Collegiate Times

Think of the last time you sat around with a group of your friends discussing politics, complaining about classes or just goofing off.

Of all the topics that came up in conversation, I highly doubt mental illness was among them. Mental illness is far more common than we all recognize. Out of your group of friends, at least one of them is probably dealing with a mental illness. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that one in five Americans age 18 and up experience a mental illness. College students in particular are at high risk for developing mental health issues during their four years of school.

Mental health is an issue that is more widespread than you might think. Mental disorders are the leading cause for disability in the United States for ages 15-44, according to NIMH. Also, the Global Burden of Disease Study conducted by the World Health Organization, the World Bank and Harvard show that mental illness accounts for about 15 percent of all illnesses in established marketing countries (including the U.S.). This number is higher than all diseases caused by cancer.

Active Minds is a student organization dedicated to raising awareness and removing the stigma about mental illness. Our goal is to inform the student body about mental illness and the different resources available to seek assistance. Although we take raising awareness and removing the stigma of mental health very seriously, we have a lot of fun with socials, movies and outdoor activities, not to mention it's a great place to meet new people of all majors. Watch out for us on campus.

Have a great beginning of the semester!

Candace Lohr

President, Active Minds