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Today’s mental health conversations are growing in large numbers. Not to be outdone, the stigma that surrounds such struggles in this area is less prominent than ever.
This is due to the fact that more people are opening up about their mental health than ever before (and more people are willing to listen). With this in mind, there are educational institutions like Oregon State University that are bolstering mental health resources that will be available to students, faculty, and staff.
We will discuss how such things are being integrated while paving the way for making mental health awareness more prominent than ever. Let’s discuss the details right now.
- Partnerships with Online Therapy Platforms
We are reliant on many digital solutions these days. As such, Oregon State University and other educational institutions across the country are reaching out to online therapy platforms for the purpose of collaborating for a greater good. Partnerships will be great for those on-campus or students who are studying online.
For example, if you are a student who lives in Colorado, you might get access to Colorado therapists from Rula.
Whether you are near or far, partnerships between educational institutions and these platforms will certainly provide people with mental health therapy with easy accessibility.
All it takes is one click of a mouse or a tap of an app and you will be able to talk to someone whenever needed. No one has to spend time jumping through “hurdles” to find someone to talk to – even if it’s online.
- Create Mental Health Awareness Programs
Needless to say, without mental health awareness, we wouldn’t be putting together this guide. Nor would the stigma be weakened. By creating and maintaining the programs that provide us the power to spread the information about mental health and the issues surrounding it, it is done to encourage others to take action. This includes being able to look out for themselves or others – especially during times of struggle or trauma.
Educational institutions will do their part to make sure that workshops are organized for mental health awareness and similar things.
Also included are seminars and mental health fairs featuring professionals in the field who can share their insights on what’s going on in the field and what can be done to make sure people are in tune with their mental health as well as getting assistance and resources if and when needed.
- Expansion For Crisis Support Systems
Crisis support systems should be accessible to anyone who needs it. That’s why universities should provide solutions like text-based counseling, 24/7 hotlines (including specialized mental health hotlines for women, members of the LGBT+ community, etc.) and collaborations with crisis intervention groups.
All of which can be able to handle mental health needs that are urgent and need to be handled accordingly.
It is also important for universities to promote these services on university websites and other areas of campus where there is high levels of traffic. The more people are aware of these services and resources, the better. Especially when someone needs them the most.
- Creating Safe and Non-Judgmental Environments
For someone in search of mental health therapy or needs a place to talk, it is always a good idea to create an environment where it can be safe and non-judgmental.
The thing to be aware of is that such environments will be a place where someone can be comfortable to express their feelings and open up. In reality, some people may fear opening up in a public setting because of judgment that fuels the stigma.
Universities should create such environments both in a physical and online presence, giving people options on where to go should they ever feel the need to go somewhere to express what’s going on with them mentally.
Final Thoughts
Mental health is a topic where we can get serious about sharing our struggles while improving it for the better. Oregon State University and other higher educational institutions can set the standard on how mental health issues are addressed on and off campus for students, faculty, and staff.
Nevertheless, online platforms are easily accessible and will allow people to go somewhere if ever a need does arise. Furthermore, it should be ideal to expand on-site mental health resources where necessary.
