‘Let’s Prioritize Mental Health’
Dear fellow Aggies,
I’ve had the privilege of serving as Student Body President at Texas A&M University for almost a year now, and during that time I’ve discovered so much about our incredible campus community and how far the Aggie Spirit can reach.
I’ve also seen how just a little help can go a long way toward easing someone’s pain, which is my intent this week as the Student Government Association and Aggies Helping Aggies, along with Student Health Services, kick off Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Week. We have events beginning today and running through Friday.
The more I learn about the mental health issues of our own Aggies, the more I want to help every student feel supported and cared for during their time at Texas A&M. For instance, take a look at some of these facts:
- 1 in 4 college students in our country know someone who has died by suicide.
- In the United States, suicide is the No. 2 cause of death among our age group.
- More than 75 percent of all mental health conditions begin before the age of 24.
This data comes from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which urges us all to recognize what a critical time this is to talk openly about mental health.
Whether you are facing academic stress, relationship issues, depression or even homesickness, there’s help. Please bookmark this site, which lists the many mental health resources on our campus.
The Texas A&M administration understands the importance of mental health as well. President Banks created a Mental Health Task Force and has invested in the app MySSP (My Student Support Program), which offers free professional counseling. It has call, text and video chat features, and I recommend that every Aggie download this app for easily accessible support.
This week is a fantastic opportunity to check in on your overall wellness and learn about the support that is available to you as a Texas A&M student. Many of us exercise for the betterment of our physical health, and it is just as important that we take time to better our mental health. Please take time this week to check in on each other and put mental health first. To start things off for the week, join me and the Yell Leaders for our kickoff event tonight from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in Rudder Plaza. We look forward to seeing you, and we are excited to help support you!
Thanks and Gig ’em!
Case Harris
Student Body President
Texas A&M University 2022-23
