accepting the problem

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those experiencing these issues, admitting there is a problem can be hard. It is difficult for people to be open about their struggles when they can’t recognize something is wrong.

 

But it’s not just students who struggle to talk about mental illness.

 

"It's OK to talk about things," said Dr. Vanessa Miller, an instructor who has a master's in clinical psychology. "But that's the problem—people don't think it's OK."

 

Not talking about it, she said, suppresses the importance of the issue. Rather, talking and accepting is the first step.

 

"Being able to talk about it and recognize feelings of anxiety, or suicide even, is key," Miller said. 

 

Many students living with mental health conditions do not get help. Concern of stigma is the number one reason why they do not.

 

Some worry that their issue would be seen as a sign of weakness.

 

“People worry that they will be viewed as weak,” Miller said. “Also, not wanting other people to know because 'Other people aren’t going to understand, which means I have a problem.'"

 

A problem.

 

It’s not so much a problem, said Miller, but rather struggles everyone goes through—just at different times, which is why things may seem hard to handle.

 

While transition to college can be exciting it can also be challenging, but it can be even more challenging for students coping with mental health issues. College is one of the main reasons for stress. Miller said it is normal to experience these issues at this point in life.

 

 

 

Normal to a certain extent. It can be beneficial for those who struggle with mental illnesses to do something to address their issues.

 

Seeing a professional might help provide stability. Miller said she believes society judges too much. Seeking assistance from someone who “can help can put perspective on one’s mental state,” though, could change that perception.

 

Not only does seeing a professional provide an outlet for support, it also provides an environment that doesn’t judge.

 

Creating an open culture around mental illness is vital.

 

Good therapists are not going to facially react to anything individuals tell them, Miller said.

 

“They may think something but they aren’t going to react because they don’t want you to shut down,” she said. “But we do that all the time in society as we react with disgrace.”

 

It takes other people to realize that it is OK to accept having a mental illness. People’s reactions and attitudes toward mental health ultimately frames the stigma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A survey, conducted among 100 TCU students, found that 56 percent of those students had been to counseling or therapy. The students sought help for a variety of reasons, including stress, anxiety, insomnia and depression. After receiving professional attention, these students have found that seeking help was generally beneficial. However, these same students also noted their fears associated with seeing a mental health professional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I'd be labeled"  |  "They may dig up all my flaws and judge me based on that"  |  "I'd be seen as weak"  |  "I'd be analyzed and judged"

"I'd be afraid of my reputation amongst my peers and my family if they knew I was seeing a professional for any mental health issue" "Someone may see me in the office"  |  "There is a stigma"  |  "What would my friends think if they found out?"  |  "You are weird or crazy"

"I'll see other TCU students there"  |  "Being completely vulnerable to a stranger is very intimidating"  |  "People will think I'm psycho"

"Being told my problems aren't as important as they felt"  |  "I didn't think another person could help me with my most personal problems"

"It may be awkward, it may not work"  |  "I didn't want to admit I was the kind of person who needed therapy" 

"Someone may judge or see someone in a different way"  |  "Considered being mentally-unwell"