I started a Health Campaign called Mental Hug to raise awareness on the mental health issues of college students, specifically first-generation students. Below is more information about the campaign.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health and mental illness are not the same thing. Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. This is what determines how we react act, think, feel, and react to stress. Poor mental health leads to mental illness such ass depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar-disorder that can lead to physical health problems.
- 75% of lifetime cases of mental health conditions begin by the age 24.
- 1 in 4 young adults (18-24) have a diagnosable mental illness
- 25% of college students have been diagnosed or treated in the past year
- More than 11% of college students have been diagnosed/treated for anxiety in the past year
These statistics are alarming and it alarms me even more knowing that most college students are not seeking help due to a concern of stigma.
The Goal
My goal is to reduce the suicide rates, stigma, and raise awareness on how heavily college students are affected by mental health issues, resources they can use, and communities they can be a part of. I want them to know they are not alone in the world and lend a helping hand to the ones that feel like they are drowning. First-Generation students have added stressors put on them that lead to depression and anxiety. I personally am one of these students so the subject is extra important to me.
Activities
To help raise awareness, Mental Hug will attempt to partner with other organizations, have events, open conversation panels, and fundraisers to create a commercial. We also have social media below where you can find out more information and stay up to date on what we are doing.
Social Media Campaigns
I chose to use Twitter as a way to get our message across to the students. Our Twitter is @MentalHug or you can click the link below.
Dez'Aray Searcy's Health Blog 