Psychological support and counseling
The university period, like any other period in one’s life, brings about various problems and challenges. Some of these can easily be overcome, either on one’s own or with the help of family and friends but sometimes, we may be faced with problems that greatly interfere in our everyday lives and require professional support. The University Office for Psychological Counseling within the University Counseling Center offers professional psychological assistance and support to students and other members of the University of Rijeka in order to improve their quality of life and increase the efficiency of their studies.
Research shows that during their studies students face numerous emotional problems and difficulties in adjusting, which they often fail to address satisfactorily. People are mostly aware of the importance of maintaining health and preventing illness when it comes to physical health, however, when it comes to mental health, it is quite often neglected.
Within the course of the Psychological Counseling Center existence, various studies were conducted addressing the problems and difficulties of the students of the University of Rijeka and their needs. Experience shows that the students have often come to the Psychological Counseling Center to seek advice due to the following reasons:
learning difficulties (postponing of tasks, concentration and memory, inadequate habits and / or learning strategies ...)
Almost all students (97%) experience one of the following academic problems during their studies:
- irrational use of time, poor balance between learning and fun,
- difficulties in passing examinations,
- learning difficulties,
- a sense of inefficiency when it comes to studying,
- dissatisfaction with the study program,
- doubts about the correct choice of studies,
- thoughts about withdrawing from studies,
- fear of failure,
- uncertainty about future career, etc.
poor organization of time
- the irrational use of time for learning and fun,
- delay in completing tasks,
- lack of time for desired activities,
- constant feeling of tiredness and exhaustion,
- "if only a day had more hours",
- difficulties in setting priorities,
- giving up activities due to lack of time.
unsatisfactory relationships with other people
71% of students report some form of relationship problems:
- feeling of distrust towards other people,
- disagreement and conflict with parents,
- problems in intimate relationships,
- poor communication with professors,
- a sense of misunderstanding. rejection and non-acceptance in the environment,
- problems in their relationships with friends / roommates.
depression, loneliness, sadness
Some of the symptoms of depression include:
- deep feelings of sadness, dissatisfaction and anxiety,
- dark moods,
- negative thoughts,
- demoralization and hopelessness,
- loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities and things,
- loneliness, a feeling of non-belonging and misunderstanding in the environment,
- feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness,
- lack of concentration, memory problems, and inability to make decisions,
- thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide.
anxiety, fear, nervousness, worry, or panic
Some of the symptoms of anxiety include:
- excessive fear of certain things, places or events,
- panic attacks (intense fear accompanied by a violent physical reaction),
- constant, exaggerated concerns about different things,
- examination anxiety,
- constant body tension, inability to relax.
low self-esteem, personal insecurity
66% of students are dissatisfied with themselves or experience one of the following manifestations of low self-esteem during their studies:
- dissatisfaction with one's physical appearance,
- dissatisfaction with oneself,
- excessive self-criticism,
- feeling of less value.
dissatisfaction with one's appearance, eating problems
- dissatisfaction with one's body,
- dissatisfaction with one's body weight,
- constant and excessive preoccupation with physical appearance,
- overweight,
- overeating,
- constant and excessive attempts to lose weight (dieting, exercising, taking laxatives,
vomiting),
- changes in eating habits.
If you are a student, feel free to contact us:
If you have difficulties learning, organizing time, remembering and concentrating, or fear of examinations
If you think you are worth less than others or have a constant feeling of insecurity
If you are tormented due to fear, nervousness, worry, panic
If you are dissatisfied with your relationships with your close ones
If you feel depressed, lonely, sad or anxious
If you are ambivalent which study to pursues or dissatisfied with your choice of studies
If you are suffering from the loss of a loved one
If you are dissatisfied with your own body and appearance or have problems with your diet
For additional information please call 051 / 265-841 or send an inquiry to ssc@ssc.uniri.hr.
If you would like to make an appointment, please fill out the application form:
More about the Psychological Counseling Center at the University of Rijeka at
If you have questions or need help with mental health care, you can contact the Department for the Protection of Mental Health, Prevention and Out-Patient Treatment of Addiction Illnesses within the Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorsko-Goranska County. In line with the Health Care Act, these services carry out mental health care and outpatient treatment in their daily work, which includes prevention and early detection of all psychiatric disorders, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of all forms of addiction, as well as measures of mental health care in the community.
The Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of the Victim and Witness Support System in the Republic of Croatia for the Period 2016-2020 was adopted on January 3, 2019. The Action Plan envisages cooperation with mental health services by standardizing the treatments carried out by health workers towards victims, especially in the part where victims are referred to competent organizations and services for assistance and support, and envisages an increase in the availability of psychological treatment for victims through the work of mental health services.
For more information on Croatian Institute of Public Health visit: https://www.hzjz.hr/en/
