The Beaucoup section expresses opinions on whether the University provides adequate mental health support for students.
Sadie Lynn Burrell
Graphic Designer
One campus resource I’ve found to be somewhat helpful is UWill. It is a telehealth website that lets you take calls with various mental health professionals. I like how you can choose how quickly you want to see someone and pick the gender, race, and specialties of the professional.
A downside of UWill is the pretty limited selection of people to speak to: I had a hard time finding a good match. I’ve also had multiple appointments canceled at the last minute which discouraged me from scheduling new ones.
I haven’t spoken to any face-to-face counselors because the one time I had the bravery to try, the line was long so I left.
That is the main problem with students accessing mental health support. Even if someone really needs it, they might not know it’s there or they might struggle to work up the strength on their own to look for it.
Ramudhi Kariyawasam
Managing Editor
Mental health can be a monster, because, at times, we don’t know if there is something wrong. Not all truly understands or will excuse you for the amount of panic attacks, tears or malaise that prevented you from doing your work, because plainly, no one ever saw it. At the same time, you know it is your obligation to address it, but what about the plethora of other obligations that just don’t allow the time to seek help?
I believe it is at moments like this when we must pay close attention and prioritize ourselves. I have never used the mental health resources provided by the University, but I encourage students to at least see what they offer. If those options do not work for you, I feel the best way to take care of yourself can be with simple techniques like meditating, going to the park, eating a healthy meal and talking to loved-ones and friends everyday, if possible.
Geonna Tipton
News Writer
Mental health can be a challenging aspect of anyone’s life especially during those college years. Classwork piles up, some students have a job–not to mention social lives are still a thing. Trying to keep up with your health physically and mentally while managing everything under the sun can take a toll on anyone.
Luckily, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette does offer help for students struggling with mental health. There are academic and housing accommodations, local and virtual therapists and more. In fact, students struggling significantly with mental health can even get emotional support animals if applicable.
However, the question is, is there enough mental health support on campus? Personally, I think there are plenty of options and help available whenever I need it.
I enjoy the flexibility the University’s help services currently offer thus far and as a student I feel like there is adequate help for me.
Nyria Mustiful
Allons Editor
As someone who has made a few visits to Counseling and Testing Services here on campus, I would say that I do not believe there is adequate mental health care on campus for students. Most of the “professionals” that service students in that office are graduate students here at the University. I don’t want to discredit their education, but these aren’t licensed professionals who have been practicing for years.
I think that since some eye-opening and culturally impactful events here on campus, the University has been trying to do more, in terms of providing students with access to proper mental health care and raising awareness, but there is still a considerable way to go. After my experience with the campus services, I decided to go and seek external help, and I think that was the best decision for me.
Isabelle Brumley
Beaucoup Editor
I do somewhat agree that there is adequate mental health support for students, but I do think that we lack qualified mental health professionals. The counseling center on campus only provides counselors and tests that can determine some of the common mental illnesses (anxiety, depression, ADHD and eating disorders).
I believe that the University should employ at least one or more qualified mental health professionals who went to medical school. These professionals can offer greater expertise in identifying and managing more complex mental health conditions, guaranteeing that students have accurate evaluations and successful treatment programs.
The University has recently become more aware of and persistent in its efforts to understand students’ mental health struggles. Counseling is free to all students and accessible during typical school hours. I would personally say that it is a step in the right direction, but there is only so much counselors can do. It is up to them and the students to follow up with another appointment.