Campbellsville University students have spent the past week indulging in stuffing for Thanksgiving, while also hopefully stuffing their minds for finals – which will start on Monday, Dec. 2.
With finals comes an extended break, but the obstacle of last exams and assignments can often incite dread and fear. Additionally, for college students and everyone alike, these winter months can be even more difficult in comparison to the rest of the year – aside from increasing assignments and studying due to finals, the time change and weather work in tandem to exacerbate stress and mental health.
Luckily, students currently suffering from finals stress or seasonal depression don’t have to suffer alone or without any relief – there are ways to manage the symptoms of this heavy and hectic period. Perhaps the greatest method of assuaging anxiety or depression is to face it head-on in counseling sessions, but not everyone is open to that idea.
Nicholas Bloodworth, the director of counseling services at CU, acknowledges the societal stigma against therapy, but makes it clear that counseling isn’t necessarily what it might seem like to many.
“Sometimes people just want to be heard…” Bloodworth said. “Sometimes people just need to vent. It’s an opportunity to just gain some perception – an opportunity for self reflection, and it’s free.”
Located at 118 Meader Street, in the blue house across from the Betty Dobbins Heilman Wellness Center, Counseling Services also offers couples and group counseling, mental health screenings and referral services for further treatment.
“I always tell people, counseling is not about ‘fixing you,’ there’s nothing wrong with you,” Bloodworth said. “It’s about helping you through your journey towards bettering yourself – whatever that looks like.”
Outside of counseling sessions, there are actions that students can take to limit falling further into isolation. For instance, Bloodworth recommended that students potentially suffering from seasonal depression stay connected to the world around them, whether in the form of face-to-face interaction or socialization over the phone. Additionally, self-care and reconnecting with nature can do wonders to combat winter’s icy grip.
“Those three – self care, getting some fresh air and staying connected – are extremely important for seasonal affective disorder,” Bloodworth said.
Staying connected can be a lot different for people with social anxiety. Bloodworth’s tip for those students looking for connections is to strengthen relationships inside their classrooms or through attending events. Furthermore, setting up a group to study with can keep students connected and allow them to gain a new perspective into studying and understanding the material further.
As for managing finals anxiety and stress, Bloodworth said it’s important for students to know their limits so they don’t overdo it. Taking plenty of breaks and getting rest is the best way to combat fatigue. Students should also remind themselves how close they are to the finish line.
“Look where you are – we’re at the final two or three weeks,” Bloodworth said. “You’ve already made it this far.”
With finals week approaching, a long list of upcoming events is developing. In past years, Student Activities and other organizations on campus have offered stress buster activities in the form of inviting students to interact with adorable puppies or let their anger out by demolishing pumpkins and fighting with pillows.
This year, many of the events are arts and crafts centric, allowing students to creatively vent their frustrations and come out with a product made from their passion. Throughout the week, Student Activities will have a Serenity Station set up in the SAC Foyer with crafts and coloring. The full list of known upcoming events is below, and will be updated as more information is released.
