At Pitt, students can find a number of resources and organizations to help maintain their mental wellness throughout the year.<\/p>\n
For many, college is a big step into adulthood. It\u2019s frequently cited as one of the most transitional periods<\/a> of a young person\u2019s life, with roughly 70% of students reporting an overall decline<\/a> in their mental health. With the new semester beginning in the middle of winter, some students may experience an added layer<\/a> to their mental wellness struggles amidst the cold weather and decreasing daylight hours.\u00a0<\/p>\n Michael Davila, executive associate dean and chief wellness officer for the Division of Student Affairs<\/a>, said Pitt is constantly trying to incorporate<\/a> new ways for students to take action for their mental health. Last fall, the new campus recreation center added spaces<\/a> for students to destress throughout the semester.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cPitt recognizes mental health as an essential part of student success, integrating conversations about well-being into everyday campus life while promoting balance between academics, social engagement and personal wellness,\u201d Davila said.<\/p>\n Pitt offers programs<\/a> that emphasize mental health by providing a range of services that give students the chance to connect with peers, professionals and organizations.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cCommunity-building is a core focus within residence halls, while campus-wide programming, student organizations and Welcome Week initiatives help students form meaningful relationships,\u201d Davila said.<\/p>\n Active Minds at Pitt<\/a> is dedicated to encouraging the conversation around mental health awareness. In a statement from Active Minds, board members cited misinformation<\/a> as a large contributor to the mental health crisis across college campuses.<\/p>\n \u201cFalse narratives are common around talks on mental illness, and an unfortunate result of this is that people who could really benefit from treatment are less likely to reach out to get help,\u201d the board members said.\u00a0<\/p>\n In an effort to reduce these false narratives, Active Minds prioritizes keeping students properly informed about issues around and resources <\/a>for mental health.\u00a0<\/p>\n Marcie Langtiw, founder of Loop of Hope<\/a> \u2014 a student-focused and Pittsburgh-based mental health awareness nonprofit \u2014 said student burnout<\/a> is one of the biggest contributors to declining mental health on college campuses.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe [mental health] crisis itself is a product of compounded stresses and not a sole factor,\u201d Langtiw said. \u201cStudents are highly burdened with academic pressure, economic strain<\/a>, increased tuition fees, housing instability<\/a> and future unpredictability.\u201d<\/p>\n Marlene Cookson-Wallace, a parent of a sophomore at Pitt, believes parents play a crucial role in helping their students with the transition into college life. Cookson-Wallace said it\u2019s important to give students transitioning into college space to grow, but also encourage them to open up and reach out when they feel they are struggling.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cEverything changes \u2014 where they live, sleep, eat, exercise, all the free time they need to manage,\u201d Cookson-Wallace said. \u201cBefore your student steps onto campus, make sure they have a plan and know where to go for help.\u201d<\/p>\n Langtiw noted some of the ways friends, family and professionals can make students feel welcomed when talking about their mental struggles and encourages students to actively seek guidance.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe greatest thing is to listen without being judgmental or attempting to correct the situation at once,\u201d Langtiw said. \u201cSupport is also about assisting them in linking up with professional resources, even sitting with them when making an appointment or even assisting them walk to a counseling center. Frequent brief check-ins are better than one huge discussion.\u201d<\/p>\n Active Minds board members said one of the most important parts of creating a supportive mental health climate is education. By keeping students and educators informed, the community as a whole can understand how to comfortably encourage their peers and themselves, according to the organization.<\/p>\n Part of college is building a community, which involves connecting with the people on campus, according to Cookson-Wallace.<\/p>\n \u201cRemind your student heading to college to get off their phone, make eye contact, take their headphones off, smile and say hello to lots of people \u2014 some will say hello back, and small talk can lead to lasting connection,\u201d Cookson-Wallace said.<\/p>\n Langtiw said one of the most important things educational institutions can do for students is break the disconnect between what students are expected to feel versus what is actually felt. With social media as a major influence of current college students\u2019 perceptions of health, both mental and emotional well-being are frequently glamorized<\/a>, overlooking real emotions.<\/p>\n \u201cMessages by peers are more relatable and credible compared to messages by administrators,\u201d Langtiw said. \u201cThese organizations shatter destructive norms, give more voices to students and show them that mental health struggles are natural and worthy of attention.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Langtiw also said students and professors should be encouraging one another to engage in conversations on mental health and breaking the stigma<\/a> of mental health that is still so prevalent on many college campuses.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHaving an open conversation on mental health, telling personal stories and seeing each other often can change the culture of the campus,\u201d Langtiw said. \u201cFaculty and student leaders can be good role models in modeling healthy behaviors by appreciating the existence of stress and promoting balance.\u201d<\/p>\n Pitt\u2019s ultimate goal is to emphasize that student mental health is important and no student is alone on their college journey, Davila said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAbove all, we want students to know that they are not alone and that help is always available,\u201d Davila said. \u201cReaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.\u201d<\/p>\n