Students and Staff Work Together to Reduce Mental Health Stigma
By Casey Merritt | Observer Contributor
Student Heather Burke, President Vander Hooven, and Professor Sheila Murphy share the goal of helping students find a method to cope with their mental illness.
Burke says her illnesses held her back “from getting involved at the college, hanging out with friends, and going to the library.”
Refusing help from faculty and staff at the college, Burke’s way of coping is through a grounding exercise called The Five Senses.
“I look for five things in five colors, five for each color because it’s more private,” she said.
Once her illnesses started to have a stronger negative effect on her school life, Burke decided to move out of her mother’s house and into a group home. She says her move has improved her mental state and has made her feel more independent. She now takes online classes rather than attending in person to reduce the amount of absences she would otherwise have.
President Vander Hooven has taken note of the increasing number of students who attend The Mount while suffering from mental health issues. “I’ve been trying to get funding from the state to help support these students in order for them to be successful,” he said.
Vander Hooven suggests students try journaling to vent out any negative thoughts. “It’s relaxing and therapeutic,” he said. He also suggests students talk to someone, whether they are someone at the college or outside. Having someone to talk to can be the biggest source of strength for students.
Vander Hooven says any student is more than welcome to talk to him about their mental health if they feel uncomfortable talking to anyone else.
Professor Sheila Murphy has come across many students suffering from mental health issues. Although she doesn’t suffer from these problems herself, she’s empathetic for those who do. “I’ve had people in my life that suffer and I understand what they’re going through,” she stated.
Murphy says when she notices students’ grades dropping, she makes sure to check in with them. A few students have dropped out of her classes in order to improve their health before returning. If they are admitted to a hospital, Murphy advocates for them to withdraw from the class or offers an incomplete to give them an extra 30 days to complete their work.
“I think a lot of the time, students disclose to me so I know what’s going on and how to follow up with them. I will refer them to someone to get help if needed.”
The best advice she has to offer students is to seek someone they are comfortable talking to about their illnesses.
She stated society treats mental illness more negatively compared with physical illness, making it harder for students to want to talk.
“People with mental illness need to look beyond society and seek help even if they think people may not understand them, because there is help available,” she said.
Last semester, Murphy’s abnormal psychology class ran an Anti-Stigma and Mental Health Awareness Campaign. Five information tables were set up on campus over the course of the semester about different mental illnesses with anti-stigma messages as their theme.
Students were able to learn about addiction, mood disorders, suicide, self-harm, PTSD, schizophrenia, and anxiety. Students who participated signed a pledge to help destigmatize mental illness. Murphy’s class managed to collect over 400 signatures for this pledge.
Any student looking for someone to talk to about mental health or their future is welcome to meet with Murphy in her office. “I won’t be their therapist, but I will listen and get them the appropriate help.”
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