Signs That Counselling May Be Helpfull To You

The following list contains some of the most common concerns of students who come to the Counseling Center for help. Sometimes a student is struggling with a number of these problems that, taken together, have made life difficult. At other times, a student may have only one of these concerns, but the intensity and/or persistence of the problem has made it hard to function effectively. As you read through these signs, keep in mind that, at times, all of us will have experiences like those described. Normally, these problems are relatively temporary and we recover fairly quickly. However, if you see yourself in a number of the items, or if even one problem is significant enough to really disrupt your life, it might be a good idea to call or drop by the Counseling Center and make an appointment.

1. Difficulty adjusting to life at AUS
2. Anxiety related to academic work (e.g., test-taking or public-speaking anxiety)
3. A dramatic drop in academic performance
4. Concerns over whether or not you're in the right major
5. Lack of direction or feeling unsure about your chosen career
6. Difficulty concentrating (e.g., when trying to study) and making decisions
7. Feeling tired, fatigued, like everything takes a lot of effort
8. Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
9. Recent change in your sleeping patterns (e.g., difficulty sleeping or sleeping all the time)
10. Recent change in your eating patterns (e.g., loss of appetite or eating more than usual)
11. Feeling guilty or inadequate
12. Wanting to avoid most people, even those you like
13. Feeling stressed or anxious
14. Having panic attacks or experiencing intense anxiety for no apparent reason
15. Unexplained crying
16. Bursts of anger or unusual irritability
17. Lack of assertiveness
18. Use of alcohol or drugs
19. Problems with weight control (e.g., overeating, bulimia, anorexia, excessive exercising)
20. Problems in your relationship with your parent(s)
21. Relationship breakup that has really disrupted your life
22. Difficulty coping with the death of someone important.