To the Editor, 

My peers and I were thrilled that Stockton University was awarded the funds from the state to expand its mental health resources, which are badly needed on college campuses nationwide. 

           These days, being a college student is like we are constantly drowning, and we only have ourselves to learn how to survive. This may explain why “the vast majority of respondents” to a recent Student Voice flash survey by Inside Higher Ed “want a significant level of involvement from faculty members in addressing stress and mental health issues.”

Higher education analysts for Best Colleges reported in February 2023 that 35% of American college students struggle with an anxiety disorder. 

I interviewed 45 students at Stockton University and found that 20 of those students have some form of diagnosed anxiety disorder. This interview was conducted in person, with peers or students I stopped to talk to in the library. I asked them elementary questions about their mental health, only what they would discuss. I asked a selection of 5-6 questions about their mental health and how it personally affects them in their school life. The response rate varied, but most were willing to talk to me about their life and the animosities they overcame. 

“I struggle with anxiety and depression,” said a sophomore majoring in education. “First semester going into college, I struggled to keep up and attend class due to my mental health, and my GPA took a hit.”

Between academic strides and pressures, social expectations, and financial struggles, every student has experienced some levels of anxiety throughout college. College students need the skills, tools, strategies, and support to cope with stress. 

In high school, I sought to be a progressive person within my community and speak out about the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against students with mental health problems. Now I am carrying on the mission as a member of the Stockon Community.  

A July 31, 2023 article published in CampusSafety mentioned students’ shared sense of responsibility when it comes to supporting their peers. It reported that a recent survey of 91,662 students across 85 colleges and universities found eighty percent believe they’re able to make a difference in the mental health of others. 

A February 12, 2019 article from Insight Into Diversity introduced how college students form their own advocacy groups to shape mental health education on campus. Some of these student-led groups were created on campus, and others are affiliated with national umbrella organizations. For example, Uchapters are student-led university chapters affiliated with To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), “a nonprofit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.” 

UChapter members meet twice a month to plan future events for spreading the message of hope and help on campus and discussing articles, videos, and podcasts related to the needs of the students. 

At Stockton University, we, as students, need to be more involved in our own well-being. This starts with the progression of student outreaches and the movement towards speaking out for one another. 

Holly Morrell 

COMM Studies Major