It is socially acceptable to talk about physical health, finances or relationship difficulties. But throughout human history, mental health has remained a taboo subject.
With the commemoration of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Kristie Pérezdirector of Stetson’s student counseling services, hopes to see an increase in awareness, access to resources and acceptance.
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 is “Mental health is a universal human right”. According to Perez, with the decline in mental health due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “we are finally at the point where we recognize it globally” – even though access to care is often limited and the Mental illness remains stigmatized in many countries. .
When addressing mental health issues, it helps to “have a clear understanding that everyone faces challenges in one way or another. Some people suffer from mental health problems,” says Perez.
“As with any other struggle we would have in life, these are not quick fixes,” she adds.
Students, many of whom have been affected by isolation during lockdowns, are particularly vulnerable, Perez says. According to a Best Colleges 2022 Study, 77% of students experienced moderate to severe psychological distress. Additionally, 35% of students experienced anxiety and 27% depression. Perez sees those percentages reflected in the Stetson students she and her staff treat on campus.
Generation Z is facing unprecedented challenges since the pandemic, notes Perez. “What’s important to me about Gen Z is that they are the first generation that has always had access to technology and technology since birth,” she says. “The amount of information they were able to extract is not comparable to other generations. »
The isolation coupled with the fear of death – your own or that of someone you love – was “very scary,” she adds.
At the same time, Generation Z faces mental health issues with a more open mind than previous generations, Perez says. “One of the benefits is that with this generation, they are a little more open and are a little less stigmatized when asking for help,” she says.
Campus Resources
In turn, Stetson offers unlimited free and confidential advice both virtually and in-person for current students.
Perez says we can all promote mental health awareness by openly discussing mental health issues, knowing the signs and symptoms, continually increasing our knowledge base, monitoring our own mental health and mood, sharing resources, talking openly at home, volunteering at a mental health center, and practicing self-care.
Stetson advice link offers a host of self-care tips for better mental health, including:
- Ask for help if you need it.
- Stay in touch with family and friends while seeking new friendships.
- Know the signs of depression – such as feeling sad, hopeless, negative, guilty, irritable or disinterested.
- Take time to relax.
This very site also offers advice on overall health, including sleep, stress, exercise, diet and nutrition, and sexual health, which play a role in mental health.
A strong support system is also vital, Perez says. She offers the following advice to those offering support:
- Be patient with those experiencing mental health issues.
- Offer them help if they are having trouble getting motivated.
- Don’t try to be their therapist, don’t diagnose them or label them.
- Listen with empathy.
- Spend time with them, but also recognize that they may need space.
- Remind them that you care about them.
- Encourage them to get the help they need.
Finally, Perez offers additional advice to those offering support: “Remember to take care of yourself because you cannot pour from an empty cup. »
-Chéri Henderson
