Rain depresses Bruins, quakes worry few
By Allyssa Lee
Rainy weather has a greater impact on student anxieties than
earthquakes. At least, if UCLA community members are anything to go
by.
But neither catastrophe has sent Student Psychological Services
into a frenzy. According to Dr. Harold Pruett, director of the
clinic, the amount of students coming in is nothing new.
"The volume of traffic coming through is high, but it’s not
unusual for this time of year," Pruett said. "The rain tends to
have an impact on (stressful moods). The earthquakes in Kobe and
Northridge have increased people’s general concern and elevate
stress levels more than usual (but not in excess amounts)."
The Student Psychological Services, UCLA’s multi-disciplinary
mental health center, offers free individual and group counseling.
The center also runs comprehensive outreach programs and offers
internships for graduates, staff and faculty.
Operated by licensed psychologists, social workers,
psychiatrists and interns, the service, located in 4223 Math
Sciences and A3-062 Center for the Health Sciences, enables
students to receive academic or personal counseling.
The adverse weather conditions and the recent ground-shattering
incidents have not, however, dramatically elevated anxiety levels
throughout the UCLA student body, psychologists said.
Pruett noted that anxiety within the family and relationships is
the most common reason for employing the psychological services.
Other concerns include stress and academics, he added.
"Not many people have come (in) specifically for the
earthquake," Pruett said. "Maybe one or two people specially. For
most people it’s a side factor."
The clinics have tried to increase students’ awareness of their
service throughout the campus by means of brochures, advertisements
in the Daily Bruin and various talks given in various dorms,
officials said. On average, the two clinics receive 40 to 50
student patients throughout the week.
Some students, however, said they were unaware of this
particular campus expedient.
Pedro Reyes, a first-year psychology major said he didn’t know
about this resource, and mentioned a need to take advantage of the
various services provided on campus.
Other students said that the psychological services would not be
a primary option in times of need.
"It depends. If I needed something, (Student Psychological
Services) would be a viable option," said Albert Su, first-year
undeclared student. "I would talk to my peers (first). Then I would
(go)."
According to Pruett, the peak times for psychological counseling
correspond with the academic schedule, with the busiest times
occurring from after midterms to right before finals.
The service is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the evenings students are encouraged to call the Peer Helpline
at 825-HELP, which operates Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to
midnight and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 p.m. to midnight.