It is no surprise that college can be a stressful time for students, and how we handle that stress will affect our experience in college. More and more students are coming to college already diagnosed with some type of mental illness, and colleges are doing their best to try and meet the need that students have.

Here at Missouri State, we have a wonderful Counseling Center that serves students to ensure that they are getting the help they need. The Counseling Center’s mission is that every student matters; they seek to help students work through the problems they might be having and to help students have the best college experience they can.

Part of the problem that many students face with attending counseling is the stigma surrounding mental health. Mental health is viewed as something very negative and something that folks who are affected by it should be ashamed of. While there is nothing to be ashamed of, the Counseling Center will soon be moving into the new Taylor Health and Wellness building, so students will have more privacy when attending their counseling sessions.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, know that there are options for help right here on campus! The Counseling Center is located in Carrington Hall 311, and their phone number is 417-836-5116.