Students on USAO’s campus are entering their 14th week of classes out of 15 weeks. That being said, the end of the trimester is right round the corner, and a change in mental health is possible alongside the change in seasons. The Trend wants to remind students that USAO has several available resources on campus.
Many college students struggle with mental health. The students here on campus are all under some kind of stress due to school assignments, on and off campus jobs, and upcoming finals. On top of school, seasonal depression might impact students.
Across the United States about 25% of college students experience winter blues or seasonal depression. In winter the sun is out for shorter periods of time, and it is normally cloudier, which can lead to seasonal depression. The sun makes people feel more energized.
Rachel Drechsler, student wellness and accommodations coordinator, is directly involved with mental health and students and faculty on campus.
“This time last year covid still had a really big effect on mental health. Compared to last year I have had more students wanting to get in contact with a counselor this year,” Drechsler said.
Drechsler also mentioned another campus mental health resource, Therapy Assistance Online (TAO). TAO is available to both students and faculty on campus.
“It is a platform that is like ‘a doctor checkup,’” Drechsler said. “TAO will set you on a path with the resources you might need in the future.”
The Trend wants to remind students about another good resource: 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is a lifeline that students can call or text anytime of the day. Callers will be connected to a professional that can help students through whatever they may be experiencing.
“We are looking to bring 988 more to campus with pamphlets and posters,” Drechsler said.
Cassie Srock is a first-year communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
