The Charger Blog
Charles Anderson, director of counseling and psychological services at the University of New Haven, says feelings of anxiety for first-year students – and their parents – is a natural part of the start of the college experience.
August 28, 2018
Charles Anderson, director of counseling and psychological services at the University of New Haven, has a message for our newest Chargers experiencing anxiety about all the firsts of starting college. Don’t fret. These feelings are a normal part of the experience.
"Separation anxiety, stress, and homesickness are big issues, and we see quite a bit of utilization of our services right at the beginning of the semester."Charles Anderson, Director of Counseling & Psychological services
Throughout the semester, the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services sponsors events such as its "Dogs In the Halls" program in which therapy dogs are brought to campus to interact with students. Hundreds of students have participated in the programs in the past
The act of petting a dog, studies have shown, lowers blood pressure, decreases stress hormones, and increases feel-good hormones.
"It also brings students into the present," says Jennifer Adams, a K9 handler with K9 First Responders in Milford, who joined Anderson last week for a segment on Fox61 that included therapy dog Gizmo. "Instead of spending time worrying about the future, they are right there with the dog in the moment."
Anderson points out that the transition to college impacts parents just as much as students. "The best stance to take is to recognize that your anxiety is because this is a major transition," he says.
"Staying connected with them and letting them know you are there for them is important," he continued. "Not overdoing it is also important because they are also trying to establish their independence at the same time."
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