“Mental Health Awareness for Students of Color” by Sasha Ferdinand

Mental health awareness is crucial in communities of color for several reasons. Promoting mental health awareness in communities of color is vital to address the unique challenges and barriers these communities face. It is essential for breaking down stigma, improving access to resources, and providing culturally competent care to ensure everyone has the support they need for their mental well-being. More specifically, how these benefits are necessary for students of color in college.

As mentioned, many communities of color face significant stigma around mental health issues. There might be cultural norms or beliefs that stigmatize mental health discussions or seeking professional help. Awareness initiatives can help break down these barriers by providing accurate information and encouraging open conversations. Mental health resources on college campuses vary, but typically, most universities offer a range of support services for students. Counseling Centers are a predominant resource most colleges have, which are staffed with licensed professionals. These institutions often provide individual or group therapy sessions for students dealing with various mental health concerns. When Black and Brown students begin higher education, they are typically exposed to an environment that is less stigmatized which is encouraging to these communities.

I was able to get a testimonial to a senior here at Hofstra whose name I will keep confidential. She identifies as Black with parents of Jamaican descent. As a BIPOC student, she entered university with excitement and trepidation. Her journey has been more than a pursuit of knowledge; it has been a profound exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and mental health. Initially, she felt the weight of expectations on her shoulders, not just academically but also as a representative of her community. The pressure to succeed was intense, and it took a toll on her mental well-being.

She started off finding solace by joining student organizations that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Within a supportive community, my peer realized the importance of embracing her cultural identity. However, the academic demands persisted, and she found herself grappling with imposter syndrome—a phenomenon that many students of color can relate to. The student had reached a turning point when she decided to seek help for her mental health. She reached out to the university's counseling services; a decision that proved to be transformative. Talking to a counselor helped her unpack the layers of stress, self-doubt, and cultural expectations that had accumulated over time. She was also able to discover all the stigmas she believed about mental health. Her experience was liberating, being that she could voice her struggles and fears, knowing that she was not alone.

Promoting mental health awareness for students of color is vital to address the unique challenges and barriers these communities face. The resources provided not only at Hofstra, but other colleges and universities have fostered more well-rounded students. It is essential for breaking down stigma, improving access to resources, and providing culturally competent care to ensure everyone has the support they need for their mental well-being.

Sasha Ferdinand is a second-year student at Hofstra University with a junior class standing, majoring in Health Sciences. In addition to being an undergraduate student fellow at the Center for “Race,” Culture and Social Justice, she is a NOAH Scholar, and a tutor at the Writing Center. She plans to become a Physician Assistant with a future in Health Administration.