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Mental health summits aim to alleviate ailments

Sept. 13, 2007

Stephanie Jeter/Lariat staff Dr. Jim Marsh, director of counseling spoke at the Student Mental Health Summit Wednesday. The summits are to inform students of the signs of depression and other mental health issues.

By Anita Pere
Staff writer

Last year, the Baylor Counseling Center helped 790 students, up from 610 the previous year.

"We know there's been more demand," said Dr. Jim Marsh, Director for Counseling Services, as he spoke of the waiting list students have encountered at the center.

College students now have a 50/50 chance of becoming depressed, said Marsh.

But the counseling center comes to students with its Student Mental Health Summits. The summits intend to inform students of the signs of depression and other mental health issues and also what to do if you or someone you know seems depressed or not themselves.

The first summit was held Wednesday in the Barfield Drawing room from 6-8 p.m. Another summit will be held Sept. 20 at the same time and place.

The counseling center sees students for many issues, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship and family problems, sexual abuse and substance abuse and trauma.

The center increased their staff this year to include six psychologists, a counselor, four graduate assistant counselors, a psychiatrist and a dietician.

With the heightened pressures on modern-day college students, it's no mystery why more students are reporting depression.

"[Students] are in the middle of a pressure cooker," said Marsh. He refers to the challenge college students face with juggling classes, homework, jobs, extracurricular activities and a social life.

Marsh believes part of the problem lies with the current generation's "strong drive to succeed."

"With higher expectations comes more stress," he said.

He cited the "Ivy League" factor as another dynamic in depression among students.

The Ivy League factor states that students attending Ivy League schools use university counseling services three times more than students at state schools.

Rigorous academics and a high cost render a higher level of mental burden for students, said Marsh.

Several members of the Sigma Nu fraternity attended the summit Wednesday.

Since the suicide of brother Mark Hudson last year, the fraternity promotes the early detection of depression and suicidal thoughts.

"I think it's important to go to the summit because you can never be prepared enough, [you can never] know enough to see the signs," said Kenneth Orr, a senior from San Diego and President of Sigma Nu.

Signs of severe depression or possible suicide include a decline in school work, chronic fatigue or low energy, low self- esteem, lack of personal hygiene, sudden severe changes in behavior and threats of harming self or others.

If you observe these signs in a friend, urge them to call the counseling center anytime day or night.

Marsh recommends walking a friend to the center or dialing the number for them.

Most importantly, if a friend shares suicidal thoughts, let someone in the counseling center know immediately.

Remember, the counseling center's services are confidential. The first seven visits are free and $10 a session thereafter. Faculty members met for a mental health summit last September. This year's faculty summit will be held Oct. 3 from 2-4p.m. in 151 Robinson Tower.

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