Every week the editorial board reflects on a current issue in Our View. The position taken does not reflect the opinions of everyone on the Hilltop Views staff. This week the editorial board are Viewpoints editors Erin Downey and Eleanor Fishbourne.

The Health & Counseling Center is very important at St. Edward’s University.

The department constitutes a process by which students are given guidance on how to deal with emotional conflicts and personal problems in school and how they can incorporate tools that will enhance their social lives, coping skills and everyday life.

We encourage all students to give the HCC a try, as they are well equipped to help a wide variety of student issues.

The amount of students that do not get counseling when they really need it is alarmingly high. Research conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows that one in four students have a diagnosable illness, 40 percent do not seek help, 80 percent feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities, and 50 percent have been so anxious that they have suffered in school.

These statistics do not need to be the reality at St. Edward’s, as we have the resources to combat these issues right here on campus.

The HCC can combat issues like depression, anxiety, suicide, eating disorders, addiction or anything else you have going on in your life that is troubling you mentally or physically.

Counselors at the HCC can address your signs and symptoms, direct you to resources that you can utilize and even help you find treatments to overcome individual issues.

“The Health & Counseling Center was really helpful and not pushy with me after I was involved in an on campus incident. When I told them I couldn’t get transportation to an off campus therapist they gave me multiple on campus sessions,” said a St. Edward’s student, who chose to be anonymous for this story.

Thankfully at St. Edward’s counseling is free. Students can be treated for a variety of mental and physical illnesses and receive counseling on how to get better.

Students are given solutions on how to deal with psychological problems as well as any physical health issues that might affect their studies.

“The men and women of the Health & Counseling Center made me comfortable to be a part of their program as a first time patient,” freshman Isaiah Hough said. “I was given step by step solutions and tips that helped me understand my condition.”

The program is important to many students because it bridges the gap between students and the school administration, allowing students to feel like they aren’t alone. If students are not using this resource, things are not going to change.

The everyday challenges of balancing school and work and figuring out who you are as young men and women can be extremely stressful. Luckily, Health & Counseling recognizes this and works with students to conquer stress.

We applaud the university’s decision to continually invest in mental health counseling to help students in any way they can if they are suffering. Physical health is clearly of the utmost importance as well, but the mental health side of student struggles is less frequently talked about and just as present.

There is no doubt that the HCC improves the lives of students academically, socially and psychologically so they can find their path to a successful life.

It is so important to take your mental and physical health seriously and seek help if you think you or a friend is at risk. If someone in your family has suffered from a mental illness, know that your genetics could be a factor in the development of a mental illness. There is no need to be afraid to seek help, especially during this extremely stressful and important time of your life.

On a visit to the HCC, you can research your options and get involved with support groups to learn more about student mental health. The university experience allows us to “Take on your world,” but through the Health & Counseling Center, we can also take that first step towards a healthy life in college.