Utilize the mental health resources available to you

Mental health affects a majority of the population, so why is it just starting to get talked about? In the United States alone, one in five adults live with a mental illness.

This issue affects how a person is able to think, feel and act. When someone is struggling internally, it can often be visible in their behavior towards themselves and others. Symptoms can include mood swings, isolation, impulsive behavior, eating habits and more. Even if you’re not going through this yourself, there’s a high chance someone you know is.

There’s a lot of negative stereotypes about mental illness in society that cause silence because of fear of other people’s judgement. They are ashamed of something that they are unable to control.

Therefore, it’s important not to believe these stereotypes. Instead, it’s helpful to research and understand the topic so you can help make someone feel more comfortable when speaking out.

Mental illness isn’t something a person intentionally chooses to live with. Research has shown that it can come from inherited traits, environmental exposure or even brain chemistry. Mental illness can begin to show at the average age of fourteen years old, but it reaches its peak between the ages of eighteen to twenty-five. We are in that peak.

As college students, we are at high risk for anxiety, depression, suicide, eating disorders and addiction. It’s easy to feel like you have to go through this alone because others might not understand. However, more people here understand what you’re going through than you know.

This school offers many free resources within the health services on campus. It’s important to reach out for help as soon as possible.

Mental health issues can eventually lead to developing specified chronic physical conditions. If left untreated, you could develop illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes, or cancer in the colon, breasts or lungs. Take advantage of your resources—they are here for a reason.