Oct. 10. is recognized as World Mental Health Day, first celebrated in 1992. According to neaToday, more than 60% of college students struggle with mental health. Additionally, depression and anxiety rates for college students are at an all-time high, according to NEA news.
The observance comes at around the midpoint of the fall semester, a stressful time for many students, according to Paul Castelino, director of Counseling and Psychological Services at OU.
“Usually, this is the first time students are away from their familiar and supportive family and social environments,” Castelino said. “They are figuring out how to live independently, coming to terms with their identity, making relationship negotiations ... all of these changes can be stressful to almost anyone.”
Castelino stresses the importance of providing students with adequate networks of support. With the proper resources, students can feel more empowered to take on the challenges that college throws at them and thrive.
However, many students have a hard time asking for help or won’t because of the stigmas surrounding mental health, according to Nandi Gott, president of Active Minds.
“Getting people to be able to talk about (mental health) is the hardest part,” Gott said. “I think once you start talking about it, you realize it’s a helpful thing. I feel like being able to speak to someone and encouraging them to talk to you or somebody else is important.”
Active Minds is one of multiple campus organizations dedicated to bringing awareness to mental health issues, breaking down stigmas and providing students with a safe place to express themselves. Student organizations like these can provide OU with increased mental health literacy.
The easiest way to encourage wellness is simply by talking, Gott said.
“I come from a very rural area and mental health is something that’s swept under the rug,” said Maddy Morris, a junior studying social work. “And that’s not something that should be. It should be something that people are allowed to express and get help for. It shouldn’t be something that’s just ignored.”
Morris believes encouraging conversations around mental health can be incredibly helpful to those struggling. Talking lets people know they are not alone, which is especially important on a college campus where students are tasked with rebuilding their support system. Talking also breaks down stigmas, which gives people the confidence to ask for help.
OU has multiple resources for students struggling with their mental health, from incorporating mental health conversations in learning communities to providing students with on-campus therapists, according to Castelino.
Castelino emphasized CPS’ commitment to supporting students struggling with mental health and mentions resources including same-day appointments, crisis interventions, group counseling, psychiatric consultation and referral, Let’s Talk Hours, Support Spaces, Coping Café, ongoing one-on-one therapy and online self-help therapy through WellTrack Boost and Togetherall.
OU also hosts multiple events throughout the year to increase mental health awareness, such as Send Silence Packing in September or suicide prevention training sessions throughout the year. Last week, in honor of World Mental Health Day, OU celebrated “Thrive Week.” The program consisted of events such as the grand opening of the Wellbeing Wing at Ping Recreation Center and having staff participate in the National Alliance on Mental Illness walk.
“Mental health is a whole spectrum,” Gott said. “You don’t have to be debilitated to get help. You can be like, ‘Today was a really rough day for me, I need to talk to someone,’ and go see a therapist and go to the CPS center.”
