Free and confidential counseling services are available to students at Student Counseling Services

Photo of Student Services Building

I can’t sleep. I’m sad all the time. I don’t have any friends. I’m not sure I fit in here. I worry constantly. I am so overwhelmed.  What am I doing here? Does any of this sound familiar? Being a college student is stressful! You don’t have to go it alone: Illinois State University’s Student Counseling Services (SCS) is here to help you succeed.

SCS has experienced psychologists and counselors. Counseling is free, and it’s confidential –what happens in counseling stays in counseling. Except for a few exceptions related to the safety of yourself and others, no information can be released. Your privacy is protected by law!

The impact of discrimination and hate

image of diversity

At Student Counseling Services, we were saddened to hear about the hate and violence that occurred in Charlottesville during the “Unite the Right” rally.  Student Counseling Services condemns violence and all forms of discrimination, including intolerance and hate.  We acknowledge the psychological, emotional and spiritual impact these events have on our students, faculty and staff. Psychological research has shown that prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination can have adverse effects on both the targets and the perpetrators. These effects include heightened vigilance, anger, anxiety, depression and physical symptoms. Discrimination can create a climate of rejection, fear, anxiety and insecurity, for both individuals and the target group as a whole.  We encourage you to seek support in a way that is most beneficial to your own self-care and to support one another.  As always, the staff at SCS is available to meet with any student who may need to talk about their reactions.  Know that we are here to listen with empathy and to provide support to all students in a way that validates your experiences.  During this difficult time, let us continue to affirm Illinois State University’s values of diversity and inclusion. 

Walk with Wellness this fall!

wednesday walkers

With so much focus on how much people are sitting these days, make a weekly lunch date to walk with Health Promotion and Wellness on Wednesdays!

Sleep your way to wellness

tired

Many things often stand between us and a good night’s sleep: absurdly long to do lists, family or social obligations, and often our own brains. Some of these barriers are easier to control than others. Regardless, adequate sleep provides a vital foundation for your overall well-being. In fact, its so important that some gyms are

Achieving wellness goals

Reggie blood pressure check

So you’ve decided that you want to make a change and work on an area of your health. How and where do you being? It can be extremely overwhelming to take that first step, but there is a science behind positively changing your behavior. People go through five stages for behavior change: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation,

Your adventure awaits

Kayak

Adventure Connection offers high-end, well-maintained rental equipment for any adventure. You can rent a variety of equipment including canoes, kayaks, tents, hammocks, sleeping bags, and more.

Tips for summer wellness

Summer can sometimes prove to be a difficult season to continue working on our seven dimensions of wellness. To help you out, here is a list of ways to keep on track with your wellness during the summer months!

Walk with Wellness on Wednesdays this summer!

Women walk on the Quad

With so much focus on how much people are sitting these days, make a weekly lunch date to walk with Health Promotion and Wellness on Wednesdays throughout the summer! Attendees will join Health Promotion and Wellness staff for a 30-minute walk on various routes through campus.