PostSecretU: Addressing mental health concerns in our college community
Authors: Elizabeth Bradley, Brianna Dozier, & Tiffany Nichter
Faculty Supervisor: Nicole Masano, MSN, RN, CNM, CNE
Abstract:
PostSecretU: Addressing Mental Health Concerns in our College Community was a project geared towards reaching our local population of students, in collaboration with the CCGA Office of Counseling Services. The identified need in the community was a lack of access/education for mental health care and high risk for stress-related mental health issues (SLO 2.3). The design of the project, which asked students to anonymously reveal a secret they otherwise would not feel comfortable sharing, enabled students to relieve themselves of the secret, while not feeling stigmatized or judged. The goal was to gather information on how to break down barriers on campus for people to receive help without stigma and to help students realize the humanity that connects us, regardless of prejudice or bias. During the community reaction forum, the discussion emphasized that all people struggle with some difficulties in their lives and but that no one is alone in their struggles (SLO 1.1, 3.1). The organizers were deeply touched by the secrets shared by our fellow students, and helped us to clarify our roles as nurses. This project could be repeated in future semesters to benefit the student body.
