Let's Not Leave Each Other Alone

A recent article in the NYTimes caught my attention. 7 suicides in a row had the Wochester Polytechnic Institute dramatically shift its focus toward mental health. "The Unthinkable Mental Health Crisis That Shook a New England College: Over six terrible months, professors and administrators at Worcester Polytechnic Institute took on the unofficial role of counselors during a spate of campus suicides.” By Jordan Kisner, Jan. 22, 2024 Updated

Intensive research was done by the school to look for patterns of stressors that could be understood and addressed. Long story short, several factors were identified including academic burnout, lack of social connection, and lack of information of where to get help. One of the main conclusions was that we need to be connected to one another to be mentally well and to heal.?

A task force at W.P.I. came up with the these recommendations: “Hire more counselors for the health center; increase the number of mental-health trainings available to the faculty and staff; expand student mentoring programs; build up social programming for students, giving them more opportunities to make friends and feel connected to the campus community; once a term, set aside a day to cancel classes and meetings so that everyone could do something — not homework — that would boost their well-being.” Their recommendations were focused on helping students receive mental health services and connect with others.?

They saw the critical need for emotional wellness to be as much a part of their services as academics. The focus “has evolved from taking responsibility solely for the academic education of its students to becoming the custodian of individual student wellness.”?

The article went on to say that more than half of college students in the USA suffer from depression or anxiety, or are seriously consideringing suicide. More than half! This is a terrifying statistic.?

The mental health crisis, they report, cuts across geographical, social, and economic lines. Nearly one quarter of college students in America considered dropping out in the last year because of mental health issues. Accounting for emotional un-wellness is now front and center for the academic world.?

Can we expand these conclusions to understand the urgency for the institution of America– the Family of America– to become the custodian of the wellness of all our citizens, just as W.P.I. did? According to KFF.org , in 2023, 32.3% of adults in America were suffering anxiety and/or depression. 49.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24, and 38% were 25-49. Consider this one thought alone: 18-49– these are prime career building and parenting years. What incredible service could we be providing for ourselves and our children by shifting our focus away from acquisition, in-fighting, and war, to our collective mental health and wellbeing?

NBC News reported that 50,000 people died by suicide in 2023, more than any other year on record. 7 suicides were not okay with WP.I. Can 50,000 become a wake-up call for us, for our representatives and those in power in America, that our collective mental health needs urgent attention? And can we learn from the research– that much of what is needed is access to mental health care and community!?

Jean King, dean of arts and sciences at W.P.I., said, “I think that’s what community is — coming together and saying: ‘I’m vulnerable, just like you are. I’m trying. I’m not going to leave you alone.’”"?

Let’s not leave each other alone.?

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Please visit my website www.phyllisleavitt.com ???

America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/america-in-therapy-phyllis-e-leavitt/1144110754?ean=9781636983363