Tonia Grant - Medgar Evers College
Mabel Korie - Medgar Evers College
The unique challenges faced by college students as it relates to mental health throughout this pandemic, have shined a spotlight on the lack of a comprehensive infrastructure for supporting students. These vulnerabilities are amplified by the fact that the academic pressures of college can cause its own set of issues. The pandemic has created an environment that leads to elevated rates of suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression. The stigma of a positive COVID status may exacerbate risk for harm experienced by students with mental health issues. The systemic flaws highlighted by the pandemic can be addressed from a standpoint that sees the merit in implementing comprehensive reforms. Raising awareness about the realities of mental illness among college students is crucial. Offering presentations for students and reimagining all that is possible, will position students for success, and make administrations more capable of helping their students.