Ashton Hittle
Lantern Staff
There are many different issues one may deal with when they become a college student. I feel that I have dealt with all of them at one point or another, but it has never been to the point where I need to see someone for help.
Most college students are going through a change so drastic that it can cause internal emotional damage. Stress is one of the most common feelings of college students. The reason that this is, is because of how much pressure they are put under. They are told to make friends, find a job, get good grades, study hard, plan for your future, oh and do not forget to have fun. With all of this, students are unable to process this and cannot find the time to fit it all in. Eventually people tend to ‘shut down’. When I am overwhelmed with everything, I do the same. I am unable to get any of my work done, and it makes life hard. Moments like this, I am glad that I have good relationship with people to talk to. But for those who are unable to speak to loved ones who do they turn to?
The Butler offers a free mental health counselor for those who need the help. This is a great idea, except for the fact that there is only one. Nancy Hamm is the only mental health professional that is here for the students. It is a great start, but she is the only one that is here for El Dorado and Andover campus. At Butler around 8,000 students are enrolled every year. This is counting both campuses, on and off campus students. Not every student will feel the need to talk to someone with how they are feeling. Yet, every student should have the opportunity. One counselor is not enough.
Young adults are in such a fragile time right now. Many are affected by mental illnesses and may not even realize it. A friend of mine has been telling me that she “can not bring herself to get out of bed,” “trying to get work done is like pulling teeth,” “I try to go out and have fun with my friends, but it’s so hard.” I am not a mental health professional, but I told her it sounds like you might have signs of depression. Going to a new place, leaving friends and family behind, not having stability often leads students to feeling depressed and beaten down.
Eating disorders can often arise because students feel that they are not in control of anything and their weight and what they eat is the only thing they can control. Anxiety disorders are often found in college students because of what they go through.
It is important that college students get the help that they need, but how can they do that when there is only one person for over 8,000 people? I am glad that there is the one counselor, but I would really like to see Butler find the money for another counselor or even two. Mental health is very important and can often be overlooked because they look fine and do not seem to be acting out of character. Do not be afraid to get the help that you need. Hamm can be contacted by email, nhamm2@butlercc.edu and by phone, (316)322-3162.
