A counselor speaks with students during a group session at the CCNY Counseling Center. Photo courtesy of the CCNY Counseling Center.
By David Lalchand
In the recent The Healthy Minds Study of 100,000 U.S. college students, researchers reported a significant increase in mental health support use, with 61 percent taking advantage of counseling or therapy. This marks an increase from the previous year.
CCNY students have shown a similar pattern. Interviews with undergraduates at the start of the stressful midterm season shows that many know about the resources the college has to offer and feel comfortable using them.
Marrianna Perreira, a 20-year-old sophomore, expressed interest in CCNY’s mental health services and commended the school for providing this essential resource to students. “Providing help for college kids is something that is so necessary nowadays,” said Perreira.
Students expressed concern about academic stress due to the upcoming midterms and say that they turn to services offered on campus. Victoria Perez Zarzecka, a 19-year-old advertising and public relations major, explained that she often finds managing midterm preparations and assignment deadlines while having a job causes her emotional distress. “I often find myself feeling overwhelmed,” said Zarzecka.
She says she has used resources on campus and has also leaned on faculty for support. “I was struggling to keep up with my coursework, but my professor helped me create a schedule that worked for me and would ensure I passed the class,” Zarzecka recalled.
Not everyone has been able to access mental health resources. Senior Tasruba Ahona attempted to use the counseling center’s services while she was a freshman but recalled receiving little to no help. “I felt like a lot of the services offered here required a process or redirected me somewhere else,” the 20-year-old explained. “But I needed help then and there.”
The service Ahona was redirected to did not accept her insurance and her mental state unfortunately, did not improve. She eventually found help elsewhere. “I didn’t feel the most supported,” she said.
For screening and assessment, crisis intervention and short-term counseling, contact CCNY’s counseling center.
Commenti