Sometimes obstacles aren’t rooted in study habits but in medical or psychological problems. These range from low iron or blood sugar to depression or anxiety. For many students this is the first time they are living away from home and are responsible for their own well-being. Although many people see you each day and may genuinely care about you, no one is making sure that you are eating well, getting regular exercise, and are healthy. Indeed, it is less likely that people will recognize if you’re facing some minor or major emotional problem, especially if you are living off-campus. It is important that you care for yourself, and ask for help and direction from your Resident Advisor, faculty advisor, or other campus or community office/agency.

Cornell offers mental wellness support to students through the following services, among others:

CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) at Cornell Health

Cornell  Health; Tel: 607.255.5155; Email: cornellhealth@cornell.edu

CAPS has noted a trend that engineering students tend to wait a long time before they seek assistance. This behavior results from the belief – usually mistaken! – that the problem solving skills of engineers extend to emotional and psychological issues. Failure to seek help usually ends up putting the student in more academic and personal risk. If you are really stressed, tired all the time, having trouble getting yourself to class, not able to complete assignments on time, confused about life in general, sad, anxious, or just want someone to talk to so you can decompress, contact CAPS. Or if these issues are burdening a friend, encourage your friend to contact CAPS. Oftentimes just talking with a trained professional can help you feel better. Informal, confidential walk-in consultations are available at sites around campus through the “Let’s Talk” program.

General Medical Problems

Cornell Health ; Tel: 607.255.5155; Email: cornellhealth@cornell.edu

If you’ve had a lingering health concern, please have it checked out. Even minor illnesses can detract from your overall enjoyment of ‘the college experience’.