Counseling Center sees increase in patients
By Molly Leaverton
In recent years, the number of patients seeking on-campus help for mental illness at Santa Clara has risen dramatically, Santa Clara health officials say, a trend they hope is a positive sign that more students are getting treatment when they need it.
517 students met with on-campus counselors last academic year, a that number is expected to rise this year. A waiting list is already in place at the counseling office because of the large number of students requesting to meet with a counselor.
The most common concerns that students have when they visit the Counseling Center are relationship problems, anxiety, depression, family issues and academic problems, said Director of Health and Counseling Services Larry Wolfe.
Colleges all over the nation are seeing this dramatic rise in patients, particularly those aged 18 to 24. Statistics show that this age group has the highest prevalence of diagnosable forms of mental illness, Wolfe said.
"More people are going to the counselor because awareness has been raised about mental health issues on campus, and in the wider community as well. Things like depression and eating disorders have been taboo in the past, but now are much more commonplace," said senior Jenny Stoddard.
Last week, The Wellness Center and the Counseling Center co-sponsored Santa Clara's first annual "Mental Health Awareness Week" to educate the community about mental health and facilities and services available for Santa Clara students.
"We aim to help diminish the myths and societal stigma that surrounds mental illness which can prevent people from seeking the appropriate treatment, due to fear of ridicule and rejection," said Health Educator and Staff Psychologist Jeanne Zeamba.
The week included a series of events featuring a film and panel discussion, a free and anonymous mental health screening and a stress relief workshop.
The Counseling Center offers free counseling to students struggling with any mental illness or who need someone to talk to, said Zeamba. Each student is given 10 free counseling sessions at the center. If the student wishes to continue seeing a counselor, the Counseling Center will connect the student to other resources in the community.
According to the Wellness Center, of those who develop depression, only about 20 percent will seek out and receive adequate treatment.
"Students need to understand that depression and anxiety are not character flaws or personal weaknesses. They are illnesses that are quite common and highly responsive to treatment, especially when the treatment comes early," said Zeamba.
Especially because suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students nationwide, Stoddard encouraged all students to seek professional help when they need it.
"Many people do not seek professional help because they feel as though what they're feeling will just go away, which is not the case for most people. Also, students should be reminded that no one, not even their parents, needs to know if they are going to see someone in the counseling center on campus, and that the service is free," said Stoddard.
The Counseling Center is located in room 201 in Benson Memorial Center and can be contacted at (408) 554-4172.
Contact Molly Leaverton at (408) 554-4546 or mleaverton@scu.edu.