If stress is a problem, SU Anxiety Screening Day offers help

If stress is a problem, SU Anxiety Screening Day offers helpJanuary 16, 2007Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

As the pace of the spring semester picks up, it is inevitable that many students, faculty and staff on the Syracuse University campus will experience episodes in which they feel panicked, fearful, keyed up or stressed out. In some cases, these feelings might indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder.

Stress and anxiety can be managed through the use of resources and skills such as relaxation techniques, exercise and/or therapy; however, many sufferers either do not recognize anxiety symptoms or fail to make use of available resources. To help the SU community recognize and address this issue, the SU Counseling Center and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program will sponsor Anxiety Screening Day on Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Rooms 304 A, B and C of the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center.

This event — open to all students, faculty and staff — is designed to enhance awareness about stress and anxiety and increase utilization of available resources. Those who participate will be administered a free, confidential, anxiety screening and be given feedback about their scores by a mental health professional. Information and resource materials (e.g., handouts, brochures) will be available, and participants will also be provided with referrals if needed. As an added benefit, participants will have an opportunity to receive a free, on-site massage from a licensed massage therapist.

For more information, contact the Counseling Center at 443-4715 or visit http://counselingcenter.syr.edu.