Mental illness. It’s a touchy subject that causes conflict. Some people don’t believe it’s real. Others have taken their lives from it. One in four college students have a diagnosable mental illness but, only 25 percent will seek help. A big problem is how the media portrays mental illness and how they distort what mental illness is. They’ve only scratched the surface on what mental illness is like and they’ve created some misconceptions about mental health.
1. “Mental illness isn’t a serious problem.”
Imagine you are in your chemistry lab, which is three hours long, and you start to go into a panic attack. Your chest tightens, you can’t breath and you have to get this lab done. Add in the fact that this morning you woke up tired and feeling empty inside. You didn’t want to go but, you power through. You have been having trouble sleeping, eating and everything is just piling up. So you don’t know what to do. You are scared because you can’t control what your body is doing anymore. People go through this everyday and it is awful. Anxiety makes you feel like you are drowning when you are just trying to do daily activities. Mental illness can make just doing the bare minimum you have to do difficult.
2. “Someone is able to fix you.”
You are not broken. It’s just a chemical imbalance. Don’t fall into the idea of someone is able to save you and things will be instantaneously better. These things take time and it is good to surround yourself with people who support you. Mental illness is not an easy thing to get over.
3. “Dressing emo means you are depressed.”
Emo is a fashion statement. Anyone can have depression. Depression is a disease that has nothing to do with your interests or how you dress. Some people just love wearing the color black. Never think that just because someone seems happy and put together doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering on the inside.
4. “Social anxiety and introverted are the same thing.”
Social anxiety is “the extreme fear of being scrutinized and judged by others in social or performance situations.” On the other hand, “introverted” describes a person whose motives and actions are directed inward. Introverts tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings, and minimize their contact with other people.These are two completely different things.
No matter what problems you’re dealing with, whether or not you’re thinking about suicide, if you need someone to lean on for emotional support, call the Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). People call to talk about lots of things: substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness and loneliness to name a few.
Kent State University has wonderful Psychological Services for students. White Hall offers free counseling. Also, Kent State offers support groups for students at the DeWeese Health Center. Addition resources for Kent State students:
The Rainbow Connection, Conference Room C — Mondays 5:30pm – 6:30pm
A conversation and support group for all Kent State students who are looking for a safe and confidential space to discuss issues related being LGBTQ. The group focuses on establishing positive connections with others and on exploring the process of integrating one’s sexual and gender identities in authentic, self-affirming ways.
Conquering Anxiety, Conference Room C — Wednesdays 4pm – 5pm
Everyone experiences anxiety; It helps keep us safe from potential dangers around us. This group will broaden your understanding of anxiety, help you learn new ways of coping with stress and anxiety, provide support from peers experiencing similar difficulties and give you the opportunity to discuss anxiety-related problems in a safe, confidential space; All of which will help you reduce and manage your anxiety in everyday life.
Flashes for Recovery, Conference Room A — Thursdays 6:30pm – 8pm
Find fellowship and support with other students who are in recovery, exploring recovery or allies to those recovering. Meetings are in a safe and confidential place to share experiences, gain strengths and instill hope. This group is peer led with support of an experienced chemical dependency counselor.
Unite for Success, Conference Room A — Fridays 4pm – 5pm
Come and meet students from around the world to share your experiences coming to America and Kent State. This group is led by Psychological Services staff with an international background. Topics discussed may include academic success, adjustment to a new culture, language and communication, social and interpersonal issues and any other issues with adjusting to Kent State.