Mental health crises are a serious and prevalent issue that continue to impact and hurt many communities today. College students are especially vulnerable to mental health adversities due to stress from personal, work, and/or school life. Mental health issues are becoming more common in higher ed institutions nationwide, affecting students and their quality of life. The NCSSLE (National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments) conducted the Healthy Minds national survey in 2021-2022. Out of 96,000 students (about the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum) across 133 campuses were surveyed. The Healthy Minds survey reported that 44% of students struggled with symptoms of depression, 37% struggled with symptoms of anxiety, and 15% have struggled with suicidal ideation. (“Student Mental Health Worsens, but More Are Seeking Help” National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environment (NCSSLE), 2023.)
Many college students may feel discouraged from seeking out mental health support due to stigmas in their communities, especially in cultures where seeking help may be looked down upon. It is common for students to feel ashamed about their mental health struggles out of fear of being judged or discriminated against. The stigmas and misinformation regarding mental illness are a dangerous issue and have been manifested differently in varying communities. These stigmas can be harmful and impact a student's willingness to ask for help when they need it. “More than half of people with mental illness don’t receive help for their disorders. Often, people avoid or delay seeking treatment due to concerns about being treated differently or fears of losing their jobs and livelihood.” (“Stigma, Prejudice, and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness "American Psychiatric Association, March 2024.) Other factors such as a student’s financial situation may restrict them from seeking help. Mental health resources such as therapy and counseling can be expensive for many people and not everyone may have the tools necessary to access these services. Additionally, students can feel intimidation and may not know what steps to take toward improving mental wellness.
Managing levels of stress, triggers, and crises are essential in a student’s journey to self-care and wellness improvement. Especially during events where stress levels might be heightened such as finals and exams. Finding solace within communities such as friends, peers, and family can be beneficial, but a professional can help further guide students toward the improvement of their mental health and well-being. Through their practice, professionals may be able to provide tools and resources to help manage mental health struggles and contributing stressors. They may also be able to help students understand any underlying or fundamental causes for their mental health struggles.
Unfortunately, many students may not have the available resources or accessibility to a professional therapist or counselor. Due to these factors, it is essential for colleges across the country to provide accessible mental health resources, information sessions, and support for their students on campus. Luckily, there are plenty of colleges that offer mental health resources to students on campus. Our college here at PCCC is one of many!
Mental Health Resources @ the PCCC Wellness Center:
Fortunately, PCCC has a Wellness Center present on campus. The PCCC Multicultural Wellness Resource Center provides abundant resources and support for students struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. The MRWC has a mental health wellness coordinator that offers counseling services to students on campus. Whether students are struggling with the pressure of stress and anxiety or the complexities of depression, the MRWC’s counseling services are available for students when they need someone to talk to.
In addition to their counseling services, the PCCC Wellness Center has partnered up with UWILL. Through UWILL, PCCC students have access to one hour of free virtual therapy every week. All you need are your student credentials to access this free virtual counseling service. The Multicultural Wellness Resource Center is located at the Paterson Campus in room M244 (near the testing center). The Wellness Center at PCCC understands the importance of mental health which is why they provide plenty of resources and support to improve student wellness. A QR code to schedule an appointment with the Wellness Center's counseling support will be provided below. You are not alone and there is support that is ready to welcome you!
To learn more about PCCC’s Wellness Center & their resources or to make an appointment click here: https://pccc.edu/wellness/
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