Growing up in a military family that is constantly relocating or having to say goodbye to a friend being deployed can be stressful.

The CarruthCenter for Counseling and Psychological Services at West VirginiaUniversity has a drop-in military support group in place to help students cope with the range of emotions they may experience during their college years.

The Family and Friends of Military Personnel Support Group is geared for students who have family or friends who are serving or previously served in the armed forces.

Heightened levels of stress can interfere with studentsability to meet personal, academic and work demands, said psychologist Sue Hodgson, who helps lead the group. This support group enables students to share their feelings with others in similar circumstances.

Students in this situation face many challenges,she said.Family and friendships may function differently as they incorporate aspects of military life. There may be little or no information about what the loved one is facing, particularly if stationed in a war zone.

Special occasions may have to be celebrated alone, she added. Even if always stationed in the United States, the vet will not be the same once he or she returns to civilian life simply because of adapting to the military. All of these circumstances can produce feelings of fear, anger, confusion and frustration.

Meetings are held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesdays at the CarruthCenter on the third floor of the StudentServicesBuilding. There are no fees to join, and the group is limited to currently enrolled WVU students.

The group will focus on members helping themselves with the discussion topics being selected by group members.

The group will strive to be a safe and accepting place, where confidentiality is maintained and participation is encouraged at a level that feels comfortable for the individual,Hodgson said.

For more information, call the CarruthCenter at 304-293-4431.