Dear Editors,
With respect to the article, “Addressing mental health in university students: a call
for action”, I would like to address how important it is to promote mental health
awareness throughout universities. As a student myself, I have seen countless of my
peers become overwhelmed by their feelings of stress or anxiety. That being said, I
want to propose that Dominican address mental health struggles as something that is a
systemic issue instead of an individualized one.
Although students can decide to be enrolled full or part time, the college
experience is demanding nonetheless. Typically, classes will require you to be in
attendance, and spend additional time outside of that for homework assignments. This
does not consider students who are juggling work or familial responsibilities on top of
their academic ones.
Students often suffer in silence because of the stigma that surrounds mental
health, or lack of supportive resources. It is the school’s responsibility to promote the
counseling resources, mental health education in class curricula, and provide spaces for
students to feel comfortable enough asking for help.
As we continue to promote mental health awareness, it is important to remind
students that they are not alone in their struggles. The pressures of mental health are a
byproduct of societal pressures, academics, and one’s personal struggles, but this is
exactly why universities must use a multi-faceted lens when advocating for mental
health.
I urge students to speak out about their experiences, as well as share feedback
to Dominican professors, admin, and clubs/organizations, for what is working or
ineffective. Together, we need to be able to steer students away from the stigma that
swallows mental health and create a safe space within this campus.
Sincerely,
Nadya E. Salcedo
