From Student Blogger, Aanchal: Stay Calm and Seek Counseling
Benjamin Franklin once quotes, “He that won’t be counseled can’t be helped.” Hence even today counseling is proved to be a powerful tool in modeling ideas, personalities, and perceptions. It’s like a medicine that heals a disturbed mind.
There is so much going on when you move to a foreign land. First and foremost being homesickness. It’s not easy to travel and settle far away from family amidst strangers and all new people. This situation might not seem very pleasant and might make you feel depressed. There could be other anxieties going on. Financial or academic issues can also hamper your growth and well being. Before the stress goes and gets trapped in your heart, it’s important to talk about it. Friends and family might not always understand your thoughts because of their personal bias. Counseling centers might be a good resource to seek help in this situation. A lot of international students are unaware of counseling on their campus. They are available during regular college hours or even by appointment. But certainly, that should be your go-to place if you face any personal or community issues while being a student. Talking about it would make you feel lighter but also builds up your trust with a fellow being. A counseling center is comprised of mature and expert advisors that build up that cell with their knowledge, certification, and experience. They try their level best to walk you out of your stress.
When I moved to the US as a student, I felt a little trapped being amidst strangers who did not even speak my language. It was a complete transition for me. New surroundings, new people, a new environment and an entirely new air! These things don’t always seem comfortable. Also, when a person is away from home, he cannot seek refuge when suffering a traumatic situation because he doesn’t trust new people. The traumas might make you feel secluded and tend to create an upheaval in your head and that’s when you start feeling low and abstracted. What most international students go through is a cultural shock. A shock of transition when you feel disoriented in a new environment. It leads to quite a few different concerns namely.
- Helplessness
- Mood Swings
- Loneliness
- Devoid of Energy
- Insomnia
- Eating inappropriately
- Taking up bad habits
Before all these concerns escalate to a major health concern it is advised to seek a counselor’s help. Someone who doesn’t know you, won’t judge you or form opinions about you. Indeed, with their expertise, they can help you resolve an issue or find a solution from your discomfort. Most of the on-campus counseling services are free of cost and have flexible schedules to accommodate students who have a tedious class schedule.
Step Up and go see your counselor! It made me feel better-way better! It got me my confidence back and helped me rediscover my abilities and aspirations. Honestly, I took a deep sigh after having a conversation with my counselor. Truly relieved! Counselors are super friendly and you can talk to them with an open heart. They will try to understand you and direct you to happiness and a sorted mindset.
Aanchal Tangri from India is pursuing a degree in English at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada.
