Happy February! Spring Fresh Check Days are in full swing, and students all across the U.S. are getting connected to the mental health resources they need! With February being Black History month, along with acknowledging all of the trailblazers in the black community, we have to acknowledge the need for mental health support in the Black community. The Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health states that African Americans are 10% more likely to experience serious psychological distress than the rest of the population. Yet, according to SAMHSA's 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health survey, approximately 30% of African Americans with mental illness receive treatment each year, compared to the U.S. average of 43%. Sadly, many young adults within African American communities are unwilling to acknowledge their need for mental health support due to stigma. The National Alliance on Mental Illness expresses that many African Americans do not seek help because of distrust and misdiagnosis, as well as socio-economic factors. While you're planning your next Fresh Check Day, we encourage you to acknowledge this gap and keep the conversation open and honest in order to combat the stigma and provide the services that students need.
Breaking Barriers was introduced by Knox College and strives to showcase the power of connectedness and support for students of color across campus. This activity addresses the mental health stigma and stereotypes that many students of color experience. Students dig or "uncover" important information and statistics that are buried in sand to help increase awareness of mental health concerns in people of color. Participants will be educated on common myths which may inhibit students of color from seeking out services. This activity allows a school to let communities of color know that they have been heard and are recognized.
Students and Staff participate in Breaking Barriers at Knox College's Fresh Check Day!
Elephant in the Room is a popular booth at Fresh Check Days nationwide. This booth brings the campus community together to educate on how stigma or misunderstanding can lead some people to not express their feelings and experiences in fear of being shamed or judged. The activities that are hosted at the Elephant in the Room booth allow students to talk about and share the issues they may be experiencing anonymously. In doing so, they also get the chance to see what their peers are going through, showing them that they are not alone.
Students at Arkansas State University (left) and Knox College (right) lead the Elephant in the Room booth to show their peers that they are not alone!
