#stopthestigma

Continue reading SANTÉ MENTALE : L’ÉPIDÉMIE SILENCIEUSE QUI TOUCHE LA JEUNESSE MONDIALE

When people talk about mental health resources on college campuses, the assumption is often that help is available, and therefore, the problem is being solved. But after interviewing a student at San Diego State University, I’ve realized that availability does not equal accessibility. The gap between the two is where many students fall through.

In my interview with an SDSU junior studying business marketing, a few key barriers came up repeatedly: cost, wait times, and stigma. At first, their experience seemed promising. They explained, “I found the website and saw that they had therapists available for students, which seemed really helpful at first.” But that quickly changed. When they tried to schedule an appointment, they were told there was a waitlist of two to three weeks. They described the impact of that delay clearly, “When you’re already stressed out, waiting that long feels like a lot.” That statement captures the problem perfectly. Mental health care is often needed in the moment, not weeks later. The structure of the system doesn’t match the urgency of students’ needs.

When campus services didn’t work out, the student looked into off campus therapy, only to run into another major issue, price. They found therapists charging “around $100 to $150 per session,” which they said was simply unrealistic. Even with insurance, costs still added up: “Even something like $40 or $50 per session can add up if you’re going every week.” This aligns with research from the Healthy Minds Study, which shows that financial concerns are one of the biggest reasons students avoid seeking help. While services technically exist, they are often financially out of reach for the very people who need them most. Another study from UCLA highlights that students face both economic and social barriers, reinforcing the idea that access is not just about availability, but about affordability and comfort.

Beyond logistics, the interview also revealed how language and social expectations shape the problem. The student explained, “There’s still this idea that you should be able to handle your problems on your own.” This belief discourages people from seeking help, even when they recognize they need it. They also pointed out how this shows up especially among male students, “There’s still this stereotype that men shouldn’t talk about their emotions… they think it would make them look weak.” Words like “weak” or “handle it yourself” aren’t just opinions, they act as barriers. They frame mental health struggles as personal failures instead of legitimate health concerns. This kind of rhetoric makes students hesitate, delay, or completely avoid seeking support.

So if these problems are so clear, why haven’t they been fixed? Part of the answer is that universities can point to existing resources, counseling centers, workshops, websites, and say support is available. But as my interviewee put it, “The demand is just really high.” With thousands of students and limited counselors, the system becomes overloaded. In a way, the current system allows institutions to meet minimum expectations without addressing deeper issues like staffing shortages or affordability. The burden shifts onto students to figure it out themselves.

The student I interviewed had clear ideas about what would actually help, lowering the cost of therapy, hiring more on campus counselors, expanding virtual therapy options, or offering preventative resources like workshops and peer support. They described an ideal system as one where “therapy feels like a normal and accessible part of health care, just like going to a doctor.” This idea is key. If mental health care were normalized, affordable, and immediate, more students would actually use it.

What stands out most from this interview is how motivated students are to seek help, and how often the system stops them. This student didn’t ignore their mental health. They actively searched for support, explored options, and still couldn’t access care in a realistic way. Until we address wait times, costs, and the language surrounding mental health, accessibility will remain an illusion rather than a reality.

On World AIDS Day, we stand together to raise awareness, promote compassion, and support those living with HIV.

Let’s break the stigma, spread knowledge, and encourage everyone to choose empathy over ignorance. ❤️ Together, we can build a healthier, more inclusive world.

There is a lot of stigma attached to mental health. Too often, people are judged by their behavior instead of being understood for their condition. They are labeled as “weak,” “flawed,” or “lacking willpower.” This stigma doesn’t just hurt, it stops people from seeking help.

Mental health is health. Compassion and awareness can replace judgment and fear. Breaking stigma means giving people the freedom to heal.

Understanding Depression and Ways to Prevent It

❌ You CANNOT get HIV from: 💋 Kissing or hugging 🦟 Insect bites 🍽️ Sharing food or drinks 🚽 Using public toilets 🤝 Shaking hands

✅ HIV is only spread through certain body fluids during specific activities like unprotected sex or sharing needles. Let’s stop the stigma by spreading facts, not fear. 💡