Mental Health as A Graduate Student

 Mental Health as A Graduate Student 

I was shocked and sad at the same time, knowing the reality stated in a news article written by Colarossi (2022). Several questions came to my mind when reading the article. Those questions are: Why has it happened within the last eight years? Is it because of the changing culture of PhD academic life? I kept questioning that and assumed that it happens because of the fast, rapid changing of technology and the presence of the Internet. They bring advantages to our lives yet also bring some drawbacks. Since the 'world' is within our reach, we might feel missing out. The latter, I believe, is a form of mental health in this current situation.

To normalize the topic of mental health and access to mental health support is to make it regular in both casual and non-casual conversations. We must treat it equally with other matters ("Leadership Communication," 2024). It is like asking about someone's day or activities during the weekend. We can always begin a conversation by asking, 'How are you?' and we mean it when we say it. That way, people will feel that they are welcomed and cared for. It might lead people to talk about their actual situations and conditions.

I believe that there are some strategies to ensure that the resources are equally accessible and everyone can get this fundamental right (World Health Organization, 2022):

1. Conducting a needs analysis of what the population wants. It can start by distributing a survey to gather data on potential consumers' expectations of the resources.
2. The resources supporting the team are from diverse backgrounds. As the article says, one example is having staff from various cultural backgrounds (Colarossi, 2022). That way, the decisions are based on inputs from diverse teams that minimize bias and dominance of certain groups or entities.
3. By offering flexibilities. It can be in the form of, for instance, delivery (direct or distant consultations), office hours, media of resources (newsletter, handbook, video), and consultants. The flexibility lets the consumers choose according to their needs and conditions. 

We can use three strategies to ensure equity in accessing mental health support.

Since I am an international student, writing resources such as OWL at Purdue are excellent. Even though it is not directly related to mental health, it helps us to minimize or avoid the cause of mental health. For example, international students might feel anxious about their English. This resource can provide exceptional support and feedback on our English needs.

How can you support us? Again, asking 'How are you' or 'Is everything okay' can be a good start. As an international student coming to a foreign country, I might have many questions. Therefore, please kindly bear with that and never get tired of me (us) asking your questions. I will also do the same to everyone. As an international PhD student, I can also support other international students by giving insights about being an international student living in a foreign country. In addition, I might be a good listener for those who wish to share their feelings. 

 

References 

Colarossi, J. (2022, April 21). Mental health of college students is getting worse. College Student Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.bu.edu/articles/2022/mental-health-of-college-students-is-getting-worse/

Leadership Communication & Normalizing the Conversation. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.lmc.org/ptsd-mental-health-toolkit/keeping-your-department-well/leadership-communication/#:~:text=Talk%20openly%20about%20mental%20health,that%20you%20feel%20that%20way.

World Health Organization (2022, June 17). Mental health: Strengthening our response. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response