Rethinking the stigma of mental health
Oswego N.Y. — Suny Oswego Student Evan Ribudo has been very busy this semesester. He is staring in the play “The Good Doctor” while trying to balance his school work. It’s something Ribudo who has been involved in theater since high school is used to.
“ When you move into tech week it becomes total chaos and you kinda accept the fact that you’re probably going to dip a little bit in classes,” Ribudo said.
Many students, like Ribudo, tend to accept stress as part of their everyday life rather than seek help for it. According to a report by New York University it has having an effect on student’s well being. In a study NYU concluded six out of ten students felt so stressed they could not complete work. 53 percent suffered from enough stress they choose to isolate themselves from friends.
Waterbury Resident Assistant Mikala Brown is used to helping students in her building. She helps run walk in therapy session in Waterbury. While plenty of residents do attend, Brown is always looking out for the students who may be fine on the outside but hurting on the inside.
“The hardest ones are the residents you think are okay, but they’re actually not.” Brown said.
These students often are afraid to seek help. This is not because of the stigma of judgement that comes with seeking therapy. Rather they are afraid there issue is too small. Brown says it’s better to talk out and issue than ignore it.
“Once you start talking it out you will start to be able to solve your own problem.” Brown said.
For those looking to find out more about on campus counseling contact Mary Walker Health Center.
