September is an exciting month with everyone settling into their class schedules, the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, and welcome the official start of autumn. What some people may not know, however, is that September is also National Suicide Prevention Month. Every year, mental health organizations across the country gear up to spread awareness and information. Typically represented by a blue and purple ribbon, this month is dedicated to spreading awareness of the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Mental health can be a tough topic to talk about, but it is so important to have these conversations early and as often as necessary.
The college transition can be emotionally overwhelming. . Some people feel homesick, while others embrace their newfound families. Some become swamped with assignments and deadlines, while others find themselves excelling academically. Some experience this full range of emotions, sometimes all in a single day. Even though the college experience is often associated with having fun and living life to the fullest, it is not always like this for everyone. In fact, there are a lot of things that can negatively affect the mental health of college students. In an anonymous survey of current Scotties, some opened up about the mental health challenges that they’ve faced since starting college. There was variety in the problems that students brought up, but the common thread in their responses was isolation and feelings of loneliness. Additionally, a majority of the students said that they had been struggling with either anxiety, depression, or a combination of both.
While these experiences may not reflect those of all students at Agnes, or college students in general, it is still just as worthy of addressing. It is not uncommon for students to experience these emotions and assume that they are alone in feeling that way. Being away from home, playing a competitive sport, unfamiliar social environments, balancing school work, and current events can all be things that can take a toll on the mental health of our students. If you find yourself struggling with similar issues, know that you are not alone. It is not uncommon or shameful to have trouble managing these responsibilities.
Given these challenges, especially in our current political climate, how do students manage to cope? Survey respondents shed some light on how they maintain their mental health during and outside of school. Many students said that they are in therapy.
Students also reported that they enjoy spending time with their partners or friends, while others took more individual approaches like journaling, spending time in nature, and shadow work. What makes someone feel happy and at peace can vary from person to person; what works for someone else may not work for you, so it is important to listen to yourself and cope in ways that you find helpful.
The Agnes Scott community is no stranger to talking about mental health and wellness. In fact, there are multiple options for Scotties that are seeking mental health support. In a conversation with Makini Austin, the director of the Wellness Center, she shared some observations and advice for Scotties. The Well recently moved to a location two doors down from Charis Bookstore, though Austin noted this change hasn’t significantly affected their visibility. Inside, students are greeted with a bright and welcoming atmosphere where they can attend appointments or find out how to schedule one. They have a range of resources available to students including medical (primary and urgent) care, individual counselling, group counselling, provider referrals, and virtual options like TimelyCare. The Wellness Center also makes their presence on campus known through engaging events like the wellness fair and their famous puppy power hour.
Austin emphasized the importance of using these resources, as they are free for all current students. There is even a more advanced and expansive portal for students that have health insurance through the college. She noted that students often come to the wellness center when they are in distress and in more immediate need of care. While it is perfectly reasonable and suggested that you seek support from a professional when you are in these situations, she also advised that students come when they are well. She likened the maintenance of our mental health to that of our physical one; it is important to try and take the necessary steps to keep yourself well in order to prevent more extreme illnesses or occurrences.
In the spirit of National Suicide Prevention Month, consider your own mental health and that of those around you. It shouldn’t be embarrassing or taboo to address something that is so important and worth talking about. While it is important to reach out to friends and family if you suspect they might be having suicidal thoughts, don’t stop there. Check on the people in your life even if they appear to be happy and on top of things. Give yourself grace, do what makes you feel at peace, and embrace the support of others even if you aren’t at your lowest. If you are reading this, know that you are appreciated and valued simply because you are alive.
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