Ask the Staff

This is a biweekly column featuring real questions from KU students, answered by CAPS staff members. The questions were anonymously collected from students in various PRE 101 sections (Psychology in Research and Education Orientation Seminar) when they were asked, What is the one question you would most like to ask a counselor?

This is a biweekly column featuring real questions from KU students, answered by CAPS staff members. The questions were anonymously collected from students in various PRE 101 sections (Psychology in Research and Education Orientation Seminar) when they were asked, What is the one question you would most like to ask a counselor?

Why do people just snap? Do I have a chance to just snap one day and do something I might regret?

Your question is an excellent one and one that other people might struggle with as well. Although when someone breaks down emotionally, it may seem like they just snapped all of the sudden; the reality of the situation is that, most likely, there were certain life stresses and strains which came to bear on the individual for some time prior to the break down.

It would be difficult to accurately say if you might snap one day…the best preventative advice I could give you is to proactively work on keeping yourself in the best possible health--mentally and physically as an insurance policy against a break down of your own natural defenses. This would include leading a healthy lifestyle of exercising regularly, eating a balance diet, and having enjoyable outlets or hobbies as part of your life.

Sitka D. Stueve
MSW Intern

Previous columns:

• Who has more problems, men or women?
• Do you actually listen to your clients or do you just pretend?
• Why do people just snap? Do I have a chance to just snap one day and do something I might regret?
• If someone confesses to a crime are you supposed to tell authorities?
• What can I do if my roommate is depressed all the time?
• What is the best way to help a friend who has been sexually assaulted?
• Can I be helped in only a few visits?
• What are some things you can do to become unemotionally attached to someone?