Illustration by Lauren Brutger | Washtenaw’s voice
by SHELBY BEATY
Photo editor
In March 2020, Michigan students were introduced to COVID-19. The pandemic meant no going out in public unless you needed to, no face-to-face interaction with friends and family, and no in-person education for the next 18 months.
How will this affect the interaction with others when life returns to normal? What happened to our mental health during the Covid-19 era? Are we ever going to step away from our computer screens?
WCC advisor Kari Mapes shared a glimpse of the help given by college advisers during the shutdown.
Kari Maples on Zoom Call Encouraging Students to Use Resources During Depression | Washtenaw’s voice
Q: During the 18 month course, did the number of students seeking help increase or decrease?
A: We have seen students constantly reaching out. More [WCC] students take advantage of the opportunity to receive tele-mental health services, which is new to the WCC. All of our licensed professional counselors received their telemental health certification last summer to better support and help students through this difficult time.
Q: What were the majority of reported cases?
A: Many of the students I have seen have suffered from symptoms of anxiety, depression, life adjustment, stress, grief, relationship conflict, and general stress related to work balance. , family and school life.
Q: What resources can the WCC offer to a person with mental health problems?
A: There’s a lot going on this semester, so WCC is offering free short-term, solution-oriented consulting services to any student currently enrolled in this semester and falling within our scope of practice. Students can access information about these services through the WCC personal counseling web page.
In addition to personal counseling, we offer our campus support program – called CAP – and this service is a telephone service that allows students to receive up to three free telephone counseling sessions. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for students.
Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
In one look
- You can reach the WCC personal counseling team at 734-677-5102. To learn more visit: https://www.wccnet.edu/succeed/personal/counseling/
- WCC CAP (Campus Assistance Program) is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-227-3834
- College counselors will be available to answer questions and present information about WCC personal counseling services, college recovery program, school boards, success coaching, student resource center and more. on the virtual event.
