Many Ferris students believe mental health among freshmen is a growing problem, and help may not be as obvious as one might expect.
A national survey studying freshmen, hosted by UCLA annually for more than fifty years, released data revealing 11.9 percent of freshmen nationwide reported feeling depressed frequently. With the enrollment of 1,810 Ferris freshmen in 2019, a probable assumption can be made through data that at least 218 students, in the freshman class are or were feeling depressed at some point during the school year.
“I certainly know someone whose schoolwork has suffered due to mental illness,” said Ferris sophomore and marketing major Megan Tran. “Schoolwork often puts her over the edge and her grades reflect the severity of her mental illness.”
With mental health issues among students on the rise, along with the cost from student’s tuition, it is leaving many Ferris students curious how they can get help.
“I believe Ferris makes the effort to address mental health. However, they lack in making students aware of the recourses available to them on campus,” said Ferris State sophomore and sonography major, Rachel Vanderlaan.
University rules require freshmen to take a “FSUS” seminar course that shows them exactly what Ferris has to offer. During the one semester enrolled in the course, students must complete various assignments navigating Ferris State’s website and campus, to gain familiarity with the university and its resources, though many students do not find it useful in this case.
Vanderlaan said, she learned about Birkam’s mental health resources through her Psychology 150 professor, Jordan Horan.
Many Ferris students are also looking for alternative ways to deal with their mental illnesses and are turning to friends for help.
“I do know someone who is battling mental health problems and no they are not getting professional help, but I am currently helping them through it,” said Ferris State sophomore and operation and supply chain management major, Chaise Ford.
With a seemingly lack of promotion on campus, it could prove to be problematic having students turn to friends for help coping with depression or anxiety and not seeking professional help.
With studies published like the one conducted by the HERI Institutional Research Program, it’s apparent that mental health is an issue among college students. It is expected that Ferris will be forced to change their approach on how the make students aware of the facilities they offer.