Student Perspectives: The Importance of Mental Health Conversations

It’s no secret that mental health is a major concern for colleges and universities. Even before the recent COVID-19 pandemic, university leaders, decision makers, and mental health advocates were proactively seeking ways to holistically support campus mental health. Despite the many discussions that have taken place around how to address this critical issue, however, one group has often had their voices overlooked: the students themselves. 

Earlier this year, at the Active Minds National Conference 2020, we had the opportunity to sit down and speak with dozens of college students to learn more about their experiences dealing with distress, navigating stigma, and having difficult conversations with their peers about anxiety, depression, and other related concerns. While no student’s story is the same, their responses all underscore the importance of fostering more open communication around mental health – and the significant role that each individual can play in improving mental health literacy on campus. 

Thank you to all of the participants for taking the time to speak with us and share your insights!