College is hard enough as it is, but struggling with mental illness can make every day feel like an uphill battle. This winter seemed like it would never end but now that spring has arrived, the winter blues should be gone, right? Not always. What are you supposed to do when temporary fixes such as shopping and face masks still leave you feeling… sad?  I try to be a cheerful person, but sometimes it’s hard to fake a smile. At times the world can feel too much. How do you cope with these feelings? Most of us who struggle with anxiety and/or depression know what we should do in order to treat our mental illness, but it can take a long time to build up the courage to get help.
If you are reading this and you are struggling with your mental health, I want you to know that you’re not alone. You may look around you and think that everyone has their lives together (I do this more than I would like to admit) but it’s important to remind yourself that you’re comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. It can be easy to think you’re the only one struggling just because your friends on Instagram seem happy. However, think of it like this: Do you post pictures on Instagram when you’re crying? Do you post on your Instagram story if you failed a test or got into a fight with your significant other? Most likely, you’re only posting about the positives in your life. Guess what? Everyone else is doing that too!
It can be hard to ask for help. Thankfully at UMKC, there are plenty of resources available for students who are struggling. The UMKC Counseling Center is a good place to start. They offer individual or couples counseling. The first intake session is free for all students attending UMKC. Students are eligible for 8 free sessions at the UMKC Counseling Center per academic year. After 8 sessions, students will be charged $15 per session. If you would like to make an appointment, call 816-235-1635.
However, there is another counseling option at UMKC. If you feel like you need consistent counseling I would recommend reaching out to UMKC Community Counseling and Assessment Services (CCAS). Counselors at CCAS consist of students working on their master’s or doctoral degree in Psychology. CCAS is affiliated with UMKC’s School of Education. CCAS takes clients from throughout the Kansas City community, not just UMKC students. They work with children, adolescents, and adults. If you are struggling financially, CCAS offers their fees at a sliding scale rate that is extremely affordable for students. I personally have bi-monthly therapy sessions through CCAS and it is extremely affordable compared to most therapy or counseling services. If you would like to set up an appointment with CCAS, call 816-235-2725.
If you have been diagnosed with a mental illness and are considering taking medication, UMKC’s Student Health and Wellness Center is a great resource, especially if you do not have a doctor in the area. They are able to prescribe antidepressant medications, although they are not able to prescribe medications for ADHD. If you would like to make an appointment, call 816-235-6133. Walk-ins are also available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30 a.m.-Noon at on the 2nd floor of 5110 Oak Street. However, it is important to realize that medications are not for everyone. Make sure to consistently communicate with your doctor about how you’re feeling on your prescription.
If your mental health needs exceed beyond what UMKC is able to provide for their students, no fear. The Metro Council of Community Behavioral Centers compiled a list of mental health resources available in the Kansas City area. Help is out there for you, no matter what issue you are struggling with. If you are a member of the LGBT community, The LGBT-Affirming Therapist Guild includes a list of LGBT friendly therapists in the Kansas City area.
It is important to take care of your mental health. I know that asking for help is hard, but it’s the best thing you can do for yourself. As someone who has been there, I understand how difficult it can be to make that first phone call. For me, taking that first step when I was 19 changed my life for the better. So just take it one step at a time. One phone call can go a long way.