TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — March is a critical time for self-harm prevention and mental health awareness, with multiple days throughout the month dedicated to the two.
As conversations surrounding mental health continue to grow, experts say understanding warning signs and seeking help early can make a significant difference for students.
A mental health crisis is defined as an urgent, often sudden, and overwhelming situation where a person’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors make them unable to function, causing them to be at risk of harming themselves or others.
TrojanVision spoke to a student who has experienced mental health struggles firsthand. He says poor mental health practices nearly caused him to leave school altogether.
“My first semester I had failed a few classes and also dropped out of some and I ended up on acting probation and he kind of just discourage me lie and I got to a very low point in my life, especially with in regards to my mental health and it took a lot. It took a lot out of me.”
The student continued, suggesting that thoughts such as these also lead to thoughts of suicide.
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Experts say recognizing unhealthy mental health habits and knowing when to ask for help can be paramount to students’ well-being.
Dr. Kanessa Doss, a Troy University professor in the Department of Psychology, says there are often noticeable warning signs.
“Well, we see significant changes, particularly to say your appetite. If you’re eating a lot more, eating a lot less. If you’ve noticed that you have gained a lot of weight, lost a lot of weight within a two-week period, and you’re also feeling really down and out within that time, definitely the time that you may want to go and talk to the counseling center.”
Difficulty concentrating or focusing can also be indicators that something is wrong. According to Doss, changes in sleep habits may signal a deeper concern.
“If you’re a person who are used to getting 7 to 9 hours and now you can only get two, this is something significant that you need to pay attention to. Or vice versa. If you’re a person who can get 7 to 9 hours and now you’re sleeping 15–16. This is something you pay attention to, and then you go and talk with someone to get the necessary help.”
Doss says when a mental health crisis happens, anyone can become a first responder simply by supporting those around them.
“If you listen to someone, they’re telling you they’re really having a hard time. This is a time to really affirm them, show them that they’re valued and help refer them to help that’s needed.”
Mental health professionals encourage students to remain aware of changes in their behavior, emotions, and daily habits and to seek campus resources when needed.
