It’s socially acceptable to talk about physical health or finances or relationship struggles. But throughout human history, mental health has been a taboo topic. 

With the commemoration of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, Kristie Perez, Stetson’s director of Student Counseling Services, hopes to see an increase in awareness, access to resources and acceptance.

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 is “Mental Health Is a Universal Human Right.” According to Perez, with the decline of mental health through the COVID-19 pandemic, “we’re finally at the point where we’re recognizing it globally” — although access to care often is limited, and mental illness remains stigmatized in many countries.

In approaching mental health issues, it helps to have “a clear understanding that everyone has struggles of some kind. Some people have mental illness struggles,” Perez says.

“Just like with any other struggle we would have in life, those are not quick fixes,” she adds.

College students, many of whom were adversely affected by isolation during lockdowns, are particularly vulnerable, Perez says. According to a 2022 study by Best Colleges, 77% of college students experienced moderate to serious psychological distress. Also, 35% of students experienced anxiety, and 27 percent experienced depression. Perez sees those percentages reflected in the Stetson students that she and her staff treat on campus.

Generation Z has faced unprecedented challenges since the pandemic, Perez notes. “The significant thing for me about Gen Z is it’s the first generation that has always had technology and access to that since they were born,” she says. “The amount of information they were able to pull is not like other generations.” 

Isolation coupled with fear of death — yours or that of someone you love — was “very scary,” she adds.

At the same time, Gen Z is facing mental health struggles with a more open mind than previous generations, Perez asserts. “One of the benefits is that with this generation [is] they are a bit more open and they have a little less stigma attached to seeking help,” she says. 

Campus Resources

In turn, Stetson offers unlimited free and confidential counseling both virtually and in-person for current students. 

Perez says we can all promote mental health awareness by openly discussing mental health issues, knowing signs and symptoms, continually increasing our knowledge base, monitoring our own mental health and moods, sharing resources, talking openly at home, volunteering at a mental health center, anmd practicing self-care.

Stetson’s counseling link offers a host of self-care tips for better mental health, including:

• Ask for help if you need it.
• Stay in touch with family and friends while seeking out new friendships.
• Know the signs of depression — for example, feeling sad, hopeless, negative, guilty, irritable or disinterested.
• Take time to relax.

That same site also offers tips for overall health including sleep, stress, exercise, diet and nutrition, and sexual health, which play a role in mental health.

A strong support system is also vital, Perez says. She offers the following advice to those offering support:

• Be patient with those experiencing mental health challenges.
• Offer to help them if they’re struggling with motivation.
• Don’t attempt to be their therapist, don’t diagnose them, and don’t label them.
• Listen empathetically.
• Spend time with them, but also recognize they may need space.
• Remind them you care about them.
• Encourage them to get the help they need.

Finally, Perez offers one additional bit of advice to those offering support: “Remember to take care of yourself because you cannot pour from an empty cup.”

                                                                                   -Cheri Henderson