In a world where most people find it difficult to share what they are going through, Eric
Henderson, a Manager of Counseling Services at Sinclair, encourages everyone to
speak up about your struggles and pain.
It is Suicide prevention month, and every year, Sinclair dedicates a whole week to let
students recognize the ways that Sinclair can help them when they are struggling and
know that their emotions are valid.
Counseling Services is one of many ways that Sinclair helps students get through a
challenging time. Henderson has worked at Sinclair for 14 years and was interviewed
about suicide prevention.
One of toughest moments for student counselors according to Henderson is seeing
students struggle,
“Oftentimes, students can be struggling with both personal and academic concerns,
which makes it exhausting for them to be successful, which is where counseling comes
in to try and help coming up with coping skills,” Henderson said.
“And one of the things that I really enjoy doing with students is sitting down and creating
a personalized strategy that will help them balance their academic and personal life,”
Henderson expressed.
Henderson emphasized on the importance of early intervention for depression and
anxiety, which are common causes of suicidal thoughts, urging students to seek help
when they start having symptoms of being anxious and depressed; so, it can be easier
to prevent them from hurting themselves.
Students’ counselors also help produce customized time management strategies that
work for different students, that way it can help them balance their personal life and
school.
Apart from counselling, Sinclair has an application that students who are struggling with
anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts can engage with other students and student
counselors anonymously.
This application is a big relief to most of the students who find it hard to share their pain
with others, and those who dislike in-person or zoom meetings with one of the
counselors.
As you are settling into your Fall semester routine, it is important to take care of yourself
in all areas and seek help when you need it.
Written by Esperance Amuri