Students keep minds active

'Active Minds' encourages students to focus on their mental health in college

By: Regi Seitz

Posted: 5/12/08

College can be an extremely difficult transition period that can cause students to feel lost, confused, stressed, lonely and inadequate. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college students and is rooted around untreated depression.

"Studies indicate that college students who are suicidal are quiet, reserved, depressed and socially isolated," said Dave Johnson, a counselor for American Mental Health.

"Thus it is up to all of us to try to identify the suicide warning signs and get help for them."

Knowing the warning signs is key to preventing suicide. Friends should speak directly and sincerely and assert that they are aware of others' distress.

According to Counseling and Psychological Services, 80 percent of suicidal situations have given warnings of intent.

"Being direct and asking questions won't increase the risk of suicide," Johnson said. "Don't avoid or diminish the situation by saying things like, it will be much better tomorrow."

Depression functions in cycles and can affect anybody.

"Don't promise confidentiality or believe you can manage the depressive situation on your own," Johnson said. "You can't treat any other illness by yourself, so why would you think that you could do so with depression?"

One OSU student admits that, despite spurts of happiness, depression has always resided within her.

"I was active in my sorority, starting a new job and my family and friends loved and were proud of me," said a sophomore in education who wished to remain anonymous.

"But inside I felt really bad about myself, like I wasn't good enough for anyone. I just couldn't get past this horrible, downer feeling," she said. "My brother said I should talk to a doctor but I thought, 'no way am I going.' I saw a counselor at the clinic and it has taken some time, but I am finally feeling like myself again."

Often students feel there is no reason to be depressed, but students should not hide behind a false smile and should never feel alone. Experiencing depression may not feel like a big deal at the time, but depression can easily worsen and there are several groups on campus ready to help.

Nationally-chartered student group, Active Minds, is in the process of creating a chapter at OSU.

The focus of this group is to encourage students to take an active role in mental health.

"Students can control their mental health and they can empower themselves and create a better life," said Kathryn McHenry, a junior in nutrition science and co-leader of Active Minds.

On May 28, Active Minds will put daisies in the MU Quad to represent the 1,100 college students a year who commit suicide.

This event is meant to create awareness about the dangers of rising suicide statistics.

"We are really passionate about the subject and we are trying to get rid of a stigma and get people to get help," McHenry said.

Most importantly, if you feel depressed, don't be embarrassed to get help.

CAPS is located in Snell Hall and is open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Regi Seitz, staff writer

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231