As the first half of the semester nears, students often kick efforts into high gear as midterm week bears down. 

As the workload increases, students may find themselves needing to talk to a mental health professional to help them cope. 

The counseling center, located inside the university’s Shake Learning Resource Center, can be a safe haven for students during stressful times.

“It’s not uncommon that I see students during midterm week,” said counselor Kathy Evans. 

She said students sometimes seek mental health help after the week is over, too, once the work is done but anxiety is often left behind.

But there are things that can help, she said.

According to Evans, “getting enough sleep, taking small breaks to breathe, and a little self-care is something students should take up” when school gets extra stressful. 

Some other things students can do to recuperate their minds and bodies are visiting the Student Recreation Center for some exercise or going for a walk at Kimmell Park, she said.

The LRC also offers sensory rooms for students, such as a chill room, multiple virtual reality rooms, and even a drawing room to re-energize their minds and get their focus back to where they need it to be.

Students interested in using one of these sensory rooms need only visit the front desk for more information. 

The counseling center is also available to students from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

To make an appointment, call 812-888-4374 or send an email to [email protected].