Mental Health Resources at Illinois

Mental Health Resources at Illinois Hey everyone! I’d like to start off by congratulating all of you officially declared Illini! Welcome, and know that you’re in for an exciting four years! With finals in full swing, the mood on campus is a mix of anxiety and anticipation for the end of the semester. I thought I’d write a quick post on some of the mental health resources here, because it’s not something I really thought about before coming to campus my freshman year, but it’s useful information to know. The two main resources for students are the Counseling Center and Mental Health Clinic at the McKinley Health Center. Both offer different types of consultation from professionals and outreach programs depending on your needs. I was really surprised to discover how many of my friends had sought out counseling at some point, and how common it is across campus. It’s also nice that the mandatory health service fee that students pay covers the cost of services offered at the Counseling Center and McKinleyâ€"so get help while it’s free! There are also more informal ways to talk about mental health, or seek creative outlets with peers through registered student organizations like Open Ears, and the Illini Art Therapy Association, for example.  Whether you’re interested in seeking help for yourself, or offering your support to others, there are a number of different ways in which you can take initiative. Its nice to know that these options exist before you move  to a new place. Freshman yearand college in general certainly has many ups and downs, so dont feel ashamed if you feel overwhelmed at any point. There will always be people on campus who want to listen to your problems, no matter how big or small. Ria Class of 2018 I'm studying both Finance and Information Systems and Information Technology in the Gies College of Business. I’m from Los Altos, California.