College life can be very stressful. There is no denying that. It can feel like your back is against the wall and no one is there with you to help overcome the challenges that come your way. You are not alone. Elgin Community College’s Wellness Service offers wellness professionals to help students with their mental health needs.

“The number of students who are experiencing challenges with anxiety and depression continues to rise,” said Vincent Cascio, one of the three wellness professionals at ECC. “That’s nationally, not just within ECC. Across the country college students are experiencing high rates of anxiety and depression.”

Cascio has been at the Wellness Services since its inception back in Spring 2015. The Wellness Services has continued to increase year by year, and the services that have been offered has been increasing along with it.

“Our department has grown tremendously in regards to providing services,” Cascio said. “We provide individual services that is a one-on-one service that’s ether face to face, virtually or over the phone.  Whatever is comfortable for the student. We also offer support groups for students.”

Talking to someone you haven’t met before isn’t easy. The wellness professionals at ECC have years of experience helping students feel comfortable talking through their problems. The sessions remain confidential between you and the professional.

Sometimes students don’t know that they have any anxiety or depression. Students sometimes ignore their own mental health. Which is why it’s important to know the important warning signs of anxiety and depression.

“Some behavior things to be mindful of if a student is experiencing feeling tired all the time, behind in a lot of class assignments not wanting to get out of bed, isolating themselves from the friends and family,” Cascio said. “Not finding enjoyment in anything they use to have enjoyment in. Overall, down on themselves. These are red flags that you want to be mindful of. You want to bring that in and talk to a wellness professional as you might have signs of depression and anxiety.”

When it comes to a one-on-one session, expect a nice quiet environment with dimmed lighting and a comfortable seat to make students feel welcomed. The sessions remain confidential and are up to an hour, and students can vent their emotions to one of the professionals. The Wellness Professionals also give advice on coping with your emotions and how to overcome obstacles that might be affecting your mental health.

Wellness services have partnerships with local health care providers to get students long term care if they need it. Insured or uninsured the wellness center will aid students in finding someone that can help them.

ECC also offers group sessions. It can be good for one to talk to students that are in a similar situation. Support groups help students form bonds and community. ECC offers three different group sessions: FACTS, Pride Talk, and Crossroads.

FACTS, which stands for Facing Adversity & Challenges Through Support, is where students can talk about issues or problems that might bother them. Group attendees can receive feedback from other students and a wellness professional. This support group meets every Tuesday at 4:30 PM in room B253.

Pride Talk is a support group for the LGBTQ+ community. They allow students to talk about challenges that arise while coming out and their gender identity with other LGBTQ+ students. This support group meets on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM in room F100.

Crossroads is a support group for dual credit students. They dual credit students manage their transition to college. This support group meets on Wednesdays at 3:30pm in room B253.

More information is available on the Wellness Services Facebook and Instagram.

ECC Wellness Services are doing their best to help all students, even with record breaking numbers.

“This time compared to last spring we are seeing double the number of students to come seek out for our services,” Cascio said.

Life can get tough. Just know that you are not alone when it comes to facing these obstacles in life. Don’t be embarrassed to get help. The most important thing in life is your health. Reaching out to get help can push you to become the best that you can be. Don’t wait, life is too precious to neglect. Reach out today.

You’re not alone, you can get started at https://elgin.edu/life-at-ecc/wellness-services/ it will provide all the resources that were talked about to help get you started.  You can do this.