By Sarah Monarca
Attending college or university presents an opportunity to expand your mind, social circle, and understanding of the world and your place within it. However, this transition can also be challenging, particularly concerning mental health.
The pressures of academic expectations, social relationships, and future uncertainties can significantly affect students’ mental well-being. Understanding the importance of mental health in college and learning strategies for maintaining balance and seeking support can make a big difference in student’s daily life.
According to the American Psychological Association, 41.6% of college students have reported feeling so depressed that it was difficult to function. Additionally, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders among college students.
Assistant vice president for wellness, Gina Firth, supervises all areas of student well-being on The University of Tampa campus, including Medical and Counseling Services, Wellness Services, and Campus Recreation, and is a member of the Student Affairs leadership team.
First said, “The most common challenge that college students face is stress and adjustment issues, which is a normal part of life that we all need to learn to manage but can sometimes feel overwhelming. Some students experience clinical issues with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. These can have far-reaching implications on their academic and personal lives, such as difficulty concentrating in class, completing assignments on time, feeling disconnected and alone, or increasing risk for harmful behaviors.”
Firth’s insights shed light on students’ mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of supportive resources like those offered at UT. The University of Tampa provides counseling services in the Dickey Health and Wellness Center directly behind Austin Hall. Counseling services are available to all full-time undergraduate students and all international graduate students.
Highlighting the importance of addressing mental health challenges, Firth explains, “The University of Tampa prioritizes students’ mental health and well-being and has a plethora of resources and programs available for students that focus on the eight dimensions: social, physical, emotional, occupational, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial.”
UT’s commitment to student well-being is further evidenced by its establishment of different resources and programs to nurture students’ wellness. Examples of these programs and services include Live Well UT, counseling services, and a student support line. Live Well UT is a student-led organization that continually empowers the UT community to improve healthy lifestyles and behaviors in themselves and others. It also acts as the umbrella for multiple wellness initiatives outside the wellness center.
One branch of Live Well UT is Active Minds, a club that focuses on mental health and wellness in the UT community through programs that help students create a positive culture and manage their mental well-being. The most important part of Active Minds is to remind any individual that no matter their problems, they are never alone.
The wellness center provides many services, including the Wellness Room, a relaxing space for students to de-stress, a self-guided sleep improvement program, nutrition coaching, and de-stress kits for check-out. Counseling Services are available in person at the Dickey Health and Wellness Center and virtually through HealthiestYou.
Additionally, UT has a 24/7 student support line (833) 755-0484 that can be utilized anytime, anywhere, when a student needs any support. The Spartan Support Program allows anyone to refer another student they are concerned about for assistance.
Students like Mary Griffin complement the University of Tampa’s proactive approach to mental health support. Griffin’s endeavors exemplify a campus culture that values mental health advocacy and well-being.
Griffin is a senior at UT who holds an executive position in Active Minds and has launched her Daily Flourish merchandise. Daily Flourish is dedicated to spreading positivity and destigmatizing mental health issues. Her journey underscores the profound effect of mental health resources on students, showcasing how initiatives like Active Minds can cultivate a supportive community for mental health advocacy and awareness.
Griffin said, “As a freshman at the University of Tampa, I found myself struggling with the challenges of mental health in a new environment. Seeking peace and a sense of purpose, I discovered Active Minds, a club dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and advocacy on campus. Through joining this club, I found a supportive network of peers who shared similar experiences and passions.”
Through dedicated marketing and outreach efforts, Daily Flourish gained traction both on and off campus, resonating with individuals eager to support the cause. Mary has raised over $500 to support organizations dedicated to mental health and advocacy.
Prioritizing mental health is essential for college students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By fostering self-awareness, practicing self-care, and seeking help when needed, students can more effectively navigate the challenges of college life.
It’s important to remember that you are not alone; support is always available. Creating a campus environment that values and promotes mental health and well-being for all is essential to the success of people’s lives.