Rachel Wortman
College is built for the able-bodied and the able-minded. If you are not among this lucky bunch of individuals, school can be nightmarish at times. It may feel like you are alone, but trust me: you are not. According to an NUS (National Union of Students) study in 2013, 1 in 4 students reported having a mental health problem, so why aren’t we talking about this more? Students face a particular set of challenges that leave many struggling to cope. We experience a tremendous amount of pressure not only to succeed academically, but also to maintain a healthy social life and to keep a balanced set of extracurricular activities. Students have a myriad of other commitments, all while attempting to maintain their health, both physically and mentally.
The lack of dialogue leaves many sufferers feeling isolated. I struggle with this at times; I feel abnormal compared to my peers who seem to handle everything so well, while I am left drowning in my work and commitments. Sometimes it feels as if there’s no one to talk to and that, if you do talk, you may be judged for how you are thinking and feeling. When mental health is discussed, it is often met with a negative or patronizing response, albeit with good intentions. Students are often told that “there’s nothing to panic about” or “everyone feels sad and lonely sometimes.” People don’t know what to say, but to the students suffering, it often just feels like they are missing the point entirely. This misunderstanding of mental health problems can lead to sufferers feeling increasingly burdensome, and some may retreat into further isolation.
There needs to be a shift in the way that we view and speak about mental health. The stigma attached to mental health problems is damaging to those that need to voice their experiences. The fear of being misunderstood, of being embarrassed or of being patronized smothers those who are in search of care or a listening ear. Here at The College of Wooster, there are counseling services in place to help those who are struggling with mental illness, but are they doing enough? The time it takes to schedule an appointment with the counselors at the Wellness Center ranges anywhere from three to five weeks, with only two counselors currently available to the students. The free counseling sessions available to students is down to only five per semester; afterwards, there is a copay that may discourage some students from seeking the help they need or force them to look elsewhere for guidance. One anonymous student states that the lack of emotional support he received from the College left him feeling “discouraged and afraid of asking for help entirely.” At times it seems that the College only cares about the results of the students and is not investing in their welfare. We need a new, clear policy and plan to help students with issues of mental health.
Although campaigns are spreading across the U.S., and even within Wooster, to change the stigma surrounding mental health, students can still fall through the cracks, and more must be done. We may be moving forward in talking about mental health, but we still have a way to go. Mental health fluctuations affect us all, some more than others. We need to ensure that the correct systems are in place for everyone. The way to do that is to speak openly about mental health and remove the stigma, which silences sufferers of mental health problems. Students need to be reassured that they will receive complete support from the College if they are having trouble with their mental health; they should be aware that these systems of support exist and that they should never be ashamed to use them. We need to create safe environments in which those struggling with mental health can discuss their experiences, both with other students and in counseling spaces. We all have a responsibility to be open and continue this conversation about mental health. No one should go through this alone, nor feel like they are alone.