Advocate's lecture brings mental health issues to table
Emma Ramsay
Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: Features
Active Minds hopes to initiate a discourse on this deeply personal subject. Previous efforts this semester have included weekly peer support groups, a student exhibit throughout this week on Chapin Lawn and Simon's visit.
Despite the group's efforts, however, some argue that Smith's services are lacking.
"I don't think there's enough information and resources on campus. I don't think the college does enough to reach out to students," said Kearney. "Counseling [Services] is understaffed. If counseling doesn't talk, then students won't talk."
Nagoski acknowledged these criticisms. "It can be better. About one in four students uses Counseling Services at some point, and I've made mental health issues central to the work of the Wellness Office. At the same time, I've talked with juniors who've said, 'Wait, we have a counseling service on campus?' So the word isn't fully out yet," she explained.
As for criticisms concerning the kinds of services offered, Nagoski said, "I do know that there is some misunderstanding about how much it costs and how many sessions you can have."
The very concept of mental health is equally confusing. "I don't think there is a strong dialogue," explained Rachel Ruzzo '10. "Smith is stressful, and because it's stressful, people assume [mental illness] is a natural result."
Courtney Lopresti '10 agreed. "Mental illness is often blamed on the person. They say it's all in your head, but it's a neurological condition that impacts the body and can't be blamed on a 'bad day,' " she said.
"Mental health is like physical health, but it's treated as something forbidden," Ruzzo added. "There's a stigma [that] if you need therapy, then there must be something wrong with you; you must be a freak."
Despite concerns, Nagoski feels optimistic about the mental wellness of Smith students. "They're more likely to use available support services than other college women, they eat more healthfully and get more exercise, so it might all balance out in the end."
Despite the group's efforts, however, some argue that Smith's services are lacking.
"I don't think there's enough information and resources on campus. I don't think the college does enough to reach out to students," said Kearney. "Counseling [Services] is understaffed. If counseling doesn't talk, then students won't talk."
Nagoski acknowledged these criticisms. "It can be better. About one in four students uses Counseling Services at some point, and I've made mental health issues central to the work of the Wellness Office. At the same time, I've talked with juniors who've said, 'Wait, we have a counseling service on campus?' So the word isn't fully out yet," she explained.
As for criticisms concerning the kinds of services offered, Nagoski said, "I do know that there is some misunderstanding about how much it costs and how many sessions you can have."
The very concept of mental health is equally confusing. "I don't think there is a strong dialogue," explained Rachel Ruzzo '10. "Smith is stressful, and because it's stressful, people assume [mental illness] is a natural result."
Courtney Lopresti '10 agreed. "Mental illness is often blamed on the person. They say it's all in your head, but it's a neurological condition that impacts the body and can't be blamed on a 'bad day,' " she said.
"Mental health is like physical health, but it's treated as something forbidden," Ruzzo added. "There's a stigma [that] if you need therapy, then there must be something wrong with you; you must be a freak."
Despite concerns, Nagoski feels optimistic about the mental wellness of Smith students. "They're more likely to use available support services than other college women, they eat more healthfully and get more exercise, so it might all balance out in the end."
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