“I need help” is one of the hardest things for people to say when they are dealing with their life’s struggles. One of the main reasons for this is the stigma surrounding mental health struggles that exist within our society. To do its part in helping the Stevens community, CAPS is launching the Stigma Free Stevens campaign, which aims to educate people about mental health issues and encourage them to seek professional help if they are struggling.
For centuries, issues with mental health have been viewed as a source of shame or evidence of failure in one’s life. This stigma makes people who suffer mentally afraid of speaking out when they need help, meaning they let their negative thoughts fester in their minds and create even greater problems in their lives that are much harder to deal with.
Thankfully, the past few decades have seen a change in the societal norm when it comes to seeking mental help. Issues with mental health are now being taken as seriously as medical concerns, but despite this change, the stigma of mental health struggles continues to be a negative influence on those who need help.
Stevens’ Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) have made note of the effect that stigma has on the mental health of students. The Spring 2024 Healthy Minds Study revealed that “83% of Stevens students reported being secretive about their mental health”, says Dr. Eric Rose, Director of Wellness and Director of CAPS. He also notes the effects stigma has on self-esteem, as the study shows, “11% [of students] feeling “inadequate” and 24% having mixed feelings about treatment’s impact on their self-image”.
There are many components to the new campaign, which garners support from students, faculty, and community leaders. CAPS launched this campaign with “a dedicated landing page, a unique logo and support from the President during National Suicide Prevention Week,” says Dr. Rose. The campaign will be promoted through social media, print materials, and branded giveaways. CAPS also hopes to integrate the Stigma Free Stevens Campaign into upcoming major mental health events.
Strive-to-Thrive, taking place on October 10 on Palmer Lawn, is an annual community wellness resource fair where students can play games, collect giveaways, and learn about available mental health resources. Another event where students will see the campaign in action is the Out of Darkness Walk, taking place on October 20. Members of the Stevens community will have the opportunity to join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the city of Hoboken as they walk to spread awareness for and raise funds to diminish the nation’s suicide epidemic.
While there are many key components to this campaign and a well-structured plan in place to ensure its success, the best way for us to remove mental health stigma on campus, according to Dr. Rose, is by helping one another to overcome our struggles.
“Students can help reduce mental health stigma by sharing their positive experiences with getting support from a mental health professional, which can encourage others to seek help”, says Dr. Rose. Stevens’ Active Minds chapter offers a great opportunity for students to “support mental health initiatives and connect with others dedicated to similar goals.” This campaign aims to help faculty and staff as well. Human resources, the Office of Student Support, and other University leaders are active in supporting and promoting this campaign so the message can reach all over the Stevens and the Hoboken community.
Be on the lookout for the campaign promotions and events happening on campus. It is incredibly important to ensure that all students feel safe at all times and hear if they are struggling with their mental health in any way. Do your part in uplifting your fellow students by removing stigma from the Stevens Community. Students who find themselves struggling with mental health can direct their concerns to CAPS or Dr. Rose. There are a number of resources at your disposal if you need them, so please don’t feel afraid to reach out.
