Counseling
Services

Rethink Drinking

Do you need help?
Contact a counselor for a referral or seek help from CACAO in Jackson, Dyersburg Regional Medical Center, Northwest Counseling Center, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) is a statewide organization connecting Tennesseans to suicide training.

Reach out to a DSCC Counselor for more information on the following topics:

Coping Strategies
Coping with life, with all of our relationships and activities, with our internal struggles can sometimes seem insurmountable. There are strategies to help you cope and keep life from becoming completely overwhelming. Sometimes simply pausing and taking a breath is all you need.

Managing Depression
Depression is a casually used word in our culture referring to minor disappointments and grief over a loss, as well as serious chronic mental health problems.  Because of this confusion in naming what is, we often struggle to know exactly what is going on when we feel bad or when it is appropriate to get help.  Learn more about this sometimes mysterious problem and what can help when you are feeling a little down or when a more serious disorder might be encroaching.  Remember though, it is better to get help and discover it is not as bad as you think than to find yourself on the edge of life before you seek help.

Reducing Anxiety
Anxiety is a buzz word in our culture, and part of the reason is because our culture is rife with it. Usually fear is at the root of anxiety, but regardless of its source, it is mean, and it can rob us of rest, sleep, doing our best, pleasure, and certainly joy. So, it makes sense to try to make sense of what it is and how it operates and how it affects us.

Test Taking Tips
Overcoming test anxiety isn’t easy. It takes work and concentration, practice and more practice. If you are determined to succeed and you are willing to take the steps necessary, you will be able to sit down in a test situation and feel confident that you know what you are doing. Below are testing taking tips to help you gain confidence and success:

1. Pay close attention to the instructions given by the test examiner.  Resist the urge to ignore what the examiner is saying because you want to get started on the test.
2. Practice relaxation exercises and keep a positive outlook.
3. Circle or underline significant words in the question.  Read carefully to avoid misinterpreting what is being asked.
4. Use your time wisely.  Do not spend too much time on any one question.  Skip the harder ones and then go back to them later as your confidence builds.
5. Complete the sections of the test that award the highest points first.
6. When working out a problem, write down whatever you know.  It might help you to figure the problem out and some teachers even give partial credit in recognition for what you know.  Never leave a question blank.
7. If it is a math test, and calculators are allowed, take advantage of them.  Learn how to use them well ahead of time.
8. After finishing the test, verify your answers using these checking techniques:
   • Check for reasonableness.  Does the answer make sense?
   • Remember that on multiple choice exams your first response is often your best response.  Unless you have a good reason, do not change your answer.
   • Proofread your exam.
   • If using an answer sheet, make sure you have only one answer per line.
9. Allow yourself the whole test period to finish the exam.  Do not allow those who leave early to bother you.
10. Remain clear, calm, confident, and positive.
11. Maintain an alert mind and a cheerful attitude throughout the exam.
12. LEAVE AND REWARD YOURSELF FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

Dyersburg State facilities are tobacco free. Get free information and counseling to stop and stay stopped. Call 1-800-Quit-Now (1-800-784-8669) or join the program online.