On January 17, 2014, University of Pennsylvania student, Madison Holleran, took her life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On the surface, Holleran seemed to have it all as she was an Ivy League track star in addition to other achievements. Her parents, in an interview with People magazine, expressed, "Parents, if you see a huge change in your child and you haven't discussed suicide with them, open that discussion up." Their comment responds to the notion that "everything seemed fine" when in reality it was far from it.

Holleran's story had a profound effect on mental health awareness. Andrew Wilcox sponsored a marathon run for suicide awareness. However, on a larger scale, the state of New Jersey passed the Madison Holleran Suicide Prevention Act in 2016. It requires NJ campuses to have a mental health professional accessible at all times. Matt Arco of nj.com provides, "The New Jersey Department of Children and Families said in a 2013 report that suicide is the third-leading cause of death for New Jersey youth ages 10 to 24".

Through the suicide of Holleran and others, it is clear we are dealing with a mental health crisis. Active Minds statistics demonstrate, "Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students, claiming the lives of 1,100 students each year." That number is composed of our peers, our friends, and our loved ones. Bearing this statistic in mind, we must acknowledge the demand to provide care, support, and education in regards to mental health. It is also important to note that: “Total undergraduate enrollment in degree-granting post secondary institutions increased 31 percent from 13.2 million in 2000 to 17.3 million in 2014. By 2025, total undergraduate enrollment is projected to increase to 19.8 million students”. If there is an increase in enrollment, academic institutions must acknowledge this them, and implements measure that will help ensure the mental health of their students.

Students have expressed their mental health needs in a survey conducted by the CSC Organization. Some of these needs include but are not limited to: Mental health training for faculty, staff and students, suicide prevention programs, peer-run, student mental health organizations, mental health information during campus tours, orientation, health classes and other campus-wide events, walk-in student health centers, 24-hour crisis hotlines, ongoing individual counseling services, screening and evaluation services and comprehensive referrals to off-campus services and supports.

Most institutions have some of these amenities. Certainly having all of them would be to the student bodies benefit, as it would establish a safe and supportive environment. Yet, nothing can be truly successful if stigma is not reduced through education.

In fact, "40 percent of students with diagnosable mental health conditions did not seek help. 57 percent of them did not request accommodations from their school. Concern of stigma is the number one reason students do not seek help” (CSC). Thus, college students are crying out for help in expressing what they need from their college, but there is hesitation and fear because of the stigma that surrounds mental health. Mental health concerns are overlooked and belittled because of the notion that if you cannot "see it" physically, it cannot be real. People with mental health concerns are labeled crazy, insane, and are looked down upon as incompetent and unstable. We live in a world, where the term "depression" marks a stint of sadness or anxiety marks a handful of episodes. Of course everyone experiences these, and it is misunderstood how severe they are, and so the term is loosely used. However, in the severe and clinical case, individuals who are diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder are marked with a scarlet letter. In the clinical sense, the true sense, these words become "dirty" and stigmatized. People become apprehensive to getting the help they need. But with education, the stigma can be eliminated. College campuses do possess resources to help students, but they lack the educational aspect that will reduce the stigma among the student body.

College campuses like Seton Hall University (SHU) offer on-campus facilities. At SHU, student can utilize the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). CAPS' mission statement is as follows: "All matriculated students at Seton Hall, including undergraduate, graduate, law, and seminary students are eligible to receive a comprehensive assessment and referral to appropriate services at CAPS or to an off-site service." These services are beneficial to the student body as they provide support and treatment. However, it is just one step in the right direction.

SHU requires all students to take a University Life course their Freshman Year. During this course, a class is devoted to alcohol and substance awareness. Such lessons are likely derived from dangers and horrific stories heard about substance abuse on a college campus. Following this example, SHU and other schools should require that a mental health education designed lesson be taught to its students. Such can include a true or false games and open discussion, among other activities. Like the alcohol lesson, it will debunk any myths surrounding mental health and promote the understanding of facts all in an effort to benefit the student. Awareness will be raised with the hope that stigma will be reduce or even eliminated.

Without mental health education a stigma against it will continue to plague college campuses. Student will not utilize their available facilities, and institutions may not continue to expand upon them or maintain them well. The consequence also extends to a student's academic performance as, “Without adequate treatment, young adults experiencing a mental health issue are more likely to receive lower GPAs, drop out of college or be unemployed than their peers who do not have a mental health challenge” (CSC).

Speak up. Stand up. Contact those that can assist you, from your Dean of Students to the director of your counseling services because mental health matters, and it demands education and attention just like any other life-threatening issue .