Mental Health Care: De Anza listens to your problems

A social stigma surrounds the idea of mental health care. Outdated Freudian images of laying down and talking about an Oedipus complex in horrific detail frequently come to mind.  Students fear the label “crazy” and often keep things to themselves or turn to external, sometimes harmful, outlets to relieve inner turmoil.

De Anza College provides free mental health care services for all currently enrolled students, offering a safe place for them to sit down and open up about things that are affecting them. Whether it’s a problem at home, general anxiety, relationship issues or another personal matter, the psychological services are here to help.

“Every interaction has a mental component everywhere on campus,” said Amelia Kauweloa, a nurse working in the health services center. “If it impacts you everyday, address it. If it doesn’t, let’s still address it.”

Some students are unaware of the services provided and don’t utilize the counselors for all they have to offer.

“I didn’t even know that was available on campus,”  Nikolas Nquyen, 20, a psychology major, said. “But now that I do, I would definitely check it out.”

Recent studies done by RAND corporation have shown there has been an increase in the demand for mental health care at California community colleges. College students deal with a lot of emotional stress and it has become vital that campuses provide psychological services for their students.

RAND predicts an additional 329 students graduate due to receiving mental health care.

In 2013, California allocated $8.7 million annually to initiate mental health campaigns and staff training on college campuses. Since then, students have been actively seeking care.

“Every student understands the stress involved with academics and the mental toll it can have,” said Alvin Kim, 19, business major.  “Different students cope with their stress based off their personality and the magnitude of their stress.”

Kim said he is comforted knowing there is someone on campus to talk to and assist him in getting different perspective on a situation.

Even the smallest things can consume the mind. Though options like working out might distract you from the matter, opening a dialogue with someone about the problem is more likely to be beneficial in the long run. Students shouldn’t shy away from seeking mental health care on campus. Everyone is dealing with something.

“It’s not like “here’s a hug, feel better,” Kauweloa said. “If that were the case, I’d be giving out hugs all day long.”

Instead of hugs, every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11.30 a.m., students are welcome to walk with Kauweola and her fellow staff members out on track. Kauweola said she encourages students to open up and feel comfortable talking about things on their mind.

If turning to family or friends isn’t an option, there’s always someone to talk to at De Anza. Let’s finally put the stigma to rest. Check out what the mental health services provide today.

Photo Credit: Nang Haing