ANN ARBOR—To help freshmen deal with the shock and stress of
college usually brought on by mid-term examinations,
University of Michigan Counseling and Psychological
Services (CAPS) offers assistance to students.

U.S. college freshmen are subject to a great deal of
stress, especially around mid-term exams. Increased course
loads, new roommates, identity crises, culture shock and
relationship problems increase the pressure. In some
cases, anxiety, depression and self-doubt set in, making it
even harder for freshmen to function.

However, according to Todd Sevig, clinical director at
CAPS, college freshmen are the least likely of all college
students to come for counseling or short-term therapy. For
a variety of reasons, including the desire for
independence, freshmen avoid seeking the help they may
need.

Freshman often don’t share their fears with their
parents, so parents should ask about their children’s new
lives, and the stress they may be feeling. If the anxiety
and depression persist, parents should advise their
students to get some counseling.

Sevig is available for comment via e-mail at
tdsevig@umich.edu, or by phone at (734) 764-8312.