Opinion: Using CAPS is worth it
Editor’s note: If you or someone you are close to is in a crisis or having suicidal thoughts, know that you are never alone and there is hope. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 or download the SafeUT app and talk to a confidential therapist 24/7.
According to the CDC, there has been a nearly 40% increase in diagnosed mental health issues from 2009.
A lot has happened in the past couple of years that has dramatically shaped the way we attend school, socialize and communicate. All these changes, especially when they are all piled on top of each other, can affect the way we view life.
Reacting to a changing environment is a special skill that sets us apart from other species, but that does not mean we should beat ourselves up when it does not come easy to us.
Obviously, there are so many other reasons a person can go through and suffer from depression or anxiety. A lot of those reasons are almost taboo to some, and all too familiar to others.
Breaking a stigma and going outside of your comfort zone can be so difficult and may seem like it isn’t worth it. It’s the fake it ‘til you make it mentality. In this situation, that is never a healthy choice.
We must treat our mental health like our physical health. There is no other way around it. When we break an arm, we go to the hospital and get the medical help we need. We get regular checkups for our teeth and regular physical just to make sure everything is ship-shape.
Same goes for our mental health. If we have scary thoughts in our heads, we need to see someone about it. When something traumatic happens in our lives, we need to take the proper precautions to help our mental state.
I know from personal experience that while yes, it is extremely hard to reach out, it is so worth it. And USU is trying its hardest to make it as easy and as comfortable as possible for you.
USU’s Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, is a wonderful program the university has designed specifically for the student. It’s designed for you and all your needs in mind. All you need to do is fill out a few forms on their website and CAPS connects you to a therapist or professional best suited for your needs. From there it is completely up to you.
“I really liked how helpful they were at helping me find a therapist in town after they knew that they wouldn’t be able to meet with me as much as I needed.
I really liked that they called me and basically made the first appointment for me,” said a USU student who I’ll call Adam who agreed to share his experience on the condition of anonymity.
This student’s case was more severe, so CAPS helped him get in contact with some therapists around Logan who fit his needs, as well as his insurance.
CAPS can also do a couple of sessions if you feel like you have a situation that can be taken care of somewhat quickly. But that’s the magic of the program: if you don’t feel satisfied after those few sessions, you have the freedom to schedule more with the same professional, or someone different to help you further.
As the name implies, CAPS also offers psychological help and services, which benefited Adam greatly.
“Dr. Merrill is a great resource too,” he said. “I have been working with him as far as my medications go to help me feel better.”
Through these services, you can receive clinical help and be evaluated for medication.
When it comes down to it, CAPS was made to be easy. Not to invoke even more stress and anxiety into your life. They know we are coming off a global pandemic. We are students, we have jobs and other pretty big responsibilities. The last thing they want us to worry about is how we will deal with our mental health.
The counselors and therapists they have are all wonderful and eager to work with you. They are so ready and want you to reach out because they have the necessary tools designed to help you. Especially you.
Before reaching out and getting help, Adam said it felt hopeless.
“The best way I feel like I could describe it was like an elephant was sitting on my chest,” he said. “There would be so much fear, worry and stress that I had a hard time breathing, I had a hard time moving and thinking about other things that were usually impossible.”
Although things didn’t get immediately better by receiving help, it got better over time. Adam told me it is still hard sometimes, but he has a support now. He has ways of coping and using techniques that he has learned because he got help. And that’s what the whole goal really is, right?
It’s because they care about you. The school cares about you, and so many people care about you and love you. We all want what is best for you.
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Kaden Schipaanboord is studying journalism at Utah State. He has a passion for movies and loves anything outdoors.
— A02331363@usu.edu
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Keith Wilson is a cartoonist for the Statesman. He is majoring in biochemistry and enjoys puns, drawing and big band swing dancing.