To the Editor:
I agree with the claim that mental health should be talked about more frequently (“Opinion: Mental Health, Let’s Talk About It,” May 21). I have seen this effect many of my friends and family who have trouble talking about their mental health.
For instance, my mother has had depression for as long as I can remember, until recently it has came back. She refuses to speak about it, as she feels people will look at her differently. She has stated before she does not want her closest friends to think she is sick and needs help.
Accepting mental illnesses is the first step in getting help. This step is always the hardest as emotions usually get in the way. Long Beach City College should be more open-minded when it comes to mental health and the forms of help. Resources should be available whenever needed.
May is national mental health month, Long Beach City College always brings awareness for the entire month, Monday through Friday.
The month is full of resource fairs, workshops, stress free walks, and other activities which can help certain mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Yes, LBCC offers other resources which are available outside the month of May, such as six free therapy sessions, mental health screenings, and hotline numbers. However, once the month is over, it is as if all the other resources have vanished. Mental illnesses do not only last a month, they are an ongoing struggle.
Resources and support should always be available.
Yet, not every student knows of the available resources that are provided. Less than half of college students know about hotline numbers for anxiety and depression, which they can call or text any time of the day.
The school should promote them by putting signs all around campus so everyone can know about them. The resources are hidden gems waiting for people to take advantage of.
Other forms such as healing circles should be another option for those who like expressing themselves in groups. There should be a form of healing for every student’s preference.
With more people knowing about the help these resources provide, the more open people will become.
There should be different forms of help for everyone, which should be available everyday of the week. This way more people will be comfortable expressing their feelings. There will be no need to feel embarrassed of something completely normal.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Venegas