DEAR EDITOR:
As the conversation around mental health continues to grow, one area that demands immediate attention is the insuffiicient mental health services available on college campuses. The pressures that students face have never been greater, yet universities are lagging behind in addressing this crucial issue.
According to the American College Health Association, nearly 40% of college students report feeling depressed
Despite this some institutions have minimal support.
It is not just the lack of immediate access that’s troubling; it’s the broader culture surrounding mental health on campuses.
Colleges must make mental health a priority by providing immediate access to counseling, as well as ongoing mental health education and peer support networks.
Mental health services should be seen as integral to a student’s success, just like academic resources or athletic support.
The reality is that investing in mental health resources directly impacts student well-being, academic success, and overall campus climate.
Colleges have the power to cultivate healthier students, but this can only happen if mental health services are treated with the priority they deserve.