Despite increased awareness, mental health remains a serious subject that impacts college students, which is why LBCC should promote their mental health resources more frequently instead of the times it is most convenient to help decrease the stigma for its students.
Although there is now a clearer understanding about the struggles that mental health can add to students lives there are still college students that struggle to come to terms with their own suffering mental health.
According to a study done by the National Alliance on Mental Health, fifty percent of college students struggle with anxiety resulting in negative affects to their school work.
The Mental Health Foundation believes that once someone becomes open about their mental illness they may lose their sense of identity and are subject to stereotypes.
When people become open about their mental health battles, some issues begin to arise, such as difficulty in finding a job or attending school because their mental illness may negatively affect their day to day life.
Some may be told to “get over it”, ultimately meaning that in the eyes of others, their mental illness is not being taken as seriously as it should be.
As a result individuals may feel ashamed and embarrassed for being vulnerable.
This shame can cause those same people to bottle up their feelings and hide their emotions which may continue a cycle that negatively impacts their mental health.
Adjunct counselor through the Student Support Services Daisy Cook explains that mental health is something that needs to be talked about more and that as a society we should be more open to having those conversations.
Instead of promoting resources based on convenience, LBCC should advocate for a stronger emphasis by regularly promoting the resources offered by Mental Health Services.
It would be beneficial to students if LBCC organized a weekly group meeting or workshop where students can go to talk to others about their experiences and feelings.
The day following the PCC false shooter alarm, a healing circle was created for students to attend and speak about their emotions toward the false alarm.
Despite a small attendance of under 10 people, those who were there had much to say about how they felt.
Some students may not be comfortable with discussing their issues publicly but there are many ways that they can work towards improving their mental on their own terms.
For the students who might have a lot going on in their lives, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America suggests some simple steps for improving mental health including keeping a journal to write down your feelings in and dedicating a few hours a day to be away from your phone.
Anxiety can be a major component of depression so the AADA also suggests doing something as minor as practicing breathing techniques.
Surrounding yourself with understanding people that you trust can play a major role in how you feel.
Individuals surrounded by negativity may have a different outlook than those who are surrounded by people who care for their well being.
It is important to take time for yourself and work towards being able to identify your feelings and emotions.
Being able to talk about their mental health is not something any student should be ashamed of; when mental health becomes a part of the normal conversation on our campus the stigma around it will begin disappear.