Breaking the silence: Addressing the mental health crisis

College students face challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. From academic pressures to financial stress and social expectations, mental health issues affect nearly 21% of Americans, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Graduate student Taylor Huber is pursuing a master’s in mental health counseling and works for SEMO’s Counseling Services in Crisp Hall. She witnesses the internal struggles many students face.

Huber describes typical student mindsets saying, “[I] want to have some kind of resolution, I want this to go away. If I put this emotion or experience in a box, I don’t have to visit it; I can just pretend like it's not there,” Huber said.

This mindset can prevent individuals from seeking needed help, leaving them to navigate these obstacles alone.

Huber advocates for proactive mental health management, emphasizing simple, effective strategies: “Drink your water, move your body in ways that feel good, and make healthy decisions,” Huber said.

Donna St. Sauver, a counselor with the Center for Behavioral Health and Accessibility, leads a wellness group at 3:30 p.m. every Thursday in the Group Fitness Studio at the Student Rec Center. The group is free and requires no special equipment. It explores wellness techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, yoga, and meditation.

“It is challenging to hear and process trauma that clients have experienced and can result in vicarious or secondary trauma. Self care is essential for mental health counselors to avoid burnout or compassion fatigue,” St. Sauver said.

When it comes to family and friends, maintaining strong, supportive connections can greatly improve both mental and physical well-being according to Rachael Jenkins, an advanced practice registered nurse with the Mercy Clinic on campus.

Two students walk to Crisp Hall where the behavioral health services are located.Photo Sarah Lerch

Positive relationships boost feelings of belonging and overall happiness, while unhealthy ones can add stress and negatively impact mental health. Isolation and loneliness can also contribute to depression and other mental health problems.

According to the National Library of Medicine, societal norms and pressures can be particularly tough for men. There’s a stigma around men expressing emotions or crying, which can prevent them from seeking help for feelings of sadness or depression.

Ericka Moehlenkamp, a full-time substance abuse counselor and mental health counseling student at SEMO, encourages students to acknowledge that not every day will be perfect.

“Some days it’s hard, so then recognizing day to day looks different, I think, is really important…I don’t have to be 100% all of the time,” Moehlenkamp said.

College students are especially vulnerable to mental health crises due to many academic and societal pressures they face. However, experiencing ups and downs is a normal part of living life.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness for society.

In its article, “Spreading Awareness and Interventions for Mental Health,” the institute highlights how bringing people together to find solutions, spread existing findings, or simply have a conversation can have enormous mental health benefits.

At SEMO, Counseling Services in Crisp Hall provides a welcoming environment where students can access the support they need.

To schedule an appointment, students can call 573-986-6191 to meet with licensed counselors and social workers. Addressing mental health at SEMO requires breaking the silence ensuring students thrive in both their academics and personal lives.