counseling

[Munchkin03]

Originally posted by AChiOAlumna


"Have any of you actually suspended yourself from your sorority/fraternity because of personal things going on in your life?"

Sad to say, but yes I did...my personal life was too overwhelming at one point and I only ended up attending Monday night meetings as I didn't want to be fined...all social events, though I skipped out on....I probably could've used more help at that point, but didn't...

Most universities have counseling centers where the fees are included with your ASB/ASI fees. They usually have licensed therapists and psychologists who meet with you.

It's a great way to get immediate help...please do if you feel you need it...don't wait...

I also had to cut sorority from my life first semester of sophomore year (my first full semester as an initiate). Through an agreement with our National advisor and our chapter advisor, I took some "time off"--I paid National dues, but I didn't do much else except going to Rush workshops and Initiation. A lot of other things were going on in my life, and sorority stuff was, admittedly, a very low priority. I went back the next semester, and I had taken care of my "other things" enough to actually be a positive contribution to the sorority. Interestingly enough, I didn't "burn out" the way my pledge sisters did by senior year.

I don't think it was sad, per se--if I had stayed through that hellish semester, I wouldn't have been as good a sister as I knew I could be.

Most universities--especially in light of recent studies involving the mental health concerns of college students--have some sort of counseling services on-campus and on-call in case of emergencies; if not, they usually have a referral service to providers in the community that can help you for a low cost. Also, it's all confidential so if you were worried about your parents finding out, it's not a huge issue.