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advice, anxiety, college students, depression, encouragement, mental health, mental illness, pressure, stress, therapy
“I promise…I’m not crazy”. Those were the words that left my mouth as tears flowed down my face and people entered my ER room. I had suffered an emotional breakdown. It was a culmination of traumatic events: the disappointment of not graduating on time, the pressure of juggling 21 credits, involvement in multiple campus organizations, and a part time job led to the moment that would change my life forever.
I hid what I was going through because I felt alone. I felt like I would be judged. I felt like it would be a sign of weakness. I feared I’d be viewed as “crazy”. But the truth is, I was not alone. According to recent studies, cases of mental illness among college students have become increasingly more serious over the last decade. “Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent mental health problems students confront”, says John MacPhee, executive director of the Jed Foundation, which oversees the website ULifeline.org (a resource center for students dealing with emotional issues). “The second leading cause of death among college students is suicide, which accounts for about 1,100 deaths per year on campuses”, says MacPhee. The number one killer is accidents, which include accidental overdoses and drinking and driving deaths, many of which might be linked to depression or anxiety.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, In 2007, suicide was the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-old Black Americans. Additionally, Black college students have been shown to attempt suicide more often than their White counterparts.
It’s imperative to know and recognize mental illness symptoms and seek a diagnosis if needed. The utilization of therapy and/or medication can allow for one to properly function and thrive. As a community, we can see a serious decrease in these statistics if (instead of stigmatizing mental health) we begin to support those who are suffering and take full advantage of available resources.
Are you aware of where the counseling center is located on your campus? If not, ask an administrator or check your school’s website. Many of the services are free and regularly available to students. There are also websites and online communities like PsychCentral and ULifeline that provide access to research and contact information for professionals. Lastly, more and more people are beginning to start supportive organizations. Bassey Ikpi, writer and mental health advocate, founded The Siwe Project, a global non-profit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness throughout the global black community.
Thankfully, after my hospitalization, I had a wonderful circle of friends that I was able to confide in, I was able to reach out to professors and I began seeking professional treatment. Stress and pressure may be a part of the college experience, but death, failure, and hopelessness don’t have to be. You aren’t “crazy”. You are human, you are needed, and you are not alone.
Live HOPE. Give HOPE.
Kenya D. Morris
Guest Blogger
About the Author
Kenya D. Morris is a nonprofit and communications professional that hails from Los Angeles and currently resides of Silver Spring, MD. As a self-proclaimed “life enthusiast”, she prides herself in learning, exploring, and taking advantage of new opportunities daily. When she isn’t busy writing poetry, performing in dramatic productions, doing make up, or focusing on community outreach, you can probably find her screaming at her TV over a Lakers or Cowboys game, eating dessert, or tweeting her life away. More info can be found at www.kenyad.com.
The H.O.P.E. Scholarship 
Kenya– I had no idea!! thanks for speaking out
3rd Floor SA from CA
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Reblogged this on emilybeaupre and commented:
this is beautiful
Hello,
My name is Jasmine Rogers and I’m from
Houston, Texas. I love to write and would like the opportunity to apply for a scholarship.
Respecfully,
Jasmine Rogers
Reblogged this on simplicity, courage, and individualism and commented:
this is amazing! thanks for sharing!!
Hi kenya.. im so glad i looked into finding shools for people with pyshical disabilties or mental illness.. i myself cope with bipolar/depression/anxiety because of my up bringing & the trauma i been threw growing up.. my question is to you is this available in nj..? I want to make something of myself besides being a housewife..i have big dreams i wanna pursue that i havent been able too because i been crippled by my mental illness..
I am hope.. really! My middle name is. I am coping with depressive disorder nos 311#. DSM.
Anziety.I also have Teri’s syndrome ,Aka Retinopathy of prematurity.
How ironic huh!
My granddaughter is 21 and looking to go to college. She suffers from schizoaffectiveness
Ocd add..We are having a problem getting financial aid because she’s not 24
And lives with me her grandmother.We are looking at any options people tell
Us about but nothing seems to be helping. We would really appreciate any ideas or help you could recommend
I am currently in college and struggle daily with my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and panic attacks and Asperger’s Syndrome. I am 31 and was told I cannot get HOPE because I am starting college late in life due to my disability.
Hello, I am interested in learning more about the programs that are available. I struggle with PTSD and major depressive disorder. I want to participate in life and continue to try to become a stronger woman in life as well as in the classroom.
Thank you for your attention.
Kenya, you have no idea how much it means to me that someone else understands how this feels. It is very hard when no one can understand the reason for the way I act sometimes. Sure, some of them have knowledge of it, but none of them really feels. I cried when I read this, because I know exactly what you’re going through. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Respectfully, I request information on how to apply for the HOPE scholarship, so that I can go to college and become a psychiatrist who’s actually been through what people are going through.
Thank you for your time,
Ashley Backman
How do I apply for the scholarship?
My son, Steve, is a high school Jr and he was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder after being hospitalized for 5 days. He had started his high school years receiving an academic scholarship to the private high school that he goes to (he is extremely bright) but now in his Jr year he has had many setbacks (missing school for a week while being in the hospital then multiple bipolar medications were tried with side affects until they found the right answer for him). Through all of this Steve has not done as well as he needed to academically to keep his scholarship for his Sr year in high school. He will have to change school for next year (for his Sr year in HS) just because of his bipolar issues this school year. I would like to see if he could apply for this scholarship for his high school Sr year. He is such a nice young man and is always there for everyone else. I hope that this program could be there for him while he is struggling with new issues. Thank you for your consideration!
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Hello, my name is Hannah and I was recently diagnosed with bipolar II. I am a matriculated student at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. I was wondering about scholarship eligibility. Thank you for your time and consideration!
Kenya,thx for sharing your story. I know i am not alone with my depression & quote unquoted mental illnesses Lol. But I now know to speak up & dont be afraid of letting my illnesses stop me from going to College. Im 37. I grew up with 5 siblings in philly by an alcoholic Mother who since had passed at age 47 in 2005, Father not around but passed in 2008, I have TBI from a car accident, but I wanna and will beat the odds. Financial hardships are standing in my way. Suggestions????? Thx so much
I too suffer with mental illness. I have lived with bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, anxiety and borderline personality for 40 years. I would like information on your scholarship program.
This is one of the most incredible, raw stories dealing with mental health issues. In today’s society, everyone seems to bottle up their feeling and that mental health is something only to be discussed “behind closed doors”. You have courage. I also suffer from mental health diseases such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. I would hear about this scholarship opportunity. If this scholarship is no longer available, I still would like to speak to you about mental health. Have a great day!