Cynde Puckett
In Motion Staff Writer
Anyone who’s ever faced final exams understands the pressure students are under. Unmanaged stress can sometimes derail students from completing their courses. Daytona State College’s Counseling Services offers free professional counseling sessions to help keep students on track.
When life piles up and it doesn’t seem like there’s a solution it’s easy to lose focus and in some cases completely give up. The stress of attaining the perfect GPA, work issues, relationship dilemmas, missing family out of state, deaths, transportation problems, financial stresses – these are just a few reasons students might feel overwhelmed and become anxious or depressed.
According to the World Health Organization, “Depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 350 million people affected. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Over 800,000 people die to suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15 to 29-year-olds.”
DSC’s Counseling Center is equipped to guide students through moments that seem too tumultuous to navigate. Their counselors are licensed with experience in the mental health field and counseling sessions are free and confidential. When needed, they serve as a bridge by connecting students with counseling professionals within the community.
“We’re here to help students with issues of a personal nature or crisis. Those students can speak with someone and get help to work through whatever is bothering them. We will help them through their time of need. Here, they can find someone to listen,” said T.J. Quillen, a Staff Assistant at DSC’s Counseling Center.
Often one counseling session is enough to calm or alleviate anxiety issues or to receive the advice needed to move forward. This service not only aids the struggling students, it also benefits instructors who are not professionally equipped to counsel.
“When I visited the Counseling Center it was a very welcoming experience. I had a normal counseling session. I was able to talk about anything I wanted and the counselor gave me good advice. I think the counseling they offer is a good resource to have on the campus. It’s a really good thing the college offers,” said DSC student Isabelle Todd.
DSC student, Chris Reyes said, “I didn’t know there was a place here to get counseling. Sometimes I feel the need to talk to someone, to get some counsel. I would use it if I need to in the future.”
Quillen estimated that upwards of 20 students a week visit the center.
“We promote the services mostly word of mouth. Professors know about the center and send students to us. There is information on the school’s website and one of our counselors, Dr. Carole Luby, holds events on campus to raise awareness,” he said.
SGA Senator of Athletics and President of the African-American Student Association, Marcell Breauz said, “I learned about the Counseling Center through my involvement with the Student Government Association. Someone from the center came to one of our meetings and told us where it is and what’s available to us. I haven’t been there, but I would use it if needed.”
DSC’s free counseling services are available to all students on the Daytona Beach campus and all regional campuses. The Counseling Center accepts walk-ins or offers the option of making an appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 386-506-3038 or stop by the Wetherell Building Annex in Bldg. 100, room 108.