This entry has been taken from the Counseling Center’s blog, Shrink Rap.

If you’re a student, December means more than upcoming holiday fun with family and friends. It means crunch time, with looming final exams and due dates for final projects and papers that are coming fast. These stressors can be overwhelming, leaving many students feeling anxious or depressed.    

 During this vulnerable time, it is critical students take steps toward a healthy holiday. One of these steps is to do a mood check by taking a quick, free, anonymous online screening.  

University of Missouri- Kansas City is offering these screenings, which can be accessed by visiting www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/MISSOURI. These screenings will help students determine if the stress they are feeling is a sign of something more, such as a common but under-diagnosed mood disorder, and how to get help if needed. The screenings are so quick to complete that they won’t add to your already hectic schedule. 

“Students are feeling pressure from every angle this time of year, and it is important for them to remember to refresh themselves, by taking time to relax,” says Rachel Pierce, UMKC Staff Psychologist and Outreach Coordinator. “However, if a student is feeling tired or keyed up all the time, relaxation might not be enough; and it might be helpful for that student to speak with a counselor.”

Many college students suffering from a mental health disorder never seek help, which is unfortunate because proven treatment methods are available. It is important for students to know that help is available, that it is effective, and that it can help students feel better about things.

Make sure you take a few minutes for your health today. If you have been feeling down or stressed, please check it out by taking a screening today.  And, as always, feel free to contact the UMKC Counseling Center at (816) 235-1635 for further assistance.

The organization that hosts the online screening program, Screening for Mental Health^® (SMH), is dedicated to promoting the improvement of mental health by providing the public with education, screening and treatment resources. SMH pioneered the concept of large-scale mental health screening and education programs in 1991, with its flagship program, National Depression Screening Day^®.