NIC Offers Mental Health Support to Students in Need

Mental health challenges affect everyone, including students at North Idaho College (NIC). The institution offers a range of resources aimed at helping students manage their mental health effectively. These services are particularly vital, as many individuals face difficulties rooted in various factors such as genetic predisposition, brain chemistry imbalances, childhood trauma, chronic stress, social isolation, and physical illnesses.

Student Perspectives on Mental Health Support

NIC student Ezra Tickemyer emphasized the societal pressure surrounding productivity, stating, “In the world we live in, with so much industrialism, we end up being so focused on productivity. To admit that there’s a weakness or a shortcoming, a lot of times you hide it out of fear.” Tickemyer highlighted the importance of discussing mental health openly, as many students may not feel they are suffering enough to seek help or may lack the confidence to access available resources.

The college’s counseling services play a crucial role in providing support. Deana Kalberg, NIC’s primary counselor, noted that her responsibilities include “teaching students stress reduction, anxiety and stress management, and skills to deal with panic, like with testing or giving presentations.” Despite the availability of these services, some students remain hesitant to approach counselors for personal issues.

Breaking Down Barriers to Counseling

Another student, Kai Scott, shared a common sentiment, indicating a preference for discussing academic stress with the school counselor, while seeking outside help for personal matters. “I feel like more personal stress is for outside therapists who actually deal with that on a daily basis,” Scott explained.

Kalberg reassured students of her comprehensive approach, stating, “I literally help students with anything from getting on a better sleep schedule to processing emotions from a breakup, chronic depression, trauma, or managing stress.” This broad spectrum of support is designed to cater to various student needs.

Concerns about the focus of counseling services were echoed by another student, Ellie Sykes, who remarked, “I feel like the school is kind of pressured to talk to you about getting your homework done while managing your mental health. But if you go somewhere else, they’re actually going to take your issues seriously.”

Kalberg addressed this perception by clarifying the nature of her services: “I don’t bill. How I’m trained, how I operate, how I function, the confidentiality or the privacy, it’s all the same as in private practice—the only difference is that I don’t bill.” This cost-free access to mental health resources at NIC aims to encourage students to seek help without financial concerns.

As mental health continues to be a pressing issue among college students, NIC’s commitment to providing accessible counseling services represents a significant step in supporting student well-being. The college encourages students to utilize these resources, ensuring they do not navigate their mental health challenges alone.