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November 08, 2005
New org aims to shatter current stigmas surrounding mental illness
Mental health issues are common among college students. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a new organization on campus with the goals of educating students on mental health issues and reducing the stigma associated with mental illnesses created by the lack of discussion on the issue.
One main reason the group exists is to create a place for people with mental illness to find support and to know that they are not alone. College can be a very difficult time, especially for those suffering from a mental illness who may often feel alone. As many as one in five students suffers from a mental health disorder. Another goal the group has is to let people know that they should not feel guilt or shame about a mental illness; many are hereditary or involve chemical imbalances that are often beyond the person’s control. NAMI aims to serve as a support and advocacy group, and hopes to develop allies, much like Spectrum or other advocacy organizations, as well as create a more open environment for people who suffer from mental illnesses.
NAMI is also working to maintain a permanent counseling staff so that meaningful relationships can grow, since opening up to a counselor about sensitive issues can sometimes be difficult. They are also working on getting a psychiatrist on campus so that students would be able to get a prescription for medication if the need were to arise. NAMI president, sophomore Stephanie Link, stated that “medication is not a cure-
all” for mental illnesses, but instead is necessary in some cases to correct chemical imbalances.
NAMI also aims to educate people on how to be supportive of students who do suffer from mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorder, and others. 62 percent of students turn to friends first when they are having a problem; this statistic emphasizes the need for other students to be educated about these issues. The lack of discussion about mental illness is a “giant disservice,” according to Link, explaining why NAMI places such an emphasis on education.
The organization’s adviser is Deb Holtz, Director of Disability Services. Holtz said that in addition to her role as advisor, she serves as a confidential liaison between staff and students to make sure accommodations are made so that students suffering from physical or mental disabilities can succeed at Hamline. Holtz handles everything from parking issues to counseling, test anxiety help, to working with Sorin for people struggling with eating disorders. Holtz said she was impressed that students came forward to start the organization because “they wanted to help educate people on campus.” Holtz also said there will be a week in February devoted to mental health issues called Hope Week.
NAMI is looking for more people to join their organization. They meet every other Tuesday during convo hour in GLC 1S.
NAMI has national, state and college chapters throughout the US. While there are only 13 campuses with a NAMI organization, many other campuses have other groups that address mental illness issues. For more information on mental health issues, visit NAMI’s website at http://www.nami.org., or check out the National Institute of Health’s website at http://www.nih.nihm.gov.
Posted by msveum at November 8, 2005 11:59 AM
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