Sitting alone in a dark room, left with thoughts, what comes next is the questions some people have in these moments.
A best friend texts, and through the darkness is the blossoming light from a buzzing phone that brings a little smile.
Mental Health is a very hard topic that sometimes people do not want to talk about. In the end, many need someone, someone to lean on and support them through the rough patches of life.
College is already difficult, but when adding stressors such as grades, family issues, self images, the list goes on, it only gets harder.
Dealing with emotions looks very different, and in many cases, self isolation is never good. Being alone and sorting is one thing, but without help, it could be detrimental.
“I really think everyone’s struggle with mental health is different. Some do prefer to be alone when they are in a low place, and that can be okay, but I don’t think keeping to yourself throughout the entire rough patch is a good thing.” says Vanessa Stone, office of student life and engagement and Dean of Students.
Professionals say that outwardly expressing the feelings inside is always a must. If not, the bottle that people stuff into will explode.
“We all need to be able to feel our emotions when they happen, but sitting in them for too long, when not overall beneficial to us, is when relying on those around us is most important. Mental Illness can be a daily fight for some, and having others to help you fight through it is always better,” says Stone.
Stone agrees that going through life without a strong support system living life can be extremely tough.
“My best advice for those struggling with their mental health right now, is to not be afraid to reach out and talk to someone. By not letting others in to help us process our thoughts and feelings, we keep ourselves in the negative cycle,” Stone says.
Also looking at the college, Ferrum has staff that can be there as a resource as well.
“Ferrum College has a wonderful Counseling Center, and those services are free to the students on our campus and I would encourage all of our students to check that out. It’s not always about 1:1 counseling. Sometimes it’s just about being in a safe, quiet space to think, or maybe even draw or paint,” says Stone.
Many people may not get the help they need and continue to struggle.
There is an organization that is working to dismantle the stigma of athletics and mental health.
Morgan’s Message has developed a community of athletes from all over that support all sports groups. This non- judgmental area helps students and athletes to speak up and feel safe in an environment to communicate freely.
“I believe Morgan’s Message as a whole has been a fantastic way to get the conversation started about mental health in student athletes. We have welcomed a diverse group of student athletes to our open chapter meetings and it has been great for them to feel like they have a safe space to share what they are going through, but also be there for one another ones different level.” says Sarah Perry, Assistant LAX Coach and Morgan’s Message Manager.
Stone feels like the more the word gets out and the message is spread, the community of Ferrum will change forever for the better to help future students struggling.
“Sometimes, it takes hearing or seeing something more than once for it to stick, so bringing Morgan’s Message and also the partnership that the college has with the JED Foundation, hopefully we can really start to see a change with how everyone views mental health on our campus,” Stone says.
The Jed Foundation (JED) isa non-profit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today, and by proxy, tomorrow.
JED equips teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other.
“Once there is a positive culture created around mental health, I believe that it can be passed on to all students who come to Ferrum College, and the work done here can carry them on beyond their time at Ferrum as well,” Stone says.
She also says that Mental Health Awareness is one of the most crucial parts of a campus and how it functions.
The Counseling Center is located in lower Roberts Hall. Offices for LeeAnn O’Dell, Coordinator of Outreach and Programming and Katie Conoboy, Director of Counseling can be found in the lower level.
Along with their offices, there is a Creative Suite and a Mindfulness Suite. Students can reach out to O’Dell directly about restorative yoga, mindfulness breathing exercises, and much more, by emailing her at [email protected] or emailing the Counseling Center at [email protected] if a student wishes to schedule an appointment.
“The services provided in the Counseling Center are free to our Ferrum students. Students can either stop my office or any of us in Student Life to get connected with counseling or they may go directly to lower Roberts Hall and talk with LeeAnn O’Dell or Katie Conoboy,” says Stone.
