Information: Student Mental Health
Did You Know?
Anxiety is the number one most commonly diagnosed mental health condition in the general public and among college students. About three quarters of college students report psychological stress that fall into the moderate to severe category ("Student mental health"). Psychiatric disabilities make up the largest population of DSS students served at SCC, and this population continues to grow at colleges across the nation.
In academic year 2021-2022, there were 127 total Early Alert student referrals citing areas of concern and/or recommendations for Mental Health services. In academic year 2022-2023 to date (through Fall 2022), there have been 63 total referrals, to date, citing Mental Health services as a student resource need. Note: these numbers do not reflect current Winter 2023 data surrounding Mental Health related referrals.
SCC's Disability Access Services surveyed students to find out: "What do you want teachers to know about students living with anxiety?" Here are some of the students' responses:
- “It's not a joke; we're not trying to game the system. We don't like to experience anxiety, and if we could, we'd make it go away. … A little patience and understanding and empathy and respect on your side can go a long way.”
- "To be patient, and see if there are different ways to test the if they have test anxiety."
- “[It] can get worse with each experience of it.”
- “It is unpredictable. Something that sounds easy can become impossible. That can be embarrassing.”
- “Try not to assume.”
Watch this 7 minute video, Facing Anxiety: Students share how they cope and how campuses can help,from The Chronicle of Higher Education. (If you are short on time, start at 4:02, "What professors may not know.")
SCC Mental Health Resources
- The SCC Mental Health Therapy Interns are here to help you maintain your mental health and provide you with useful resources. The interns are completing their master’s degrees at local universities and are qualified to provide individual, and group therapy. Therapy can occur in person or online.
- In addition to therapy services the staff also offer several workshops that are a one hour look at important topics for you as a student. For instructors these workshops can be held in your classes as needed to foster understanding of the importance of mental health and to share important resources.
- Another service, Let's Chat, offers a drop in or scheduled time to meet with a counselor with no obligation for ongoing meetings. Let’s Chat counselors can listen to specific problems, help explore solutions, and introduce you to what it’s like to speak with a member of our staff.
- Staff should familiarize themselves with the following document to aid in assisting students in distress or in crisis.
- Mental health services and the intern staff are overseen by Ronda Hain, SCC counselor. Please contact her with any questions or concerns (509) 533-8647, Ronda.Hain@scc.spokane.edu.
