WESTON HIREVELA
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
MARIA KOLB
STAFF WRITER
9/9/2022
Alma College has a variety of resources on campus with one of those resources being the Wilcox Counseling and Wellness Center.
Here, services include individual, relationship and group counseling. Additionally, walk-in emergency services are available daily for students who are in urgent need of help or crisis intervention.
Counseling is a collaborative experience for both the student and the counselor. With the help of the counselor, the student will develop the skills to manage their mental wellness and will be able to explore their individuality.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. From our capacity to perform academically or athletically to our physical health and our relationships, it impacts every aspect of our lives.
“People maintain mental health in different ways, but it’s very similar to taking care of our physical bodies: eating and sleeping, movement, social wellness, and connection, and if needed working with a mental health provider,” said Anne Lambrecht, Director of Counseling.
In the past years, students have experienced their own mental health struggles on campus. “The most common things are anxiety and stress. However, many students are seen for depression, family issues, adjustment to college and other mental health issues. Students will often over-commit themselves in several areas and it can lead to burnout and stress,” said Molly Pocsi, a Limited License Professional Counselor at Alma College.
Pocsi recommends students should “get out of [their] room, use the resources… that are available to [them], as it is a sign of strength not weakness. Know who your supports on campus are and use them.”
Not only does Wilcox offer mental health support to students, but it also provides activities and events for those on campus. One of these events is the Mental Health First Aid Training offered by the Gratiot Integrated Health Network on Sept. 1.
In this 8-hour course, participants learn the risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations and where to turn for help.
For students who are interested in mental health awareness and want to become more involved, other mental health events are being offered on campus.
Some events being featured on campus are QPR Training, Sept. 6; Stress Less, Oct. 5; Therapy Dogs and Kitty Fun Nights, Sept. 12 & 13; Let’s Talk and Light Therapy M-F Suicide Prevention Awareness (wearing yellow), Sept. 9; Grief Group, Dec. 16.
Students who need counseling are encouraged to schedule an appointment on Alma’s webpage under “Counseling Center.” This counseling is free and confidential. The center’s office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Currently, one of the campus’ psychiatrists has left; however, “in October, the Wilcox Health Center will be welcoming back a new clinician, Stacey Graham, to our counseling staff,” said Lambrecht.
On campus, mental health contributes to a student’s life daily, and as part of Alma’s mission “we pledge to create a climate where everyone is safe and free to grow intellectually, spiritually and emotionally.”
