NGU Counseling numbers are on the rise
Mary Margaret Ellison, Contributing Writer
A college campus may seem like an easy place to keep mental health struggles quiet, but recently students have been sharing what they have kept inside.
Coordinator of Clinical Counseling Steve Bielby says his schedule doesn’t have much free time anymore.
“Counseling services here are robust. We are busy. Some days it could be every hour all day we have clients.” said Bielby.
NGU student Hope Yeargin experienced counseling firsthand at NGU and openly talks about her fight with mental health.
“It is a constant battle I have to work through,” Yeargin said. “It is like a cloud that constantly hangs over you all the time with depression.”
Bielby said having an emotional support animal is just one option among many to ensure stability and help the student manage conflicts with mental health.
Yeargin has a cat named Jinx, who is her emotional support animal. Yeargin said Jinx has made a huge difference as she battles through anxiety and depression.
If students are experiencing mental health challenges, there is an online form students can fill out on the NGU Website. The clinic is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Friday until noon.
*Featured Image: NGU student Hope Yeargin with emotional support animal, Jinx.
