Counseling Services: Ending stigma by bringing mental health front and center

Pictured above: Central State University students sit on yoga mats during a mindfulness event sponsored by Counseling Services in partnership with speaker Eric Charlton, Ph.D.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Central State University Counseling Services treats it like every other month — because encouraging students to seek help when they need it and ending stigma cannot be limited to four weeks of the year. 

University students report many stressors and concerns, from time management and how to adjust to college life to substance use, depression, grief, and other mental health conditions. They may struggle with classes and experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. Students may need guidance about conflict resolution, relationships, parenting, career and study skills, focus, and spirituality.  

Racial and ethnic minority communities in the U.S. face unique challenges surrounding mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified barriers to mental health access, including substance-use treatment services, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. 

Approximately 13.4% of the U.S. population identifies as Black or African American, and 16% of those reported having a mental illness in the past year, the CDC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report, respectively. That equals over 7 million people — more than the populations of Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia combined.  

“Historical dehumanization, oppression, and violence against Black and African American people has evolved into present day racism — structural, institutional, and individual — and cultivates a uniquely mistrustful and less affluent community experience, characterized by a myriad of disparities including inadequate access to and delivery of care in the health system,” Mental Health America says. “Processing and dealing with layers of individual trauma on top of new mass traumas from COVID-19 (uncertainty, isolation, grief from financial or human losses), police brutality and its fetishization in news media, and divisive political rhetoric adds compounding layers of complexity for individuals to responsibly manage.” 

Whatever the circumstances, Central State Counseling Services has Marauders’ backs. Counseling Services offers culturally competent one-on-one counseling, stress management workshops, suicide prevention training, a relaxation room with massage chairs, a study resource room, a music room complete with a guitar and a drum set, and more. 

All services are free and confidential for Central State students. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, fill out the confidential online referral form.  

Reaching Marauders  

Sonia Hunt, director of Counseling Services, said Central State has done an incredible job reaching students who may be struggling. Counseling Services reaches over 90% of the student population on its Wilberforce campus through its various programs and outreach efforts.  

"Culturally, we know the stigma associated with mental health has been a barrier to treatment,” Hunt said. “Our Advisory Board is intentional about talking about stigma. The African American community historically has shunned away from mental health treatment. We are proud that over 90% of students at Central State are touched by our services in some way.”  

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Central State aims to empower success with innovative programs and student-led organizations. The University’s counselors are no exception. In addition to the earlier mentioned initiatives, Marauders can connect with others in support groups. Counseling Services hosts training regularly, including Mental Health First Aid, resilience, and Safe Zone Project training for the LGBTQ+ community. An Emerging Scholars program works with students who are unhoused or those who are aging out of the foster care system. 

Another therapeutic approach involves a collaboration with the John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture to offer horticulture therapy. 

“One way of healing is through engagement,” Hunt said, “and our students are our greatest resource. The students make it work by reaching (their peers). We have a brilliant and gifted student population.”  

A popular student-led club is CSU NAMI on Campus. This student organization promotes mental health awareness and reduces stigma by providing activities such as movie and game nights, weekly information tables, art therapy, and more. Counseling Services, NAMI National, and NAMI of Clark, Greene, and Madison Counties collaborate for this organization. 

Learn about the programs available on and off campus here. 

Partnerships advance more mental health conversations 

Central State stakeholders were invited to participate in the United Negro College Fund’s virtual mental health student conference, “Unapologetically Free.” The UNCF, in conjunction with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Steve Fund, centers mental health on Black college campuses.  

Through a partnership with these organizations and JPMorgan Chase, Central State students, faculty, and staff had access to a series of webinars, workshops for faculty, and discussions. Topics during an April conference included the following:  

• Free to Care for Myself and My Community 
• Free to Ask for Help 
• Free to be Authentic at Work 
• Free to Grieve 
• Free at College and at Home 

CSU counselors said they create spaces on and off campus for students to be “unapologetically free,” helping to build networks of support for all Marauders, faculty, and staff by strengthening connections and creating community.  

If you would like to make an appointment, call 937-376-6338, leaving a detailed, confidential message with your name, contact phone number, email, days and times you are available, and the date you called. Walk-ins are also accepted. 

In-person appointments take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in a crisis, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.