Physical or mental well-being

Being safe and healthy are privileges that you should simply expect as students. Dietary health and exercise habits are acquired throughout a lifetime, but physical, emotional, and mental health are very immediate needs. Student Health Services and the Counseling Center are campus entities that meet these immediate needs. Campus Police should be the first contact regarding your safety needs. All of these campus services provide training classes, publications, and an array of electronic communication resources. NC State is also dedicated to preventing alcohol, tobacco, and drug use that often contribute to decreased health and safety among students.

Sometimes I feel depressed or stressed out, is this a normal part of being in college?

A certain amount of stress is a normal part of life. Sometimes changing lifestyle habits helps us deal with stress (i.e. increasing exercise, getting sufficient sleep, eating healthy, etc.). However, if you find yourself unable to function or focus on your school work, it may be a good idea to visit the Counseling Center. The professionals there will be glad help you figure things out.

What if I feel ill or have other health issues?

Because this question can cover a broad range of severity, we recommend you start with the Access to Services web page provided by Student Health Services. One of the biggest health risks on any campus is when students go to class when they should stay in and recuperate. This should never be taken as an excuse for blowing off class attendance and there are some classes that have a maximum number of absences regardless of the reason. However, making personal choices that protect the health of others in the university community is important.

I have dietary restrictions, who should I speak to at the Dining Hall?

You can explore dining and dietary options through Ask the Dietician at http://www.ncsudining.com/dining/nutrition/askourdietitian.html

I'm concerned that my friend has an alcohol problem, who should I talk to?

If you would like to speak to someone concerning a friend's alcohol problem, you may contact Ronni Margolin (ronni_margolin@ncsu.edu) in University Counseling, 515-2423 or Chris Austin (chris_austin@ncsu.edu) in Health Promotion, 515-9355. However, the best person you can talk to is the friend you're concerned about. While you may feel uncomfortable, to say the least, here is a chance to show how much this friend means to you.

If you are unsure whether this person really has a problem, consider these examples of problem drinking: drinks to get drunk, tries to solve problems by drinking, experiences personality changes (may be loud, angry, violent, silent, remote, reclusive), drinks when he/she should not (before driving, going to class, etc.), causes other problems, harms self or others, experiences blackouts (memory is erased, although it appears one is functioning normally), and drinks to the point of unconsciousness. This list is not exhaustive. You may have other legitimate concerns that need to be addressed.

If you've come to the decision to speak to your friend, let that person know that you care about him or her, and that's why you need to talk! Here are some other resources that can aid you in your discussion:

• Freevibe
• NCSU Health Services: How to Help a Friend