Mental Wellness at the University Counseling Center

During this pandemic, societies worldwide have witnessed tumult in the realm of politically, economically, and within various other elements of organized operation so many depend on. However, statistics reflect that the most intense effect has potentially been on general mental health. Here at Southern University, the Counseling Center serves a particularly important purpose due to these increasingly high numbers related to these mental illness crises.
Dr. ValaRay J. Irvin, psychologist and director of the University Counseling Center (UCC) explains the essential role that the center serves during this current time period: “The UCC has always assisted students with concerns of anxiety, depression, and stress, which name the top three concerns college students seek help for at their college counseling centers. In addition, grief and loss issues are frequent concerns of people in general. However, since the pandemic, research has shown that anxiety has increased significantly, even among individuals who previously never had anxiety.”
Dr. Irvin’s claim is supported by a multitude of sources, including the CDC, or Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which chronicled a study conducted to assess the population’s mental stability during the pandemic within their Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: “Symptoms of anxiety disorder and depressive disorder increased considerably in the United States during April–June of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019 (1,2)…Overall, 40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder (30.9%), symptoms of a trauma- and stressor-related disorder (TSRD) related to the pandemic (26.3%), and having started or increased substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19 (13.3%).” Irvin also confirms the services that will be offered to students this semester includes “individual counseling/therapy, consultation with staff, and beginning September, some testing for ADHD Spectrum Disorder, and other Learning Disabilities.”
While various services are in place, there are also precautions being taken in order to protect both professionals and students from the virus. When asked what some of these precautions may entail, Irvin stated that the University Counseling Center will be offering in-person contact only for first time users of the center and those students who they deem inappropriate for teletherapy (virtual) services. “After the initial evaluation, service for existing clients individual counseling/therapy will be virtual. I made this decision to attempt the control of individuals entering the center. We are also requiring all staff and individuals visiting the center to wear masks!” said Irvin.
When asked what general advice she personally could offer to the student body and staff, Dr. Irvin said as follows- “This is not your usual Fall semester! It is absolutely essential that we all do our parts with trying to slow down the spread of this virus by following CDC ‘best practices’: wear your masks when with others, even when you’re outdoors; wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and hot water; and, if you don’t have either or both within your living areas, and/or classroom buildings, let your SGA reps know so that they can contact the appropriate person(s); please practice social distancing, again, even when outdoors…To faculty and staff; this will be a ‘different’ semester. In collaboration with the SU AgCenter, and SUBR Intramural Sports, UCC developed several videos on several of the topics shared in this piece. You can access them on the UCC web page along with other helpful information on dealing with this pandemic, contact us at [email protected], as well as the SU AgCenter’s webpage.”