2008 Woodie Awards
Anonymous health questions answered!
Sherry Carstens & Cary Knier
Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: Opinions
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Have you ever wanted to ask a health related question, but felt too embarrassed or rushed? Did you ever wonder whether the emotions you've had are "normal"? Sometimes it is difficult to ask health related questions face-to-face or you might not have time to stop by the nurse's or counselor's office to do so. We will have a regular column in the Mirror to answer questions related to health (physical and emotional). We ask that you email the questions to Sherry, campus nurse, carstenssl@lakeland.edu or Cary, campus counselor, knierca@lakeland.edu with the subject line: Mirror Questions. Please include your name and phone number (names will not be published in the Mirror). Questions will remain confidential. We will use our discretion to decide which questions will be included. If you have other questions please contact Sherry at x1523 or Cary at x1527. The following is an article from past which we feel is appropriate for this time of year. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
New to campus? Is this your first time away from home? Feeling really overwhelmed and haven't met many people yet? Do any of these questions sound familiar? They do to many students on campus. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There are many other students who feel the same way but may not talk about it. Homesickness is a normal reaction to leaving home and those you love. Feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiousness and confusion can occur. While there is no magic cure, there are many effective ways to help you deal with those feelings and become connected to new faces and friends. Here are a few tips:
1. Acknowledge to yourself that the sad, uneasy feeling you are having may be related to being homesick.
2. Find someone to talk to about it-a roommate, a friend from home, your R.A., a family member or counselor.
3. Call home (if you can) and e-mail more often for a while and let them know you miss them (even your younger brother or sister). Put pictures of them around your room.
4. Don't try to bury the feelings with drugs, alcohol or self destructive behavior. Take care of your self. Get enough sleep and eat right.
5. Get together with other people in your surroundings and enjoy new and fun things (walks, music, talks, movies, a hobby).
6. Realize that new situations take time to get used to and that it is normal to feel this way. Give yourself time to settle in.
7. GET INVOLVED!!!!! You'll hear that a lot around campus. Join a club or an organization. Go to campus events. This is the best way to transition into college life.
Welcome to Lakeland. It is a big step in your life and an enjoyable one. If you have difficulties making the transition contact the counselor or nurse. We are more than willing to help.
New to campus? Is this your first time away from home? Feeling really overwhelmed and haven't met many people yet? Do any of these questions sound familiar? They do to many students on campus. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There are many other students who feel the same way but may not talk about it. Homesickness is a normal reaction to leaving home and those you love. Feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiousness and confusion can occur. While there is no magic cure, there are many effective ways to help you deal with those feelings and become connected to new faces and friends. Here are a few tips:
1. Acknowledge to yourself that the sad, uneasy feeling you are having may be related to being homesick.
2. Find someone to talk to about it-a roommate, a friend from home, your R.A., a family member or counselor.
3. Call home (if you can) and e-mail more often for a while and let them know you miss them (even your younger brother or sister). Put pictures of them around your room.
4. Don't try to bury the feelings with drugs, alcohol or self destructive behavior. Take care of your self. Get enough sleep and eat right.
5. Get together with other people in your surroundings and enjoy new and fun things (walks, music, talks, movies, a hobby).
6. Realize that new situations take time to get used to and that it is normal to feel this way. Give yourself time to settle in.
7. GET INVOLVED!!!!! You'll hear that a lot around campus. Join a club or an organization. Go to campus events. This is the best way to transition into college life.
Welcome to Lakeland. It is a big step in your life and an enjoyable one. If you have difficulties making the transition contact the counselor or nurse. We are more than willing to help.
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