Mental Health Advocacy Campaign for U of M Campus
On university campuses, there are an increasing number of students with seriously negative mental health concerns. Over a 13-year period, the number of students with depression doubled and the number of suicidal ideation or attempts tripled (Mowbray 228). The prevalence rate of mental illness is highest for youth in the age category of 15-21 years old, thus many young adults will experience their first psychiatric episode during college (Mowbray 231). While 12-18% of students on college campuses have a diagnosable mental illness, all students are vulnerable to the stresses of academics, meeting new people, living away from home, becoming an individual but remaining close to family, and personal and career goals (Mowbray 233).
The University of Michigan’s services provided for mental illness are not adequately addressing the rising issue as a majority of students do not reach out or receive the help they need. The hesitance to seek help is due to a multitude of reasons, but generally the stigma associated with mental health is often a debilitating obstacle for those with mental health concerns. |
Specifically on the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor campus, this stigma is exacerbated by the University’s focus on negative mental health issues, such as mental illness or disability, and failure to acknowledge the fact that all students have mental health. Although not everyone has mental illness, everyone has mental health. Similar to the continued care and regularity of physical health, mental health should be a normal part of each student’s well-being routine.
As a result of the lack of mental health awareness, my personal experiences, and education, I have found a passion for mental health advocacy. Mental health needs to be openly addressed on the University of Michigan campus as a reality for everyone. I have created an advocacy campaign for the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor campus entitled “Everyone,” promoting the idea that everyone has mental health, using a photo campaign to attract personal connection with each and every student. |