by TONIA HOLBROOK
The Parthenon

There’s a lot to be said for peace of mind. 

But for some college students, that’s a state in which they don’t reside. 

Juggling classes, jobs, car payments and a social life can be sources of considerable stress, especially when this is the first time experiencing it. When life’s little mishaps have you in a bind, mental health can be put in jeopardy. 

And when mentalities go unchecked, those troubles have the power to cripple us. 

Whether you are stressed out or have a case of the blues, there may be relief for you right here on campus at one of Marshall’s counseling services. 

Much of the mental anguish experienced by college students is a result of baggage they bring from home - the way they were reared and trying to live up to those ideals, according to Dr. Pamela Mulder, assistant professor of psychology and director of the MU psychology clinic. 

"All of that leads to depression and anxiety. Put that on top of adolescence and it gets crazy," she said. 

It’s not that college students are still adolescents, Mulder said, but the idealism of adolescence is still present. 

Because it’s the first time away from home, students may have trouble getting adjusted to a new independent lifestyle, Mulder said. "They’re responsible for food, clothing and money, but are still treated by society as if they can’t make their own decisions. 

"This (Marshall University) is a big open candy factory with many different flavors," Mulder said. 

Kevin Gleason, Charleston junior, became aware of this fact when he came to Marshall. "It’s the first time you’re away from home and you’re used to your parents catering to you," he said. 

A high incidence of stress and depression among college students is a normal occurrence, according to Mulder. "College is set up to provide new experiences, but it also presents the first stressors," she said. 

To help students who suffer from these problems, Marshall has a psychology clinic in which students may seek counseling services. Psychology clinicians are second year graduate students supervised by faculty members. 

Using the clinic also offers a cost advantage to students, Mulder said. 

Whereas it costs $20 per hour for counseling sessions and $100 for a full assessment, including IQ and personality testing, students and others affiliated with Marshall get a 50 percent reduction in price. 

The clinic, located in room 449 in Harris Hall, is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Because of its hours, the psychology clinic is not set up for crisis situations. If a student thinks his or her situation requires immediate attention, he or she should go to the emergency room, Mulder said. 

Of the variety of problems students present in sessions, many are directly related to relationships, Mulder said. 

But these are not unusual for college students to have, she said. 

"The truth is, to some extent, you have to explore without getting too involved and be willing to tolerate loneliness and change." 
 
 

back