Oct. 9 was World Mental Health Day. An initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, World Mental Health Day is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.
“Mental health can be understood as good emotional health, specifically being in control of your emotions, thoughts and feelings so they do not interrupt your life,”Jacaranda Palmeeter Psy.D., director of counseling services at DU’s Health and Counseling Center. “It’s all about balance. You don’t always need to be happy nor should you be.”
Dr. Palmateer said that, over the last 15 years, “there has been a significant increase in anxiety and depression in undergraduate and graduate students.” According to the National College Health Assessment conducted by the American College Health Association, there has been a 15 to 20 percent increase during the past ten years in students who self-reported feeling anxious or depressed.
Dr. Palmateer said, “Just like in physical health there are acute issues and chronic issues, some issues you can address and resolve, and others are life long.” “When you get a cut on your leg, you get stitches. When you are feeling anxious or depressed you should seek support.”
Dr. Palmateer encourages students to seek support anytime feelings are “Interfering with your life, not getting better and you need more support than family and friends can provide.” Students don’t get the services they need due to various barriers, which can include financial or cultural barriers. Dr. Palmateer stresses that the HCC works hard to eliminate these barriers.
“We want to provide services to all students and will work with you to ensure that finances are not what keeps you from getting care,” she said.
The HCC has counseling staff that can provide services in Spanish and Arabic, and all DU students have access to an online program, MySSP, which provides care in more than 60 languages. The app, which has chat and counseling options as well as resources for students, is accessible at us.myissp.com.
Another major barrier to care is the stigma that comes with mental health. Dr. Palmateer said “When you get diabetes you get treated for it. When you have depression or anxiety, we treat you for it, they are not that different. You are not alone, and you should not wait, if you need help, we will work with you.” She continued. “Sometimes there is a chronic issue that we can help you manage but for many people, a few sessions give you what you need to be successful.”
The Health and Counseling Center has people and resources to help support you during your time at the university. Dr. Palmateer stressed the importance of getting help sooner, not later. The HCC has services available 24 hours a day. You can contact the HCC by phone anytime at (303) 871-2205 or online by visiting www.du.edu/health-and-counseling-center. Same-day access hours are available for counseling access and triage between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Ritchie Center location. The Center for Advocacy, Prevention, and Empowerment (CAPE) also provides free confidential services and can be reached by calling (303) 871-3853. My SPP is available as an app. If you are worried about someone else you can always utilize the student outreach and support form found at www.du.edu/studentlife/studentsupport/.
If you need help, things are just not making sense or you are worried about someone you know outside of DU or they want another resource, Colorado Crisis Services is a great option. You can call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255.
