From Darkness to Light
The class of MCJ 406, Dr. Ed Simpson's Spring 2023 Capstone Class, shed light on the struggles of mental health and the students affected. The class delved into the resources available both on and off campus for students needing help and brought to light USM's role in helping students thrive in school.
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Much ambiguity surrounds the accessibility of mental health resources on campus. Officials within student counseling services admit they could use more counselors. However, they remain steadfast in their position that not only is there no waitlist, but there has also not been one for several years. Despite these claims, a need for more knowledge about their services and uncertainty about seeking counseling remains a barrier for many at USM.
Cost and insurance coverage are significant obstacles for students who need mental health services. Although regulations like The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act require insurance plans to equalize treatment between mental and physical health services. Many Americans struggle to find adequate mental health coverage and affordable services. However, USM students can utilize the school's low-cost mental health services.
The Hattiesburg and USM community is not immune to mental illness. Despite that irrefutable fact, there are avenues for help, such as Hattiesburg Connections and Pine Grove Behavioral Health Center, that are open, well-acclaimed places created to combat poor mental health. The main barrier, according to Mental Health America’s statistics and mental health professionals, seems to be the accessibility of financial assistance from the state.
Transitioning to college can be a major cause of mental health issues among incoming and current college students. This group explores how this transition can bring on difficulties in managing new responsibilities, pressures to succeed, and a new sense of independence.
