As the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on everyone over the past few years, mental health issues have become an increasing problem for the younger generation. 

According to a World Health Organization study conducted in March 2022, the pandemic triggered a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide.

Luckily, Grossmont’s Health and Wellness Center offers all registered students an extensive range of help for medical-related issues, especially mental health counseling.

The licensed mental health counselors on staff offer free one-on-one, relational or family therapy for all students taking at least one class through Grossmont. Seven therapists are available by appointment for confidential sessions either on campus or through a Zoom call.

Many people have a hard time trusting one another and expect that people will spread gossip about their problems, whether minor or major. Fortunately, this is not the case when it comes to therapists. 

“I think it’s important for people to know that we offer a safe space,” said Elaine Adlam, the nurse on staff. “People walk in here with all sorts of stuff, anywhere from I’m having a hard time studying to I’m a hot mess.”

She explained how students even visited when they have panic attacks just to sit down in a quiet, relaxing environment, which helps them calm down and ease their minds.

Sometimes, people are afraid to share their mental problems; they’re worried about being vulnerable or judged. Many students may feel that their issue is too small and not worth talking about.

“Therapy is a conversation. It really is a conversation between two people, and it’s not anything to be frightened of,” said Matthew Ring, one of the licensed therapists. “There’s nothing we haven’t seen already… There’s no issue too big or too small.”

Students interested in non-mental help may not realize how many services the department offers, from immunizations to various health screenings to minor first aid, plus professional health counseling and nurse visits. 

Some of these perks are free, such as visits with the registered nurse, vision and hearing tests, blood pressure checks, flu shots and COVID tests. 

The department also offers free essential healthcare items such as masks, sanitizer, band-aids, condoms, and other small items.

With Grossmont’s Health and Wellness Center, many students have and will get help for their problems. With the help of the compassionate professionals on campus, hopefully, more students will have their mental health turned around and improved for the better.