As the cool weather settles in and we get cozy by the Christmas tree in our robe and slippers and our loved ones beside us, a student is locked in their dorm eating top ramen with no one to celebrate the holidays.

The holiday time is especially bad for international students who stay in town during the winter break and aren’t able to be with their families, according to Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Malia Sherman at the Student Health and Counseling Center at Fresno State.

Depression, anxiety and mental health disorders are common among adults in America.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in America that affect 40 million adults, age 18 and older, in the U.S., according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

“Pretty much across the board with all universities, anxiety has surpassed depression,” said Sherman. “So that’s the bigger issue with students now.”

Quite often, international students can’t afford or can’t logistically return to their families, said Sherman.

The campus tends to be left more vacant during the break, leaving those who stay behind with little to do and resulting in a very hard time, said Sherman.

That is why Sherman encourages all students to get out as much as they can, or be socially involved with classmates and avoid isolating yourself.

“I think even when it’s not the holidays, a lot of depression and anxiety boils down to being lonely or bored,” said Sherman. “Try to find time to get out and exercise or see a movie or do something fun.”

For some, the holidays aren’t just about joy.

“The holiday season causes a lot of self reflection,” said Josie Rangel, counselor and trainee supervisor at the Student Health and Counseling Center. “It brings to the surface all of those emotions.”

It can be difficult to know what people are going through. Some may have financial struggles, others might be dealing with family conflict. Hardships in life can have negative impacts on college students, all which can negatively impact one’s mental stability.

“It’s so important for students to utilize counseling services. Utilize your built in support systems. Take care of your health and you will feel better,” Rangel said. “The reality is that we’re all human; we all have our issues and we all have our struggles our challenges.”

Red flag symptoms for anxiety and depression

These symptoms can include changes in appetite or sleep, decrease in energy levels, little motivation, losing interests in things you normally like, feeling nervous or on edge, difficulty concentrating, hyperventilating and feeling weak.

If you or someone you may know are displaying any of these symptoms, it is advised to seek professional help.

Counseling resources on Fresno State campus

Counseling and Psychological Services offers individual and relationship counseling, along with groups and classes, crisis intervention, case management and psychiatric services. All services and further resources can be found on the Student Health and Counseling Center website.

Counseling services are offered throughout the school year, but are limited during summer and winter break.

Community partners

More counseling resources in Fresno can be found in the Mental Health Resources Guide booklet on the Student Health and Counseling Center website.

24/7 services
There are hotline, online and community mental health services available 24/7. These can also be found in the Mental Health Resources Guide booklet on the Student Health and Counseling Center website.