The nation is at war and bloodshed is imminent. Jilted emotions penetrate the air and Valley College students are feeling it. Have college students noticed it feels like war?
The Valley health department is having more visits from students who complain of symptoms that indicate anxiety or depression.
Student Sharon Williams said she has experienced a great deal of emotion lately when worrying about whether she' ll pass a test. She realizes the troops are in a foreign country, facing death. "I'm still here, watching their efforts on television," Williams said. "Somehow, it doesn't seem right."
The media is providing listeners with a barrage of bad news and viewers are assaulted with replays of battlefield action. The images creep into our homes and cause many people to feel powerless.
"Fear and anxiety affects us biologically in the form of lower immune resistance, impaired ability to reason and exacerbation of everything from acne to ulcers," said Los Angeles Psychiatrist Carole Lieberman in an interview for Newsweek.
Students who've been diagnosed with anxiety complain of feeling blue and not finding pleasure in doing the things they like to do.
Symptoms of anxiety include loss of appetite or over-eating, depression and sleep problems, said Barbara Pearlman, registered nurse and supervisor of Student Health Services at Valley.
"I've been feeling bummed out lately," student Karla Stevens said. "I didn't consider why that might be until now. I guess it'd be pretty hard to feel good with all that's going on."
Valley's Health Department encourages concerned students to visit the school's clinic if they are experiencing physical or emotional difficulties.
Carl King, the school psychologist, is available for appointments. As a precaution, some students take comfort in seeing the medical doctor as well.
"I would encourage any student that's feeling uneasy and anxious to talk about it and get support," Perlman said. "I think most everyone is feeling that."
Free medical screenings will be available at the Health Fair Expo April 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Monarch Hall. Students can have their blood pressure taken, see a dermatologist, a vision specialist and the school psychologist.
Valley's health clinic is in the North Gym and is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and until 7 p.m. Wednesdays. General health emergency and first aid, as well as non-emergency physician services are available by appointment.
Northridge Hospital provides a 24-hour psychiatric crisis helpline. It's a service for potential admissions to the psychiatric department. They'll respond to calls depending on the situation.
Students are eligible for the school's health services at no additional charge. Students are requested to pay a mandatory $11 health fee during registration at the beginning of each semester.
Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now