Mental health matters and impacts our lives in unique ways. It’s more than weathering life’s normal ups and downs. And it never means you’re weak, lack character or weren’t “brought up right.” It’s something you deserve to know, and something we should all strive to help each other understand.
That’s why, beginning Oct. 7, members across the entire University will raise awareness and highlight mental health resources on campus during Mental Health Awareness Week. For one full week, the University community will come together to educate and advocate and make sure we’re all heard and seen.
Why Does Mental Health Matter?
Mental illness affects more people than you think. A 2018 research survey of around 14,000 first-year students across eight different countries found that 35% of them struggled with mental illness. And in the U.S alone, college students who visited their campus counseling centers reported anxiety as their number one concern, followed by depression, relationship concerns and suicidal ideation. Many students reported experiencing multiple of the above concerns at once. If you’re interested, learn more about the numbers at the National Alliance on Mental Illness website.
How Can I Participate?
There are a ton of ways to be involved in mental health initiatives on campus.
- Attend a Mental Health Awareness Week event. More details will be available soon.
- Join a registered student organization dedicated to mental health.
- Talk to a member of the Barnes Center peer education teams, including Students Advocating for Mental Health Empowerment (SAHMEs).
- Advocate for mental health by attending Student Association
- Follow @BeWellSU for information on resources and health and wellness tips.
Be sure to take care of yourself, and know that you’re never alone. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 315.443.8000 to access 24-hour support, seven days a week.
Written by Sayem Sinha ’21, College of Arts and Sciences, SAHME Peer Educator