By Nancy M. Scuri
Campus News
It’s impossible to look at a news site without seeing a seemingly endless parade of tragedy coming from our college campuses. The events at the University of Idaho and University of Virginia are only the latest in a string of incidents that have only increased as students have returned to campus post-COVID. Not included in the headlines are the day-to-day struggles of students who are wrestling with depression, substance abuse, and other mental health issues.
Recently, Campus News sat down with Naomi Angoff Chedd, Director of Counselor Support Services at Counslr, a text-based mental health support platform. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. (The interview has been edited for clarity and length.)
CN: How are mental health issues facing students today different from those in the pre-covid era?
NAC: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, students were already facing mental health concerns for a variety of reasons, e.g. escalating costs of schooling, social media negativity, increased political divide, substance abuse, etc. And there was already a shortage of mental health counselors on college campuses. The pandemic only exacerbated these issues.
In addition to increased levels of distress everywhere and among all students, there are also specific communities/groups of students who were significantly impacted when the pandemic caused students to return home – many never returning. For example, international students lost visas; athletes lost scholarships since they couldn’t play; and BIPOC and LGBTQ students lost support they found on campus that many of their hometowns lacked, and their families couldn’t or wouldn’t provide.
CN: What connections can we draw, if any, between recent events and the unmet mental health needs of today’s students?
NAC: Unfortunately, violence isn’t limited to college campuses, or committed solely by students. Over the past year alone we’ve seen horrific acts of violence from grocery stores to religious institutions to concerts and parades, and then most recently these campuses, as well as in Colorado. While it is impossible to comment on the mental health condition of someone who isn’t under your care, what is important to note is the impact that these acts of violence these individuals perform have on the mental wellness of others.
With social media and the 24-hour news cycle, we are bombarded with alarming updates and graphic videos, which can lead to increased anxiety. And with the recent tragedies, students stepping foot on every campus are on high alert. This is one of the reasons that it is so critical to have access to mental health solutions at any time. Anxiety doesn’t “schedule an appointment,” and the news doesn’t sleep. Being able to turn to support when and where you need it as a student is critical, even if it is just telling someone you are feeling edgy, anxious, or depressed. There is power and comfort in making that human connection, especially with a licensed counselor.
CN: What are signs of mental health issues to watch for in ourselves or others?
NAC: It is important to look for anything that is “out of pattern” for a person, and/or is persistent. For example, if a student who is typically excelling in work is now failing, or someone who is typically social begins to isolate, there’s cause for concern. We are all “sad,” or “feel off,” at times, but having a persistent feeling or expression of hopelessness, or exhibiting a persistent loss of appetite, lack of enjoyment or motivation in work or at school, and poor sleep, could indicate the need to seek help.
It is up to students and faculty to be aware of these signs so that they can say something–specifically something that enables action and/or accessing a resource for the person of concern so they can get the support they need and deserve.
CN: What can students do to help maintain good mental health in the face of challenges today?
NAC: There are many ways to maintain good mental health, some of which are new. Today we have more access to resources and information than ever before – however, it is critical to ensure the information comes from a credible source. We also have technology that is literally available at our fingertips. However, many of the recommendations to maintain mental wellness are those of which have remained proven over time:
- Getting the recommended amount of sleep
- Adhering to a healthy diet, and limited alcohol use
- Routine exercise
- Remaining in community/staying connected to loves ones
- Taking time out to do what you enjoy
- Giving yourself grace, which means it is ok to lower the bar sometimes
CN: In the event of a personal crisis, what are some steps we can take?
NAC: Prevention is the best “defense,” meaning it is better to be proactive and address “smaller” concerns, before they become a crisis. This can be asking for help, talking to a friend, a trusted advisor, family member, etc. when you first notice something is troubling you.
When students use Counslr, many of the concerns that we see escalate are ones that we wish were addressed sooner. For example, reaching out with a text to say “I don’t like my roommate,” or “I want to change my major, but I’m afraid my parents will be angry,” and then working with a licensed counselor to address how to manage this vs trying to navigate all the complexities once the resentment or arguments build, can stave off larger and more disturbing issues/conflict down the road.
For more information on the support services available at Counslr, go to https://www.counslr.com/, or https://www.linkedin.com/company/counslr/.
Students can also find additional resources at https://www.mentalhealth.gov/.
Nancy Scuri is a freelance writer and editor with over fifteen years of teaching experience at the college level. You can reach her at nancyscuri.substack.com.
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