By Nailea Fabiola Ayala |Staff Writer|
As college students, the last thing we want to think about is dealing with the loss of a loved one.
The process of healing is different for everyone and it depends on their idea of death.
However, many students don’t know if they can get help on campus.
For some, death is the most certain thing in the world, making it much easier to accept and overcome. Though for many others, death is something they will never be prepared to face.
“I accept it is a part of life. The more I accept it, the less I suffer,” said student Esmeralda Sahagun.
Others are in denial or hold onto anger towards themselves for something they might not have done.
We have heard about the recent death of CSUSB alumnus Arthur Arzola in the Humboldt crash.
This is a prime example that the death of a loved one can come suddenly, especially when it is an accident, and many students are not prepared for the overwhelming emotions involved.
Students already have a difficult time balancing jobs, relationships, family and school work.
So when the loss of a loved one surprises them, it can be extremely difficult to make a quick jump back into academics after such tragedy.
A loss may lead to isolation and depression, but students should know they are not alone.
CSUSB offers students help through the Psychological Counseling Center (PCC).
The PCC not only offers individual counseling, but group counseling as well.
The center offers a group called “Resilience: Bouncing Back from Life Challenges.”
At some point, students will face hardships that may throw them off a steady course.
This group aims to help students bounce back from these challenges as quickly as possible.Students meet every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. in the PCC.
“Growing through Grief” is another group the PCC offers on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This group gives students the opportunity to share their own experiences.
Overcoming the loss of a friend or family member can become a lonely process.
The PCC will help make the process easier by sharing your story with students that are going through similar experiences.
“Growing through Grief” also finds it helpful for students to celebrate the lives of those lost.
This helps students learn and accept that death is a part of life, but helps them understand that their loved one will never be forgotten.
Students can contact the center at (909) 537-5040 to schedule a consultation in order to join a certain group.
Registration is required prior to attending any meeting.
The PCC is located east of the Pfau Library and north of the main health center entrance.
Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m to 6:30 p.m and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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