Mental Health in College

The conversation surrounding mental health has always come with a stigma. This is a topic that is never taken lightly and that most people don't like talking about at all. It may be difficult to talk about, but it is something that needs to be talked about. We, as a society, need to be able to speak on this subject matter and help those around us find the necessary resources if they need them. There are many resources available at FHSU, including on-campus and off-campus ones, that people aren't even aware of.

Mental health challenges can arise in college because we are on our own for the first time, dealing with a lot of change, and a lot of stress. Mental health disorders come in a wide variety of ways. They can include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, addiction, ADHD, PTSD, sleep disorders, and more. Fort Hays and the city of Hays offer a lot of different help centers and support groups for anyone struggling mentally. If someone is uncomfortable seeking help in person, there are also a lot of various helplines they can call. A list of resources is provided below. Never be afraid to ask for help and take care of yourself.

On-Campus

The Kelly Center

Student Health Center

Off-Campus

HaysMed Hospital Emergency Department: (785) 623-5555

High Plains Mental Health Center: (785)-628-2871

Clinical Associates, P.A.: (785)-258-6100

Hays Counseling Services: Roberta Molstad (785)-432-1805; Gina Smith, LCP, LMLP (785)-650-1495

Hays Psychiatric Associates: (785)-623-5160

Resilience Counseling: (785)-294-6677

Serenity Psychological Services and Consulting LLC: (785) 621-4417

Turning Point Professional Counseling Services: (785)-628-3575

Other

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800)-273-8255

American Addiction Centers: (866)-237-4011

National Drug Helpline: (888)-633-3239

National Eating Disorders Association: (800)-931-2237

National Alliance on Mental Illness: (800)-950-6264

Schizophrenia And Related Disorders Alliance Of America: (800) 273-8255

Children And Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: (301) 306-7070

National Sleep Foundation: (702) 243-1697

While all of these resources can surely help anyone struggling mentally, some of the best support can come from family and friends. I have someone very close to me who has their own struggles, and the best thing I have been able to do is to be there for them. Life doesn't come without its challenges, but we can all come out of them stronger with the right resources and support systems. You are never alone, you just have to find your support system.