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Battling New Year’s anxiety with resolutions |
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Thursday, 11 January 2007 |
by ALLISON CASEY
Lifestyles Reporter
For many, the New Year’s holiday brings feelings of self-doubt and anxiety about the future.
Around New Year’s, people can get depressed because they may have realized they didn’t reach their goals, Dr. Denise M. Lovin, a psychologist at Appalachian State University’s Counseling and Psychological Services Center, said.
“There is a higher rate of depression during the holidays, whether it
be Christmas, New Year’s, or Valentine’s Day,” she said. “There is lot
of anticipation and high expectations about what the holidays should be
and you can set yourself up for disappointment.”
Symptoms of depression include change in mood, sense of hopelessness,
lack of motivation, change in sleeping and eating habits, an increase
in substance abuse and suicidal thoughts, Lovin said.
“Students should watch for these signs in themselves, their roommates
and family,” she said. “I encourage anyone who may be struggling to
come in to the counseling center.”
Through the counseling center’s Web site, students can participate in an online depression screening.
The center is also sponsoring a program called “The Truth About
Suicide,” a program that focuses on college students and suicide.
It takes place Jan. 25 at 12:30 p.m. in the Calloway Peak room of Plemmons Student Union.
“Resolutions can be a good way to combat depression because it gives hope,” Lovin said.
One of the most common resolutions is to lose weight and eat healthier, she said.
The Student Wellness Center offers several programs that can help
students keep their New Year’s resolutions, Wellness Program
Coordinator Kit Olson said.
Services include a dietician, stress management and substance abuse counseling.
The Wellness Center also has a group of peer educators who put on programming for different groups on campus.
“The rate of success varies depending on the individual,” Olson said.
There are five stages of change: pre-contemplation, contemplation, action, prevention and maintenance, she said.
“Students who come in are ready to make a change in themselves,” Olson
said. “Generally the students who do the best are in that third stage.”
Senior international business major Natasha F. Wayne opted not to make any resolutions.
“My resolution is to not make resolutions,” she said. “I make them and
get mad at myself for breaking them, so I’m not going to this year.”
Those wishing to seek counseling can stop by the Wellness Center or the
Counseling Center located in the Miles Annas Building between the hours
of 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Fridays from 1 p.m.
to 3:30 p.m. or make an appointment.
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