Concern about Yourself

It’s a sign of health and maturity to acknowledge personal distress and vulnerable feelings and to reach out for help.  One of the surest ways to aggravate any problem or concern is to become isolated with it and buy into shame and self blame for feeling distressed.  Be aware of the sources of stress in your life and how you are reacting to them.  Sometimes just noticing and acknowledging how you feel and being kind to yourself about it can be a good start in being able to feel better.  

Perhaps there has been some disappointment or loss in a relationship.  Maybe you are feeling the pressure of making good grades.  You may notice that you have been feeling excessively sad, worried, irritable, withdrawn, or just “not yourself”.  Or perhaps you are concerned about a pattern of unhealthy behaviors (e.g., drug or alcohol abuse, eating disorder, self-injury) or you have stopped going to class and are sleeping much of the day.

Any problem that is causing concern is an appropriate reason to talk to someone about it.

Who can I call or speak to?

• A trusted friend
• Someone in your family
• A residence hall advisor
• A professor or instructor you respect and trust
• A spiritual counselor or minister or rabbi
• Counseling and Psychological Services

Know Who To Call

If this is an emergency 

• Call CAPS at 919-966-3658 and speak with the Urgent Consultation Team.  After 5pm and on weekends call 919-966-2281
• Call 911, Campus police (962-8100)
• Go directly to the emergency room

Levels of Concern – What should I keep in mind?

If you’re feeling down, upset, overwhelmed, lonely, anxious, or isolated…but haven’t entertained thoughts about not living.

• Realize you are not alone
• Others do care and can help
• Be careful not to isolate yourself or maintain unhealthy habits to cope
• Reach out to others for support and help in problem solving
• It’s a sign of maturity and strength to acknowledge distress and vulnerable feelings

If you’ve had thoughts about not living…but wouldn’t want to harm yourself.

• Remember that just having such thoughts does not mean you are crazy or are the only person to ever think this way
• Realize that people can have such thoughts from time to time without ever wanting to act on them.
• Realize that such thoughts are a real distress signal indicating
  • You are feeling overwhelmed or helpless in some way and that
  • It is important you talk to a trusted person for support and help resolving how you feel 

If you have thought seriously about ending your life… or worry that you might harm yourself.

• It’s very important that you talk with some trusted person about these thoughts and feelings as soon as possible.
• Know that someone does or will care and that
• Your life is worth living
• Believe that the helplessness or crisis you feel is temporary, and that
• Seemingly unbearable emotional pain can be survived.
• Call CAPS (919-966-3658) and ask to be seen as soon as possible.
• Know that help is available now, 24/7 – don’t put off seeking help

If you have recently started to harm yourself or attempted to end your life.

• Don’t keep this a secret. Tell someone you trust and/or a CAPS counselor.
• Know that others care and want to help.
• Don’t isolate yourself or fall back on unhealthy habits to cope.
• Commit to a continuing plan to provide you support and help with problem solving.
• Call CAPS (966-3658) and ask to be seen as soon as possible.
• Know that help is available now, 24/7 - don't put off seeking help

How can I become more resilient in the face of stress?

Be informed about clinical problems and what interventions help. Refer to our health topics page for information about specific issues.