When we
move our children to college, we often worry about their eating habits, sleep
deprivation and studying time. But mental health is just as important as
physical health. We live in a world where 73 percent of students have
experienced a mental health crisis while in college.
The key
word here is “crisis.”
As a
result, the National Panhellenic Conference is now working with the Office of
the President and attended the White House conference Monday on mental health issues.
Because of our reach and our commitment as an advocate for college women, we’ve
committed to working with the National Alliance on Mental
Health (NAMI) to
facilitate conversations on campus and within the sorority network.
The
dialogue is critical as colleges are coping with the needs of students who are
dealing with a variety of mental health issues – depression, substance abuse,
ADHD and more.
NAMI’s
educational materials are posted here and will be shared this fall
with as many women as we can reach or as time allows. We’re also spreading the
news during sorority conventions this summer.
Why are
we so concerned about our collegiate members? NAMI’s survey of 765 students,
representing a diverse geographical area and a racially diverse population,
tells us why this is pressing.
· An overwhelming majority of
survey respondents who said they are no longer in college are not attending
because of mental health-related reasons (64 percent).
· At least 50 percent of those who
dropped out did not access mental health service or support.
· Students were also equally
divided on whether they chose to disclose their mental health condition to
their colleges, with half responding that stigmas are still attached to people
who are open about their mental health issues.
· A majority of students, or 79
percent, stressed the importance of offering mental health training for faculty
and staff. Forty-two percent of respondents said peer support is critical to
success in college.
· Another 64 percent said “no” or
“don’t know” when asked whether their college websites included information
about mental health; another 40 percent said their college websites were
“somewhat helpful.”
Clearly,
more can be done. Just one college student who feels lost is one college
student too many.
In a
breakout session of about 15 people during the White House conference, it was
clear how passionate many of us feel about our most vulnerable population. From
clergy to sportscasters, from senators to authors, there was agreement that the
time is now to make this more than just a discussion.
If the
stigma of mental health illness is a barrier to discussion, then discussions
should occur in large audiences with multiple and diverse voices – just as it
happened at the White House this week. Often hearing what peers and mentors
have to say can encourage a student to make a connection.
Learning
more about mental health can also encourage a friend to reach out and ask:
“What’s wrong? I am worried about you.”
NPC is
rising to the challenge with NAMI, one of the largest grassroots mental health
organizations in the country. If you believe in student access to services,
treatment, support and research, then join the conversation about mental
health.
We hope
you make room for the topic this fall to listen, engage and refer.
