As of this semester, Georgia Tech has become a JED Campus! This is a designation given to universities that put systems and programs in place with the goal of protecting student mental health. “JED Campus” is the signature program of The JED Foundation designed to develop customized support for student mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention efforts. Currently, JED programs have impacted 1078 colleges and high schools across the US.
Being a student at Tech can be quite challenging with many stressors such as assignments, midterms, and job search. Research shows that first year students especially suffer from emotional problems, some associated with adjustment issues as they transition from high school to college. This difficulty in adjustment can result in poor academic performance and increased dropout rates. In one study, it was shown that more than 86% of students who sought counseling services decided to continue their enrollment for at least another semester. In another study, it was found that counseling centers have started to receive more severe concerns, some of which included suicide, substance abuse, depression, and sexual abuse (Kitzrow, 2003). For these reasons, the demand and need for counseling services in universities has grown substantially.
Some consequences of poor mental health are low energy, difficulty sleeping, and eating problems, and interest in normal activities. These physical health implications can cause a decline in academic performance which in turn causes a continuous cycle of mental and physical burnout. Counseling serves as a way to minimize these impacts. Fortunately, Tech offers a range of services to help students manage their life in college. I asked fellow Tech students about their favorite resource and how it has helped them manage their stress.
“I think it’s a really nice break from my normal schedule to stop by and meet the dogs. Even for a few minutes, they’re so friendly and cute it makes my day better. I wish there was also a version with cats, but I’m glad we have these events.” (Sheila)
Check out this clip of pups on Tech Green from the @gatechlife instagram page!
“I really enjoy the mental health workshops hosted by the Center of Mental Heath and Services. My favorite one was probably yoga! It was a great way to relax and meet new people” (Christy)
“I love to relax on the hammocks especially now that the weather is getting better. After a long day, it helps me destress to just lay there and look up at the sky. Sometimes I read a book or listen to music.” (Tim)
The Center for Mental Health Care & Resources offers a number of programs for students.
Some of which include individual/group counseling, couple counseling, and mental health workshops. Short-term individual counseling involves ongoing individual meetings with a counselor, often on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. There is also an option for short-term group counseling which supports students in making positive changes in their lives, as well as group sessions based on specific issues or student identities Couples counseling sessions are geared towards resolving tension and miscommunication between partners. Mental health workshops are hosted monthly to deliver useful tips for coping, stress management, and relationships.
These services are aimed at helping students reach their academic and personal goals. They have benefited many students on campus and the wellness center is continually striving to better serve the Tech population. And the best part of all is that these services are confidential and completely free!
Sources
Kitzrow, M. (2003). The mental health needs of today’s college students. https://ccvillage.buffalo.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/74/2017/06/NASPA-Mental-Health-Needs-of-College-Students.pdf
Roggers, V. (n.d.). Take it outside. News Center. https://news.gatech.edu/features/2022/05/take-it-outside
Services. Center for Mental Health Care & Resources.
https://mentalhealth.gatech.edu/clinical-services/services
The story of jed. The Jed Foundation. (2024, February 13).
https://jedfoundation.org/the-story-of-jed/
