According to a survey conducted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 13 percent of college students have been diagnosed with a serious mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. Over 80 percent said they frequently or sometimes experience daily stress. These statistics illustrate just how important it is for college campuses to draw attention to mental health and mental health disorders. On IUPUI's campus, a new organization's goal is to do just that.
Founded in the fall of 2015 by Samantha Brinkman (who is also the organization's president), Students Who Care is a student-run organization which strives to end the stigma associated with mental health issues, while also raising funds for various community mental health centers.
When asked why she wanted to start this organization, Brinkman said "I felt like campus didn't have enough outlets for mental health and I wanted to bring more awareness to campus." Brinkman has struggled with mental health issues herself, and she uses her own story to motivate and inspire others to keep fighting.
"When I was struggling I just needed someone to listen," said Brinkman, "so it's important to share our stories to help others feel comfortable sharing theirs."
Not all of the members of the organization have dealt with severe mental illnesses, but they are all very passionate about raising mental health awareness. Member Leah Flory learned about the stigma associated with mental illness in a psychology class, and decided she wanted to help end that stigma. Member Ashley Lantz wants to be a mental health counselor, and so she has always had a passion for this issue.
The members of Students Who Care hope to spark a conversation on campus through workshops and other community events.
The organization's largest event this year will be their second annual Walk for Love, a 5k which will raise money for Aspire Indiana, Inc., an organization which provides services such as behavioral counseling, addiction rehabilitation, and crisis management.
Another key goal for Students Who Care is to help students understand what it means to be mentally healthy. At the beginning of this semester, the members of Students Who Care all defined what mental health means to them.
"Mental health is having healthy ways to deal with your feelings, enjoying life even when you're struggling," said member Sydney Brown.
"To me it's overcoming negatives to appreciate your true self," said member Taylor Gumns.
As the founder of the organization, I asked Brinkman what she wanted to see in the future. She had this to say: "This is my baby, and my legacy on campus. I want to be remembered as someone who helped people get help, see a continued increase in campus involvement and increase our list of events."
Brinkman is very proud of how far her organization has come, but is very excited for more expansion in the future. "Campus doesn't really know who we are yet, so I can't wait for us to really get off the ground."
Students Who Care is an inspiring example of college students bringing light to issues that were previously kept in the dark. These IUPUI students are raising awareness, making a difference, and bringing positivity to campus. Because of this organization, more and more students are realizing that it's OK to not be OK.
*Interested in learning more about Students Who Care? Visit their Facebook page here to learn more and get in contact with the members.
