College Life
When Things Feel Hard
Use this page when you are stressed, worried, or having a hard week, and you want to know where to get help.
If you are in danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide or are in emotional crisis, call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org (opens in a new tab). The 988 Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, every day. Text and chat are also available in Spanish, and interpretation is available.
What many students notice
College adds new pressure to a life that is often already full. Deadlines, tests, money, work, family, health, and adjusting to a new place can all arrive at the same time. Feeling stressed, tired, or worried is common, and it does not mean you are failing.
- Hard weeks happen to everyone. Many students have at least one during a term.
- Problems are easier to solve early. A small problem can grow if nobody knows about it.
- Asking for help is a skill. Students who use support services are not weaker. They are using what the college offers.
What helps
- Name the problem. Write one sentence: what is hard right now? A problem with a name is easier to solve.
- Choose one next step. Not the whole solution. One step, such as one email or one phone call.
- Tell your instructor early. You do not need to share details. See the example below.
- Talk to someone. A friend, a family member, an advisor, an instructor you trust, or a counselor.
- Take care of the basics. Sleep, food, and a short break each day make every other problem easier to handle.
Example: telling an instructor without sharing everything
A student is having a hard week. She writes to her instructor. Each number matches a note below.
Subject: ENG 101: This week’s discussion
Dear Professor Morgan,
I am dealing with a family situation this week.1 I may not be able to post my discussion reply by Thursday.2 Could I post it by Sunday instead?3 I will keep up with the reading.4
Thank you for understanding,
Amina Hassan
- A general reason. A family situation, a health issue, or a personal situation is enough. You decide how much to share.
- What it affects. The instructor knows exactly which assignment.
- A specific request. A new day makes it easy to say yes.
- What you can still do. This shows that you are staying connected to the course.
Language focus: saying enough, not everything
General words for private situations
In a U.S. college, you can ask for help without explaining private details. These general phrases are polite and complete. Many instructors and staff will not ask for more.
| Instead of explaining | You can say |
|---|---|
| details about a family member | I am dealing with a family situation. |
| details about an illness | I have a health issue this week. |
| details about money or housing | I am dealing with a personal situation. |
| a long story | Things are difficult right now. |
Use dealing with + a noun: I am dealing with a family situation. Do not write “I am dealing a family situation.”
Some situations, such as a disability, may need documentation for an official accommodation. The Counseling Center can explain that process.
Sentence starters
Fill in each blank with your own words.
- To an instructorI am dealing with this week. Could I ?
- To a counselor or advisorI am having a hard time with .I am not sure where to start. Can you help me with ?
- To a friend or classmateThis week is hard for me. Could you ?
Where to get help at OCTC
Counseling Center
OCTC counselors help with academic concerns and with personal concerns that affect your progress, such as stress, test anxiety, money, or transportation. Personal counseling is short-term, and counselors can refer you to services in the community for longer support. The Counseling Center also works with students with disabilities on classroom accommodations.
- Where: Campus Center, Upper Level, Main Campus
- Phone: 270-686-4418
- OCTC Counseling Center (opens in a new tab)
Basic Needs Hub
Help with food, housing, utilities, emergencies, transportation, health care, and money. OCTC says, “You do not need to be in a crisis to use these services.”
More support
- OCTC Student Support Services (opens in a new tab), including childcare resources, TRIO, and veterans services.
- OCTC Student Support guide (opens in a new tab), which lists tutoring, advising, accessibility, counseling, and everyday needs on one page.
Check each service’s page for current hours and how to make an appointment. If you study online, ask about options that work for you.
Next step
If this week is hard
- Write one sentence about what is hard right now.
- Choose one next step, and do it today.
- If it affects a class, tell your instructor before the due date.
- If it is bigger than one step, contact the Counseling Center.