life, a good support system is vital. Furthering your education is a big step and comes with a lot of pressure to succeed. The important thing to know is that you are not alone. Many people have felt anxiety or depression at some point in their lives. Anxiety and depression can make one feel alone, scared, embarrassed and doubtful. If you feel this way, you should contact the Mental Health Counseling, located in room U267, as soon as possible.
Sara Maxwell, the Wellness Coordinator here at Parkland, said that, “Mental health is of high importance.” Maxwell aids in connecting students to health services and the surrounding community. The Wellness Coordinator recommended getting health insurance if you don’t have it already in order to obtain the best mental health care possible. “The Champaign-Urbana Public Health department has health insurance enrollment specialists that may assist you with selecting a plan,” Maxwell said. For those who are worried about not being able to afford insurance, there are free or reduced cost services through clinics like Avicenna, Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department, and the Pregnancy Resource Center.
When asked what students could do on their own to lessen stress or anxiety, Maxwell recommended the students to check out the fitness center, which is in the P-Building. “Through healthy lifestyles, time management, and coping skills for stress and anxiety, students are able to keep their minds and bodies healthy. Any student needing guidance can contact the counseling department or the Wellness Department,” Maxwell said. “Don’t try to handle it alone. Parkland College has so many resources to aid our students and we want to see you succeed. Reach out to any staff, faculty, or administrator and we can discuss your options.” She also wants students to be aware of Stress-Less week. This event is held before finals week and is hosted each year by the Student Life and Wellness Center. The event offers Depression and Anxiety Screenings done by the Counseling Department.
For additional information, make an appointment with Counseling Services in U267. According to the Parkland website, this office offers free, short term sessions for 50 minutes to currently enrolled Parkland students. All appointments are solution-focused and confidential. When necessary, the counselors will make referrals to outside businesses. Counselors are available from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The website also mentions that the office offers a variety of workshops and events throughout the year. One of the workshops offered this fall is the RIO series. RIO stands for Recognition, Insight and Openness. The workshop is designed to help students productively manage stress, anxiety and other emotions. Attendees will also learn skills that will help in the classroom and in relationships.
To schedule an appointment with Counseling and Advising, please call the office at 216–351-2219. If you require assistance after-hours, do not hesitate to call THE CRISIS LINE at 217/359-4141. They are a 24-hour suicide and crisis hotline in the Champaign County area.
According to the Counseling Services website, resources available outside of Parkland are:
- The Pavilion Behavioral Health System: free confidential mental health assessments.
- Call 2-1-1: 24-hour information about human services (basic needs, crisis, and mental health services, financial assistance, health care, support groups).
- The Cities of Champaign and Urbana Quick Help Guide: Local resources for tenant assistance, emergency shelters, legal help, transportation, clothing, child and adult day care, etc.
- Self Help Center: Online guide to Champaign County self-help groups.
- RACES Community Resource Guide: Local resources for mental health, psychiatry, homeless/housing services, legal assistance and IL Coalition Against Sexual Assault Agencies for Champaign, Ford, Piatt, and Douglas Counties.
- Courage Connection: Housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or who are victims of domestic violence. Office Phone: 217/352-7151.
- Domestic Violence Hotline 217/384-4390 or 877/384-4390
- The Crisis Nursery: For emergency childcare assistance for families who are experiencing a crisis/emergency and no other resources are available. Call 217/337-2730
- Promise Healthcare- Frances Nelson and SmileHealthy: Affordable and accessible medical, behavioral and dental health care for the community.
- Rape Advocacy, Counseling, & Education Services (RACES): Free, confidential services for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, abuse, or harassment. RACES 24/7 Rape Crisis Hotline 217/384/4444
- McKinley Health Center ay UIUC: Online relaxation exercises.
- Meditation Oasis: Guided meditations, instructions and music for meditation
- Mindful: Mindfulness newsletter, practices, information
