eCounselling

Dear Counselling, 

I think that I may be suffering from a combination depression and anxiety. I've been feeling this way for as long as I can remember. I've somehow managed to gradually isolate myself from what little friends I had left, skip classes and have nobody to talk to. I just stay at home and sleep the day away for the most part and I simply feel stuck. I've decided that it's time to finally seek professional help, please help me.  - Anonymous

Thank you for reaching out to us at the eCounselling service. It can be difficult to take the first step, especially when you are feeling anxious and depressed and we commend you for this. Other students tell us that taking this first step can be a positive step in getting better. I can understand that you feel stuck but you definitely have options that are worth exploring.

Anxiety can become a trigger to creating a depressed mood, especially in those that try to live with it every day. It does sound like things have become difficult for you over a period of time. Isolating yourself and skipping classes is a good indication that things are not improving for you. It would be good to have a look at Beyond Blue website.  It has symptom checklists and some practical tips on how to manage depression and anxiety. The tips include information on exercise, relaxation, diet and sleep.  With support, you can reverse the cycle of feeling anxious, feeling stressed and then feeling depressed.

You have expressed that you have been feeling this way for as long as you can remember. It may be beneficial to visit your local GP. Through the Mental Health Care Plan, your local GP can refer you to an external psychologist for counselling support.

Anxiety and depression can be a very isolating experience. Talking about it can help to overcome this so it might be worth making an appointment with a Western Sydney University counsellor. This can be a good place to start. The counsellor might also be able to assist you if these difficulties have impacted on your studies. Sessions are free and confidential and can also be conducted over the phone. Please feel free to make an appointment by calling 1300 668 370.

 

Dear Counselling, 

I just broke up with my partner and it’s been really tough. I see them around uni a lot and it’s really hard to stay focused. I’ve been thinking it might be a good to take a break from uni, is there a way I can do that? - Anonymous

Breaking up with someone is really hard, especially when you have to keep seeing them a lot. It’s completely normal to be feeling some intense emotions and it’s important that you give yourself some time to deal with the break up and take care of yourself.

You can take a break from uni for either six or twelve months. Before you make a decision, it’s really important that you talk it over with someone you trust. You can apply for a leave of absence up until the census date.

I’d really recommend talking to a counsellor too. We can talk through all your options and help with some strategies to cope with the break up. We can even help you with your application for a leave of absence if that’s what you decide to do.

Dear Counselling,

I feel like I worry too much, even over the most trivial things. Some of the things I worry about are:

• my appearance or being judged
• that people don't like me
• that I won't get into honours
• that I am a failure
• that I cannot trust people
• about moving out and its implications

These things don't bother me all the time, most of the day I can be productive. But when I'm worrying a lot, I just think too much and it gets me down because I hate the uncertainty. I can also be pretty irritable when I worry. What should I do? - Anonymous

Worrying is normal and it’s great that you understand that worrying doesn’t make you more productive. It actually brings you down because of the uncertainty and then you become more irritable. This can become a vicious cycle - when you feel down you worry even more. It can also lower your motivation for study. But it’s a good sign that these worries don’t get to you all the time.

There are some very useful strategies to manage worry. When the worries are getting too much you might like to try one of these strategies:

1. Label worry as ‘just worrying’ and then change the subject in your mind. So, every time you catch yourself worrying, you add the label again and change the subject. It doesn’t matter how often this happens. Doing this makes your worries less powerful because you’re accepting that they will continue to pop up every now and then and dealing with them when they happen. This technique involves no self-criticism, just simple non judgemental labelling
   
2. 15 minute ‘worry time’ every day. All you do is set aside 15 minutes and allow yourself to worry for the whole time. You finish worrying in exactly 15 minutes. You already have a list of the things that you are most worried about to go from. This is a ‘taking control of worry’ technique aimed at taking control of how much and for how long you worry and it has worked for a lot of the students we see in counselling. Worries often take over at inconvenient times of the day and night, like when you are trying to sleep. When worries happen outside of your 15 minute ‘worry time’, imagine a big ‘STOP’ sign in your mind and tell yourself you will think about this worry at your next ‘worry time’

Clients tell us that both of these strategies have been helpful for them and I hope it works for you too. If you would like to talk more specifically about any of your worries or would like more help with the strategies please feel free to make an appointment.

Dear Counselling,

How do I know if I'm transgender or not? Could it just be a phase? - Anonymous

Questions of identity can feel really big, confronting and confusing. Unfortunately, it's not something that can be easily answered via email. Gender can be a very fluid experience – it's individual, different and varied between people. So your unique situation probably needs some discussion.

You might want to have a think about some of the following questions to help get a sense of your own identity:

• Do you feel your gender restricts the way you live or the things that you do?
• What about the clothes you wear?
• Is the gender you were born with the one you feel most comfortable with?
• What does gender mean to you?
• What makes a woman a woman or a man a man?

Do you feel forced to act in certain ways because of your gender? Your answers to these questions may give you a sense of whether you are transgender. If you would like to discuss this further feel free to ring 1300 668 370 and make an appointment with one of our counsellors. Alternatively, you may want to talk to a more specialised service:

• Twenty 10 (opens in a new window) are a specialist service that work with young people on gender and sexuality issues. They offer face to face counselling at Newtown and Parramatta.
• The Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service (opens in a new window) offers confidential telephone counselling. Even though you may not identify as gay they have a lot of knowledge and expertise on gender issues.
• The Gender Centre (opens in a new window) – based in Petersham they provide counselling and support groups on gender issues. They also have some interesting fact sheets on their website.

Dear Counselling,

I'm finding it hard to juggle my home life with uni work. I have a young child and my partner is not very supportive of me studying. He gets frustrated that I'm up late studying pretty much from the time our child has gone to bed and not spending the time with him. I've tried to talk to him about it and explain how important a good career is to me but he doesn't understand. I've also told him that I might have more time if he helped out with our son but he doesn't see caring for him as his job - more as mine. Am I over reacting? Is it selfish of me to put myself and my study before my partner or is he the one being selfish expecting me not to? - Anonymous

One of the most common and hardest problems our students face is juggling study with all the other demands of life. Your relationship with your partner is a very important and large part of that juggling act. And on top of this, you also have the constant demands of a young child on your time - this is not an easy balance. It sounds like you are committed to your goals for the future and I don't think you are selfish wanting these things for yourself and your family.

Disagreements in relationships are inevitable so for a relationship to work over the long term, having good communication is essential. It sounds like for both you and your partner your intentions are good - you both want to spend time with each other. But something is getting lost in translation when you talk about it, which can definitely lead to fights and frustration.

When talking about this issue, it's really important that you both feel good and calm. Try to make sure that when you talk to your partner, you're not being condescending or demeaning and that you talk about what he does, not who he is. For example, instead of saying "You are lazy and selfish for not helping me out", you might say "I miss you and would like to spend more time with you, if you could help me with some tasks we could have more time together". And make sure you listen to what your partner says and how they feel and accept responsibility for what you can. Remind yourself of what is good in your partner and tell them.

Has your partner been to uni? Sometimes when people haven't been to uni they don't really understand what's expected of you and the demands on your time outside of classes. If that's the case, talk to your partner about the expectations and pressure you are under and that it won't be forever. There are four months of the year that you don't have classes, assignments or exams, so it's a limited time between each holiday period. Make sure you use those holiday periods to reconnect and focus on the relationship.

If you aren't able to work it out with your partner, you could see a relationship counsellor together through a service like Relationships Australia (opens in a new window). If you'd like some individual support, please consider booking a free and confidential appointment with the Western Sydney University Counselling Service.

Dear Counselling,

Ever since mid-session break, I've been seriously thinking 'what I am doing at uni?' I went to a school where university was the only measure of success and so I jumped at the first opportunity to get in to please both the school and my parents. Now that we're nearing the end of session, I don't feel that university is where I should be. However, my parents insist that I have to study and that anything else is laziness on my part. I'm considering deferring and pursuing a trade. Do you have any suggestions about how I can talk to my parents about the fact that uni isn't for me at this point in my life? - Anonymous

It's really hard to have the pressure of being expected to go to university. Students often question whether they want to be at university, especially coming straight out of school. So what you're feeling is quite normal.

It can be difficult to talk to people about important issues when you don't know how they will respond. Every parent is different so it's a bit hard to suggest specific things you should or shouldn't do. However, being open and honest about how you feel and your ideas, and staying calm and respectful is very important. Try to explain why you are feeling this way and what other options you are thinking about.

If they see anything besides studying as lazy, perhaps one way to show them you are not lazy is to do some research on what trade you may want to do and make enquiries about starting an apprenticeship or enrol at TAFE. When you talk to your parents, tell them about the trade, the work you'd be doing and what you'll get out of it. That might show them that you've taken the initiative. You may even want to ask them for their opinions to see what they are thinking and that way they can feel involved in any decision you make.

It might also be worth telling them that university is not for you at this point in your life, but it might be later on. You can take a leave of absence from your degree for up to 12 months while you consider your options. Sometimes parents feel calmer about students taking a break because they know that there is still a place for them at uni that they can return to if other options don't work out.

Talking to your parents about this can be very difficult. If you need any more advice, feel free to contact us and make an appointment. Good luck!

Dear Counselling,

I am finishing up my 3rd year of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and I am worried about my future.

I don't know what career paths there are in psychology. My dream is to become some sort of psychologist. It wasn't til last year that I figured out I wanted to do Honours and then a Masters in some field of psychology. However, I might not get into Honours and am thinking I should apply for a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology. I'm still worried I may not get into that either. If that was the case, I would be unsure what I would do with my career, which scares me.

I've been thinking I should apply for some work experience involving psychology but I feel overwhelmed and don't know where to look or start looking. I looked on the Western Sydney University CareerHub but the jobs didn't fit me. I'm applying for some things without much response.

I feel life is getting to the "make or break" point. I feel overwhelmed and worried that I may not get into a 4th year of Psychology. That would leave me stranded and I wouldn't know what to do. Can you give me some advice to deal with this? Do you have any suggestions or ideas about looking for work in the field of psychology? - Anonymous

It sounds like you have been doing a lot of thinking about what you want for the future and how your hard work is going to get you there. That's a good thing. But if this is starting to create worry for you it's a good idea to get some support, so I'm glad that you dropped us an email.

It's normal to feel some pressure when thinking about what type of career you want. The decision can feel overwhelming - especially when you don't know if you'll get into postgraduate studies next year. It's hard to feel confident when there's so much uncertainty. Talking to your course advisor could get you some answers about your options for 4th year studies.

You could make an appointment with the Western Sydney University careers service to talk about career paths and getting work experience. You can book a careers appointment online. Another useful place for finding out about psychology careers is the myfuture website (opens in a new window).

Have you thought about talking to a psychologist to improve your knowledge of the job? Some services are open to having students visit their agency – you can call and ask to organise a visit.

You could also book an appointment with the Counselling Service to develop a plan and talk about managing the stress the situation is causing.

Dear Counselling,

I need some help coping with university, life and work. It's completely overwhelming for me and it's having an impact on my uni work. I think counselling would be really good, but I'm worried about my lecturers and tutors finding out. I don't want them to find out I'm seeing a counsellor and treat me differently or fail me. Is there any way I can stay anonymous? - Anonymous

We get this question a lot. Counselling at Western Sydney University is completely confidential. That means no one will know you've come to see us unless you tell them or you give permission for us to tell them. Coming to see us might even help with your studies as we can help you apply for special consideration if necessary. The only time we'll release your information without your permission is if somebody's safety is at risk or we've been subpoenaed. Feel free to contact us if you have any more questions.

Dear Counselling,

I'm an online student. I am new to uni and I study online because I have family and work responsibilities which make it difficult for me to come to campus.

How do I access counselling if I am an online student? I have been feeling very isolated and alone in managing my study and I would like to discuss some of my concerns with a counsellor but I don't know where to start.

- Anonymous

Studying as an online student offers many conveniences but also poses certain challenges. Regardless of the style of study you undertake our goal is to offer you the support you need.  All our usual services are available to you including the eCounselling service, Zoom and phone appointments.

Please call 1300 668 370 to discuss the mode of service which best suits you.

Dear Counselling,

I'm a first year student and there was barely a day where I actually enjoyed my time at uni. I found it really hard to manage my time and study for all my units. I failed one unit and ever since I got my results I've felt depressed and I haven't told anyone about it. I'm starting to hate uni this session and I'm afraid of failing again. I really love my course, but it's not as what I expected - it's a lot harder than I thought it would be. I need your advice to help me think less negatively about the unit that I failed and the fact that I have to repeat it. There is lots of stuff going through my mind and it's all depressing me. - Anonymous

I am sorry to hear that things have become difficult for you and that you're feeling down about university. You're in a hard position – you love the course you are in, but it's hard and you're worried about failing. It's important you know you're not alone with these worries. The transition to uni can be tricky and starting a new session after you've failed a unit can be really overwhelming.

I want to encourage you to hang in with your studies because the reasons you decided to come to uni are important. It's not hopeless and there are some things you can do to help manage everything better. Try not to torture yourself over what went wrong last session, focus on what you want to do differently this time to help you pass your units.

Working out a study routine can make a big difference. Using tools like the session planner [PDF, 94Kb] (opens in a new window) and weekly planner [PDF, 88Kb] (opens in a new window) can help you to manage your time better. You can also book a time with the Counselling Service for more help on how to plan and organise your work.

I'd also recommend the free workshops on offer. They're designed to teach you the skills you need to excel in your studies. Workshop topics include essay writing, critical analysis, presentations, exam preparation and stress and time management. Detailed information and the full list of workshops are available on the skills workshops webpage.

Another option to consider is reducing the number of units you are studying this session. A lighter load will allow you to have more time for each unit. You should talk to your Academic Course Advisor about this. If you want to reduce your study load, you'll need to do so by the session census date. If you withdraw from any units after the census date, there are financial and academic penalties.

I'd like to encourage you to book a time with a counsellor so that we can help you reach your goals.

Dear Counselling,

I was wondering if I should contact you, my brother was diagnosed with cancer today. We haven't seen all the doctors yet, but it’s not very good news. Since I started uni, I lost a very good friend to pancreatic cancer. Everything seems to be going haywire. I am really enjoying my course but I’m not sure if I need to tell my teachers. I am trying to keep up with everything. What do you suggest? - Anonymous

It seems like you have gone through some very difficult times lately. I am sorry to hear about the loss of your good friend, and also about your brother’s news. It is normal for things to seem a bit haywire when you experience loss and grief, and it seems like this could be affecting your studies. So it is good that you have contacted us because we can look at your situation together and work out the best way forward.

It is great that you are enjoying your course – lots of students tell us that uni can be a welcome distraction when they’re grieving. If you feel like your work is being affected, it could be a good idea to let your unit coordinators know, just so they’re aware of what’s happening. You can also apply for Special Consideration. You will need to provide some supporting documentation, so have a look at Special Consideration webpage the before you apply. If you do want to apply, you can either download the form from the forms webpage or pick one up at a Student Services Hub.

Grief can leave you feeling very lonely and confused, so please feel free to make a time to see a counsellor if you would like some support. We can also help by explaining the process and assisting you in applying for Special Consideration.

Dear Counselling,

After my first session I am considered an at risk student as I have failed classes because of absence.  This session is heading that way too. For the last few months I have been feeling very depressed and have found it hard to study and make it to class.  I lost a loved one to cancer three years ago and although 3 years sounds like a long time, I still have a lot of trouble dealing with the loss.  I’ve applied to transfer into a new course as a fresh start, but in saying that I do not want to just throw away the rest of this session. This might be a stupid question, but am I too far gone to be helped? - Anonymous

That’s definitely not a stupid question to ask. It’s never too late to make a difference to your studies and it’s really great that you’re not giving up.

I’m very sorry to hear about your loss.  It’s normal for that experience to have a huge impact on you. Everyone copes with loss differently, so don’t feel that it’s unusual to still be feeling the effects now. Grief is often more intense around important dates, especially the anniversary of the loss.

Grief can be confusing and complicated but talking to people (like a trusted friend or counsellor) can help to reduce those feelings. A counsellor can also talk to you about applying for withdrawal without academic penalty (W-grade) for the units you failed last session. You can get more information about W-grades online.

Dear Counselling,

I'm thinking off dropping out because I'm finding the workload and the assignments really hard. I don't even know where to start! - Anonymous

The first few weeks of uni can be really overwhelming. A lot of people worry that they're not going to be able to manage the workload or pass their assignment and the option of dropping out can seem like the only choice. I want to encourage you to hang in with your studies.

There are some things you can do to help you manage better. Working out a study routine can make a big difference. Using tools like the session and weekly planner (which you can print yourself) can really help to manage your time better. You can also book a time with the counselling service for more help on how to plan and organise your work.

If you're finding your units and readings are harder than you expected, there are a wide range of workshops available designed to teach you the skills to excel in your studies. The Student Learning Unit and Counselling Service run workshops on topics from essay writing to critical analysis, presentations to exam preparation and stress and time management. Detailed information and the full list of workshops are available on the workshops webpage.

Another option to consider is reducing the number of units you are studying this session. A lighter study load will allow you to make a start with your studies in a more manageable way. You should talk to your Course Advisor about that before you make the decision. It's important to note that you have until the census date to withdraw from any units without getting a financial or academic penalty.

The reasons you decided to come to university are important. So I think it would be really beneficial for you to book a time with a counsellor so that we can help you work things out.

Dear Counselling,

I have recently come out of hospital. I am still not well and don’t expect to be until the end of the uni session. The pain has interrupted my concentration a lot and medication is making me drowsy, so I’m unable to complete uni work I need to do to pass my units. My tutor has recommended that I withdraw from this uni session. What does this involve? Are there other options? - Anonymous

Thanks for emailing eCounselling. I’m sorry to hear that you have been unwell and I hope that you are on the mend soon.

Your options for uni depend on what’s happening with your health. The question you need to consider is – can I complete all of my remaining assessments if I’m given a little extra time? If the answer is yes, you can apply for Special Consideration. With Special Consideration you might be able to have an extension for any work you have missed recently or have coming up. To apply for Special Consideration you will need some supporting documentation and then complete the online form. I’d recommend that you apply for Special Consideration for the entire period of your illness rather than for individual assessment tasks. Your unit coordinators will email you to let you know the outcome of your applications.

At the moment it sounds like your health is stopping you from doing much work at all. So if you won’t be well enough to finish your subjects this session, then you should apply for Withdrawal without Academic Penalty. The process to withdraw from your subjects is quite easy. Download the Withdrawal without Academic Penalty form and take it to your medical professional to complete section 5 of the form. You must be able to show that your condition began after the census date or got worse after the census date. Once your form is completed, you can lodge it with Student Services Hub. It will take a couple of weeks for the uni to process your application but if it is successful, you will be granted W (withdrawn) grades for your subjects and you can have your tuition fees refunded. You have up to 12 months from the end of the teaching session to apply.

I hope this helps to explain your options. There may be one or two subjects you feel you can continue with (if given Special Consideration) and you could withdraw from the others. You can decide on whatever combination works for you.

This can be a confusing process to understand so if you need any help please don’t hesitate to organise an appointment with a counsellor by calling 1300 668 370.

Dear Counselling,

I have my first exam this week and I am feeling very stressed and overwhelmed as I need to do well after failing the mid-session. To pass the unit I need to receive 50% overall in the combined mid and final exam. I am worried that I will not be able to do this and I’m totally stressed out. - Anonymous

Stress around exams is pretty normal. The first best thing you can do is remember that there’s no point worrying about the things you can’t control – if there’s nothing you can do, why worry? And, there’s no point worrying about the things you can control because you can do something about it! I don’t mean to sound dismissive – but you have control over how to get ready for this exam. Here are some things to help you do that:

• Try to stop spending time worrying about failing as it gets in the way of preparing for your exam
• Focus on each day at a time and organise a plan for how you are going to study and remember the material
• When you notice that you’re stressing out, I want you to stop and concentrate on your breathing. Slow it down. Breathe in as you count to five, hold the breath for another 5 counts and then breathe out slowly for another 5 counts. Repeat this until you feel yourself calming down and can concentrate again. This is a great strategy to use if you find yourself getting overwhelmed during an exam
• While you are slowing down your breathing, tell yourself that you can get through this and that you can cope with whatever happens.

It might be a good idea to make an appointment with a counsellor so that we can help you to manage your stress levels. Good luck!

Dear Counselling,

I'm currently a first year student but I'm having a few issues with the course. I just can't see myself in that industry and enjoying it. My parents are adamant that I continue study and are saying that if I don't do this course that I have to transfer. But I don't want to waste my time and my money jumping from course to course and never getting anywhere. I was fresh out of high school when I began university and I think that I didn't have enough grounding to really know what I wanted to do in life. I'd like to take 6 months to a year off and figure out what I want to do but it's convincing my parents that's the issue. They don't think I will go back to studying but I know I will. - Anonymous

It sounds like you have been going through a lot of soul searching and considering your goals for the future. You're taking the difficult steps of working out what's right for you. The best thing to do is to look at your options and talk them through with your parents.

1. Apply for a leave of absence
   You can take a break of up to 12 months during your course without losing your place. It's up to you if you want to take 6 months or 12 months. If you want to take a break, you'll need to fill out a Discontinuation or break from studies form and submit it by the session census date.  You should still re-enrol for Autumn Session so all your options are open. It's a bit of a myth that people who take breaks don't come back. I work with lots of students who take time off and then come back to their course refreshed and ready to study.
2. Deciding what course to do now
   It sounds like you're certain that your current course isn't for you, so what now? Websites like MyFuture (opens in a new window) have lots of useful career and course information. You can also book an appointment with a Western Sydney University careers advisor through the CareerHub website. Talking to a careers advisor might help your parents see that you're thinking seriously about your future and getting support and advice from the University. 
   You can also find out more about transferring into other Western Sydney courses on the transfer webpage.

I can't tell you whether to transfer or take a break – that decision is completely up to you. What I do know is that it seems like continuing with your current degree is not what you want right now. Hopefully, some of my suggestions will help you talk to your parents and make a decision. If you're still struggling to make a decision, I'd recommend that you make an appointment with a counsellor by calling 1300 668 370.

Dear Counselling,

I can't seem to keep up with my assignments and I’m struggling to meet the due dates. I've been battling this ongoing procrastinating issue for 3 years. I always wanted to achieve a work/life balance but I can't seem to keep up with my uni as well as my new job and I just don't know how to maintain it with my lifestyle and I'm very stressed. The biggest issue is me leaving things to the extreme last minute. I just need some advice on what to do from this point onwards instead of just wondering why this keeps on happening. - Anonymous

It’s great that you found the time to write to us about this. It’s not always easy to ask for help but you’ve made a good start.

Identifying that procrastination isn’t working is really important. The best place to start to change that is to ask ‘Why am I procrastinating?’ and ‘What is it doing to me’? You might be telling yourself any of the following things:

‘It is too big. I don’t know where to start!’ – try:

• Do anything related to the task just to get started
• List all the steps you need to do to complete the task and then work through the list one step at a time
• Do ‘warm-up tasks’ to get started e.g. brainstorming, re-reading notes, organising your material

‘It’s too boring!’ – try:

• If you can’t get out of it, get it out of the way so you can focus on more interesting tasks
• List the advantages of getting the task done and the disadvantages of not getting on with it

‘I’m frightened of failing’ – try:

• Fears are more manageable if you do something about them. Write them out or talk them out
• Picture yourself successfully carrying out your task and enjoying the benefits

‘I’ve always put things off and managed to get by’ – try:

• Procrastination is a habit that you can break if you are prepared to work on it, but you need to find your own reasons to change
• University study is very intense and the stress of cramming does not always produce good results and can be damaging to your health

Using planners or timetables to plan your weekly activities is also helpful and it’s important to make time for relaxation and fun as well. You can download a free planner on our website.

Prioritise activities that are important and urgent and do those things first. Study needs to be a high priority at busy times of the session when assessment tasks are due and at exam time.

I hope these suggestions are helpful and that you can put them into practice. Good luck!

 

Dear Counselling, 

It’s only week 3 of session and I’m already falling behind. It’s hard to keep up with my readings and I’m worried it’s only going to get worse. What can I do to get back on track? - Anonymous

 

Don’t worry, a lot of students find it hard to keep up. Before you can get back on track, you need to work out what’s stopping you from getting your work done.

It might be that you don’t have enough time because of work or other commitments. If that’s the case, you might need to prioritise and consider cutting back on some activities.

Or it might be that you find it hard to concentrate on your study for long enough. If that’s the case, try studying away from home. Go to campus or the library or even a cafe with only your books so you can really get stuck into it. It might also be worth planning how long you want to study for. Sometimes having a goal makes it easier to get going.

You might find one of the counselling service planners can help you get your schedule in order. You can download a daily, weekly and session planner. 

When you fall behind, getting back on top of things can feel impossible. Remember to take one task and day at a time. Set some goals to work towards and remind yourself why you’re at uni. And if you’re still having trouble, you can have a chat with a counsellor to work out some other strategies to help.