BigThingsLittleThings.com: University Counseling Center

I’m feeling overwhelmed. What should I do?

Stress is a normal part of life, but sometimes it can feel like you have more than you can handle. When you are overwhelmed, try taking control of the little things in your life. Try talking to a friend, listening to music, or taking a walk. The possibilities are endless.

I’ve tried lots of different ways to manage my stress, but I’m still not feeling like myself. What should I do next?

Things can add up and overwhelm your ability to handle your daily life. Maybe it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning. Or you can’t focus when you’re studying. Maybe you’re feeling different from people around you. If you no longer feel like you can manage the demands of daily life, you may be experiencing something more than stress.

How do I know if it’s something to worry about?

Do I have depression? Is my anxiety level higher than it should be? Am I sleeping too much? Is my drinking out of control? Am I eating healthy? Take an online mental health screening to find out. Enter the keyword "Utah".

Can talking with a counselor help me?

Yes! While it may feel uncomfortable or strange at first, many people find it helpful to talk about their lives with someone trained to listen and understand where they are coming from – someone who doesn’t judge them.

How can I make an appointment at the University Counseling Center?

Visit the "how to make an appointment" page.

What if I’ve been having thoughts of suicide?

This is definitely a time to come in and talk to a counselor. Having or expressing thoughts of suicide can mean different things for different people. It’s important to talk to a professional who can help you sort out your thoughts and feelings so that you stay safe.

Whether it’s the big things or the little things, the University Counseling Center is here for you.

I’m worried about my friend. What should I do?

Friends that care enough to reach out can make a real difference. Sometimes doing the small things can help more than you think, like sharing your concern or simply offering a listening ear. You can also help your friend understand that stress is a normal part of life that nobody is immune to.

Here are some ideas:

• Take your friend for a walk.
• Listen to music together.
• Write them a note about how they are appreciated.
• Be specific about your concerns – let them know you notice.
• Rent a funny movie and watch it together.
• Listen to them without judgment or giving advice.
• Laugh together.

I’ve tried lots of different things, but nothing seems to help my friend. What should I do now?

It can be difficult to have a friend in distress. Your friendship is important, but sometimes they need more help and information than you can give. You can help connect your friend to a counselor, clergy, or other campus resources. Often, this may be just what they need to take the next step. Many people find it helpful to talk about their lives with someone trained to listen and understand where they are coming from.

How can my friend make an appointment at the University Counseling Center?

Visit the "how to make an appointment" page.

I’m worried that my friend is suicidal. What should I do?

Having or expressing thoughts of suicide can mean different things for different people, but it’s important to take any mention or suspicion of suicide seriously. This is definitely a time for your friend to talk to a counselor. Let your friend know that they have the option of talking with a trained professional and help them make an appointment.

Whether it’s helping your friend with the big things or the little things, the University Counseling Center is here for you.

I’m worried about my student. What should I do?

Parents are often in the best position to recognize distress in their children. You can help by acknowledging that stress is a normal part of life. And, by making suggestions that help your student handle things better, you will increase their confidence and ability to cope.

Here are some ideas:

• Give gentle encouragement.
• Spend one-on-one time with them.
• Be specific about your concerns – let them know you notice.
• Write them a note about how they are appreciated.
• Listen to them without judgment or giving advice.
• Laugh together.

I’ve tried lots of different things, but nothing seems to help. What should I do next?

One of the hardest things for a parent is to have a child in distress. Your relationship is vital, but sometimes they need more help and information than you can give. You can help connect your student to a counselor, clergy, or other campus resources. Often, this may be just what they need to take the next step. Many people find it helpful to talk about their lives with someone trained to listen and understand where they are coming from.

How can my student make an appointment at the University Counseling Center?

Visit the "how to make an appointment" page.

I’m worried that my son or daughter is suicidal. What should I do?

Having or expressing thoughts of suicide can mean different things for different people but it’s important to take any mention or suspicion of suicide seriously. This is definitely a time for your student to talk to a counselor. Let your child know that they have the option of talking with a trained professional and help them make an appointment.

Whether it’s helping your student with the big things or the little things, the University Counseling Center is here for you.