The Year of Mental Health and Wellness at TMCC, promoted throughout the 2023-24 academic year, was a resounding success! This theme was chosen in response to increasing concerns about student mental health, exacerbated by the pressures of academic life, financial stress, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommended by the TMCC Health and Wellness Committee and the Planning Council, “There has been great participation across campus,” said YeVonne Allen, Executive Director of Student Life and Development.
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health issues that college students grapple with. As part of the Year of Mental Health and Wellness, students, along with faculty and staff, were invited to participate in a Health Minds Survey presented by the TMCC Counseling Department in partnership with the Jed (JED) Foundation. Mental and emotional difficulties impacting academic performance one or more days were reported by 77% of students responding to the survey.
During the 2023–24 academic year, TMCC counselors had 1,113 appointments with 507 students. According to TMCC Counselor Erin Frock, “the majority of students we see for personal counseling need support in managing anxiety and/or depression.”
The year of Mental Health and Wellness emphasized community involvement, encouraging faculty, staff and students to participate in promoting a culture of wellness. From a captivating keynote address by Dr. John Francis, author of Planetwalker: 22 Years of Walking, 17 Years of Silence, during Fall Semester 2023 Kick-Off to the rollout of the 24/7 crisis support line, Wizard Wellness in December, TMCC set a positive example for how educational institutions can foster a supportive and thriving environment, not only for students, but the entire campus community.
A Mental Health Carnival and Fun Run (or walk–your choice!) was held on the Dandini Campus in October and included yoga, games, and healthy snacks. The carnival showed how mental health is connected to physical health. “Exercise can help us to practice good mental health. When we exercise, we release all those good chemicals that boost our mood, help us feel energized, and balance our stress,” said Erin Frock, a TMCC Counselor.
Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack—we’d start CPR, or at the very least call 911. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or coworker might be showing signs of alcohol use disorder. Over 70 TMCC faculty and staff participated in Mental Health First Aid training led by 16 facilitators during the academic year. Equipping people with the tools to start a dialogue leads to more people getting the help they need.
Student leaders also got involved in supporting fellow students. The Student Government Association created the SGA Mental Health Advisory Committee to prioritize the safety, health and happiness of TMCC students. The committee began offering regularly scheduled meetings for students in recovery. Students are able to participate in person or via Zoom and these meetings will continue to be available during the academic year.
As the 2024-25 academic year begins and a new theme emerges, TMCC will continue to create an environment where students, faculty and staff feel supported and understood. Mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being, and TMCC is committed to providing the resources and support that is needed to thrive.
For more information, contact the Counseling Center at 775-673-7060. For support outside of business hours, call the Wizard Wellness emergency counseling support line at 833-646-1526.