The month of October marks a breakthrough in mental health awareness. USC's Undergraduate Student Government is hosting the first Mental Health Awareness Month at USC to start an important conversation. The director of USG Wellness Affairs, Christine Hasrouni, is leading the informative project. Throughout this month, the Academic Culture Assembly organizes programs such as discussions and workshops to explore the masked issues that affect students' mental health. The aim of the "Behind the Mask" awareness event is to create a comfortable space for students to discuss, soul-search, and advocate for an increase of on-campus mental health resources.
Beginning 2016, all incoming freshmen will attend mental health awareness sessions during summer orientation and Welcome Week. The events will feature USC upperclassmen student panels, health center representatives, and counseling services. The student panels will address stress and freshmen obstacles, such as finding yourself, being independent, and balancing college life. The goal of the sessions is to normalize wellness counseling and reduce the stigma around mental health.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 75 percent of lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 24, yet 40 percent of students on college campuses with diagnosable conditions do not seek help. All students already pay for the USC counseling services cost, which is included in the Engemann Student Health Center fee. Prevention can reduce the risk of mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, PTSD, schizophrenia, and bi-polar disorder.
Annenberg Media