As the fall semester begins, students could potentially be experiencing major stressors. Whether it be major life changes or relationship issues, Del Mar College’s Counseling Center is always here to help.

Jessica Edwards, director of the Counseling Center, said the center hopes to continue breaking the stigma surrounding mental health by building a community of support in the college.

“The Counseling Center provides mental health services to DMC students. We provide individual and couples counseling, as well as consultations and crisis management. Consultations are also available for faculty and staff,” Edwards said. “The Counseling Center hosts wellness workshops, where students can drop in for a 30-minute skill building workshop on various topics. Students do not have to be in services to attend a workshop. We also have a Zen Zone at each of our locations where students, faculty and staff can sit in the massage chair, and take a moment to relax.”

Earlier this year, the Counseling Center launched a new self-help resource called TAO, Therapy Assistance Online. Anyone with Del Mar College email credentials may log in and use the many resiliency-strengthening and wellness-enhancement tools that are offered.

Edwards said services offered are free and confidential. Services can be provided in person as well as virtually. For anyone wanting to visit, services are provided in the Heritage Campus in the Harvin Center, Room 233A; the Windward Campus in the Health Science Building 1, Room 262; and the Oso Creek Campus in the Main Building, Room 212.

According to their statistics in 2022, the Counseling Center had over 1,000 appointments. Research shows that half of college students report their mental health being a major difficulty for them. Statistics from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention state that suicide Is the 11th leading cause of death. That means that there is an average of 132 suicides per day.

The Counseling Center is readily available to help manage symptoms of suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and several other issues.

Edwards and the rest of the counseling staff want to remind others that it’s OK to ask for help.

“You are not alone; we are here to support you. You matter,” Edwards said.

In this fall semester, the Counseling Center and Student Engagement and Retention will be hosting the annual Spooktacular Mental Health and Resource Fair.

“There will be community and campus resources for students to meet and talk with about topics like mental health, childcare, transportation and more,” Edwards said. “The Counseling Center will transform into a haunted maze that students can visit and get additional information on resources. Enter if you dare!”

They will also host their “Paws and Relax” pet therapy event. This event will provide therapy dogs as well as stress relief activities.

Lastly, a virtual First Friday Suicide Prevention Training on the first Friday of each month will be hosted for students, faculty and staff. In 2022, around 200 people attended these events.

“September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and we will be hosting a First Friday Suicide Prevention Training on Sept. 1,” Edwards said. To RSVP and join, email dmccounseling@delmar.edu.

To keep up with all the events the staff have planned, follow the Counseling Center on Facebook and Instagram, @dmccounseling.

For more information about the Counseling Center, contact dmccounseling@delmar.edu or
361-698-1586.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or are contemplating taking action, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.