Behind the world of social gatherings and academic validation, the silent epidemic of mental health challenges plagues many students. As students arrive at college for the first time, they may find themselves adrift in a sea of social isolation and grapple with feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness and long for meaningful connections.
Freshman year is one of the toughest battles a student will go through, but you will make it through. I promise.
I graduated in May and it was four years of struggling with mental health. I was away from home as a full-time student and learning how to navigate life – all while taking antidepressants for the first time. I know I’m not the only person who needs medication to make the days a little easier. I met with my therapist over the phone weekly and I’m not naive to the fact that I am privileged to be able to have that connection.
From anxiety, depression and an array of other challenges, many of us are struggling and we need to realize that we’re not alone.
As a university, we need to do better to make every student feel safe and secure to openly share their struggles and emotions. Yes, we have counseling and psychology services, but it hasn’t always been the most beneficial in helping students manage their mental health.
Student athletes struggle in particular ways. Andrew Trolio, a junior at the university, has been playing sports since he was four years old. He is so passionate about this topic that he delivered an honors thesis presentation on mental health and college athletes to spread even more awareness last semester.
After graduation, Trolio said he plans to stay in collegiate athletics and become an athletic director. He said he feels the school does not have enough resources to deal with mental health properly. For instance, the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services limits the number of sessions a student can have in a semester, in which mental health challenges may not be sufficiently addressed within that time.
Trolio said the stigma around mental health lands especially hard on athletes and we need to work harder to make a community where everyone feels safe and comfortable speaking up when they are not okay. Grueling schedules can prevent athletes from getting the help they need and deserve.
By recognizing and validating the mental health experiences of all students, colleges can better support their well-being and foster a campus environment that promotes resilience, growth and flourishing.
Student athletes aren’t the only ones that deal with mental health issues because of their hectic and intense schedules. Krista Smith, a senior at the university, said, “Because of the academic pressure to stay on course to graduate in such a competitive program, it is easy to fall into a mindset of your worth correlates to your academic standing and grades.”
She said she likes being busy and stress keeps her motivated, though she acknowledges that comes with a toll.
“I do think that the university should allocate more attention to mental health but I’m realistic enough to know that to put work into my academics that I need to push myself,” said Smith. “I don’t think it’s possible to be successful without jeopardizing mental health, depending on the baseline of an individual.”
In the web of college mental health, every student grapples with the universal challenges of academic stress, social isolation, stigma and self-care. As you navigate these pivotal years of your life, be sure to pay attention to your mental health. Take the time to check in with yourself regularly, listen to your inner voice and honor your emotions. Seek support from friends, family or mental health professionals when needed and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re struggling. Remember that self-care is not selfish. Nurturing your mental well-being means you’ll be better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of college life and emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side.
