DEAR EDITOR:

As a student at Los Medanos College, I have noticed that mental health is often overlooked, especially during high-stress times like the week of finals and midterms. Many of us juggle classes, jobs and personal responsibilities — and the pressure can feel overwhelming. While the college offers counseling services, I believe more can be done to make these resources accessible and visible to students who need them.

This stress, anxiety and burnout cycle are real challenges on our campus, and it’s important that students know where to turn before problems escalate. Some simple steps could make a difference, such as promoting mental health workshops, extending counseling hours during peak times and creating peer-support programs.. Additionally, encouraging open conversations about mental health can aid in reducing the stigma that often keeps students from seeking help.

Overall, mental health isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for success — both in school and life. By investing in accessible, visible and supportive resources, LMC can help students not only survive, but also do amazing academically and personally. I hope our campus community continues to prioritize mental wellness and supports all students in finding the help they need.

— Manya Rana