The Kim Foundation speaker on Oct. 6 had a lot to bring to the table for Creighton students. The event aimed to educate students on mental illness and the social stigma barrier.
As the author of a recently written novel, “An Amorphous Facade,” which I aim to have in paper copy this December, I have a significant understanding of mental illness. Many people are apprehensive about the topic of mental illness because they may not understand what it entails or do not understand how to cope with others who suffer from it, but it is important for students to understand.
During the assembly, a question and answer forum that further expanded students’ knowledge of mental illness. Many people who attended seemed to understand to what some of the segments were referring; however, some still did not. The attendance at the event was reasonable, but the number could have still been larger. As members of sororities and fraternities filed in in increments, everyone took a seat and waited for the session to begin. Compared to other events that have been held in the Skutt Ballroom, the event had lower attendance. There were only a couple of freshmen at the event, myself included. I was displeased because I believe that more students should be educated about the topic.
From talking to fellow students, close friends and family members, many have obtained little knowledge about mental illness. However, it is not one’s fault for not understanding. On the flip side, something must change how we think about mental illnesses. We must stop stereotyping those who are mentally ill as “psychotic” or “crazy people,” and instead take a different approach to discussing it.
The issue of mental illness is so significant among teens and young adults because we are still going through developmental stages. Serious college students are typically flustered about maintaining a high grade point average, involving themselves in multiple activities, and getting internships. It seems to me that, as college students, we have put a lot of pressure on ourselves and have defined ourselves through school. School is definitely an important aspect of life; however, we need to understand that it is not going to define who you are as a person. This is why mental health is important within our years as young people. Through personal experience, if we continue to define ourselves in such ways, there will be more concerns in the future than there are now.
On the other hand, depression and other mental illnesses make an impact on all age groups. We need to strive for new solutions to the way society handles these issues. As college students, our voice is what will make a difference. Whether through speaking out in writing or through verbal communication with people about this topic, we can eventually eliminate the negativity and assumptions about mental illness.