UTSA’s mental health resources have been a topic of discussion recently, especially considering two students have taken their own lives on campus in the past six months. People are undeniably struggling, and there needs to be a better way for the university to support them. Although the university offers these mental health resources, there seems to be an agreement among students that they are not talked about and advertised properly.
In the past few weeks, UTSA has been advertising and pushing these resources to students via several emails, but freshman Maddie Rosemich, a marketing major,says “While there are a lot of mental health resources on campus, they mostly go unused or simply aren’t talked about enough.”
Students online via Reddit forums have spoken about how these resources are ineffective because they are not easily accessible, among other things. According to junior Olivia Barton majoring in Geography and Environmental Sustainability, “These resources are a hassle, and do not assist efficiently as it is a tedious process to get help.” It is clear that there is a problem in regards to the resources provided, whether it be due to a lack of public awareness about them, or the amount of effort it takes to actually use them.
In regards to the actual resources, they cater to a variety of people and situations. A 24-hour crisis line is available by calling 210-458-4140. There are group workshops in which students can speak with others struggling to feel less alone. There are free therapists and healthcare available, which is especially good for students who find themselves on their own for the first time. These tools should start to be discussed avidly by the university. They sent out a few emails and expected it to have reached people in need, but in reality, some people are unwilling to research these resources if they are struggling. The university needs to push for these resources in person, not just by sending friendly email reminders.
Junior Film Student Isaac Samson believes that “UTSA needs to provide more opportunities for peers to find these resources by hosting clinics, popups and more advertising.” If there was more awareness, people would not have to dig for information and would understand whatever is provided to them through the school in regards to help.
There seems to be a consensus from students online to the average conversation that change must happen for things to improve, and this is completely true. There needs to be more done in regard to mental health support, and students across the board share these sentiments.
