It is time we put stigma to rest and care for ourselves and those we love with some straight, caring conversations. We are at risk. Those we love are at risk. If we aren't talking about what is going on in our heads, openly and honestly, we increase our chances of losing those we love who are struggling. How can we change our perspectives to embrace open dialogue about mental health?
College students do not seek out mental health support when they are the most likely age group to experience the onset of mental illness symptoms. These illnesses can result in a lifetime of management needs. In most studies examining this population, a very high percentage of students who have symptoms of a mental illness, from 25—50%, have already identified these symptoms of a mental illness (Blanco et al. 2008 & Lipson et al., 2015) and these numbers are on the rise. The most alarming statistic is that as many as half of students who identify as having some of these symptoms do not seek support (Reynolds, 2015), through mental healthcare providers, such as therapists, physicians and psychiatrists for counseling, medications or support (Blanco, 2008). Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students (Albright & Schwartz, 2017; Rudd, 1989). Over 80% of college students who die by suicide have never utilized campus mental health services (Lipson et al., 2015).
Stigma is such a large barrier to help seeking behaviors that is must be seen as the cause of a health pandemic. This research examines the challenges facing students to talk openly about mental health.
