Did you know that the onset of most mental disorders typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 24? Eating disorders, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and self-inflicted injury, are commonly seen at the collegiate level, and unfortunately, suicide claims 1,100 college students each year, making it the second leading cause of death among college students. The sad truth is that 2/3 of students suffering from such illnesses on college campuses don’t get the help that they need, which is an issue that stems not only from lack of education, but from a sense of shame and stigma that surrounds mental health issues. Active Minds was founded by a Penn State student with the desire to help the many students that struggle with intense stress or experience mental disorders during their college years.
Mental health at Bucknell
“Psychological services sees approximately 1/3 of students at some point during their time at Bucknell,” says Dr. Kettlewell, associate director of Psychological Services at Bucknell. About 80 students were in attendance for her talk on March 19th, which focused on the importance of understanding the relationship between food and one’s body, challenging common myths about eating disorders, and addressing issues related to body image, perfectionism, and how to help a friend who is struggling.Â
She emphasizes that ot all appointments are a direct result of mental health problems. Many clients are “healthy students struggling with a difficult experiences, transitions, or developmental tasks such as relationship conflict, time management, or managing independence. In terms of specific concerns, anxiety is the top presenting issue in our office and this is consistent with the majority of college campuses across the country.” Dr. Kettlewell says that although appointments tend to remain relatively consistent from semester to semester, April is traditionally one of the busiest months in college counseling centers across the country and that times of high academic demand often give way to other concerns. Bucknell is similar to other universities in that there is an emphasis on outward appearance and that often times students attempt to self-medicate or develop a dependency on drugs and alcohol, but she recognizes these coping mechanisms as “short-term bandaids” that do not effectively resolve the issue. She also reminds students that Bucknell culture goes beyond image to encompass more important matters such as, “student leadership, creativity, and intellectual challenge.”
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Students helping students
Active Minds is a national organization that was established with the goal of “changing the conversation about mental health” on college campuses as it’s foundation. Through providing information, leadership opportunities, and advocacy training to college students, the organization is able to by empower students to speak openly about mental health conditions, to educate their peers, and to encourage those struggling to seek help. There are currently over 350 chapters established at campuses nationwide, collectively serving as the voice of young adult mental health advocacy.
Ginny Jacobs, president of the Bucknell chapter of Active Minds, says that the organization,“aims to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, and create a comfortable environment for an open conversation about mental health issues.” The Bucknell chapter of the organization brings therapy dogs to campus, organizes various stress-reducing events both for National Stress Out Day and for stressful times of the year (such as midterms and finals), promotes mental health information to students, participates in National Day Without Stigma, hosts discussions with members of psychological services to start conversation about various topics within mental health. Overall, the organization works as a liaison between psychological services and the student body. “We are changing the culture on campus,” says Jacobs.
As members of Active Minds, students do not serve as a peer support group, but instead point students in the direction of professional services and advertise programs on campus that may be of assistance. Dr. Kettlewell says that, “friends can offer support by being non-judgmental listeners, sharing concerns in a direct and caring way, and offering to follow the friends lead when it comes to asking for help. Often times friends can be supportive in small, but powerful ways. Once a friend has acknowledged her concern and asked for professional help, it can be helpful to ask how they’re doing and letting them know that you understand that change is difficult and takes hard work, that change doesn’t happen overnight, and that you’re available to offer support throughout the long journey.” That being said, she reminds students that, “professional counselors are trained to understand topics such as human behavior, development, personality, and family dynamics among others. In counseling, the number one focus is the student’s experience, needs, and goals.” The combination of professional support and peer support is often times the most effective approach to helping someone overcome their struggles.
Ginny Jacobs, president of the Bucknell chapter of Active Minds, says that the organization,“aims to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, and create a comfortable environment for an open conversation about mental health issues.” The Bucknell chapter of the organization brings Therapy Dogs to campus, organizes various stress-reducing events both for National Stress Out Day and for stressful times of the year (such as midterms and finals), promotes mental health information to students, participates in National Day Without Stigma, hosts discussions with members of psychological services to start conversation about various topics within mental health, and works as a liaison between psychological services and the student body. “We are changing the culture on campus,” says Jacobs.Â
Making a difference
By watching the language we use on a daily basis, refusing to allow a person to be identified by their struggles, creating a supportive environment on campus, being accepting, and reaching out to others, we can all make a difference in the lives of those affected. “Stigmas surrounding mental health issues and asking for help are powerful and frequently are roadblocks for students who could benefit for professional support. It seems to me that the stigma on our campus has to do with what it means to ask for help. I’ve had many students who are shocked to find out that we see such a huge number of their peer Bucknellians. Many students have commented that it can be a very positive experience to share with others that they’ve sought help in the form of counseling or medication. I think stigmas are reduced when people take appropriate risks to share their experiences in dealing with mental health issues or talking about how they’ve asked for help,” says Dr. Kettlewell. She suggests investing time in an enjoyable hobby, talking to friends and family, participating in physical activity, or writing in a journal as healthy, mood-boosting stress relievers to keep in mind if you’re going through a stressful time. Even something as simple as a smile or a compliment can turn someone’s day around and make them feel less hopeless or alone! “One of the things I often say about counseling is that not everyone needs it, but everyone could benefit from it. I would love to encourage Bucknell students to consider talking more openly about their feelings or ways they may be struggling and think about doing so as an example of personal growth. If the goal is to learn as much as possible while in college, I’d love to broaden what it is that students are learning both inside and outside of the classroom so that it includes learning about oneself,” says Dr. Kettlewell.
Visit http://www.activeminds.org/issues-a-resources/get-help to find out how you can identify mental disorders and help a friend in need, as well as where to turn if you or anyone you know needs support. More people than you’d think are likely suffering from the same things that you may be going through–right on our own campus–so hesitate to contact Psychological Services or utilize Active Minds as a resource on campus. Always remember that getting help is a sign of incredible strength, not a sign of weakness!