Photo by Victoria Valle

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CAROLINA FLORES

College is a socially tumultuous time as some students struggle to live on their own for the first time, enter their first romantic relationships or simply grapple with the question of what they are to do with their lives. Thankfully, at St. Marys students have access to low-cost counseling services that may aid them through any personal struggles.

There is a common misconception thattherapy is for people who have reached a lowpoint in their life. A student may seek therapyto work out interpersonal issues or becausethey wish to gain self-knowledge. Thereshould be no stigma attached to counselingas it shows high emotional intelligencein knowing where there are aspects in apersons life that could be improved. Theresalso a stigma that perhaps going to therapymeans one is crazy but many people whohave undiagnosed disorders attend therapy.

Seeking counseling also does not meanthat a person has few coping resourcesor that they do not have people in theirlife to help them through rough times.However, it is important to rememberthat friends are not therapists, nor shouldthey be. Sometimes therapy can help bringobjectivity to a situation. For instance, thereare things called cognitive distortionsirrational thought patterns common inthose with depression and anxietythatonly a trained professional may detect.Therapists may point out cues such as usingabsolutes in a persons speech, that a friendis not trained to do. Seeking wise counselamongst trusted adults including professors,religious affiliated brothers, or other facultymembers on campus can help provide betterresources and advice for students.

Therapy is also more effective thanpsychoactive medication such as

antidepressants or anxiety medication.While medication can help the mind toimmediately adapt, the goal of therapy isto seek long-term solutions to negativethought patterns. However, psychiatricservices are also availablenote that theydiffer from counseling serviceswhere astudent may request to be evaluated by amedical professional at little cost and alsopossibly receive prescribed medication.If any student seeks a diagnosis forsomething such as ADHD, they can book anappointment with the student psychologicalcenter to be evaluated. Dr. Thomas Matthewsis the trusted psychiatrist at St. Marys,

he is an associate of University of TexasHealth Science Center at San Antonio. Heoffers psychiatric evaluation and diagnosisthat can help students be more aware oftheir mental health and possible ways toovercome any mental disabilities or traumasuch as stress. Relationship counseling isalso available on campus; only one partnermust be a St. Marys student. Poor mentalhealth can be as academically detrimentalas a chronic physical illness. Students shouldknow that going to therapy shows an activedesire to get better; if they suffer froma psychological condition, scheduling atherapy appointment is the first step towardrecovery. If any student requires emergencyhelp, a counselor on duty may be accessedby calling the 24-hour crisis response at 210-825-3622.

While academics should be a priorityfor students, mental health should alwayscome first. College is a time for personalgrowth and self-awareness. The best way todo so is through reflection and counseling.Therapy can offer students counselingfrom a professional to help organize onesthoughts and bring inner peace that canbe lasting throughout a students life evenafter graduation.

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MENTAL MOMENTS: ThTherapy is beneficial for students - The Rattler