Class. Work. Family. Life. In the dynamic landscape of higher education, mental health has emerged as a silent, yet formidable force in shaping students’ academic journey. From navigating coursework to social interactions, the relationship between mental well-being and collegiate performance holds profound implications for students' success.
According to the National Education Association, 60 percent of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health issue such as depression or anxiety. At Ivy Tech Sellersburg, Pauletta Stewart, Director of Mental Health Counseling, has seen students dealing with social anxiety, grief over the death of a loved one or the loss of a relationship, and other challenges that can make schoolwork seem like too much to bear.
“You come in as a student to better your life, but you're bringing life to school with you,” said Stewart. “And that can include the stress of raising families and making bill payments, all while trying to maintain your academics.”
Take student Jasmine Malone as an example. As a single mother, Jasmine was struggling to deal with grief while attempting to balance the stresses of life with academics. The strain seemed to be overwhelming, and Jasmine considered giving up her college endeavors. “I was trying to take care of myself while I was grieving, going to school, and taking care of three kids,” Malone recalls. “I was doing well academically, but the enthusiasm wasn’t there. My attitude wasn’t great, and I was tired a lot. It really took a toll on my mental health.”
Malone knew she needed help. Browsing through Ivy Tech’s website, Jasmine came across the Ivy Cares program which offers Ivy Tech students a variety of no-cost resources such as food access, childcare assistance, mental health services, and more. That is where Jasmine was able to get connected with Stewart, who helped Malone find the balance she needed to keep going.
“I think Jasmine represents a lot of students here,” Stewart said. “I try to meet students where they are in their journey. A lot of students present with anxiety and depression, which can interfere with your concentration and problem-solving skills. I try to give them an outlet where they can talk, work through challenges, and recognize the resilience they possess to overcome it.”
Ivy Tech Sellersburg added Stewart as an on-campus counselor beginning in the summer of 2023, so students could have access to in-person mental health services whenever they needed them. Students can reach out to her via the Ivy Assist website, phone, email, or just by bumping into her in the hallway. “I try to be very visible on campus,” Stewart said. While the goal is to address mental health concerns so the student can continue their academic journey, Stewart recognizes that in some cases, students require a higher level of care which may mean taking a break from school. “It looks different from student to student,” she said.
Malone, however, found the support she needed to press forward. “I found Ms. Stewart, and I just kept going,” said Malone. “At first, I was seeing her every week. Then it was bi-weekly. And now, I think it's been a month. Gradually, it’s getting better. I know that because I use the skills she taught me without having to visit her. I feel like that’s proof my journey is getting better, and I’m doing better mentally.”
A student celebrates with her family at Ivy Tech Sellersburg’s graduation ceremony.
Malone is about halfway through her academic journey at Ivy Tech Sellersburg, where she’s studying Criminal Justice. She hopes to one day become a defense attorney or a judge. The mental health support she’s received from Stewart through Ivy Tech Sellersburg has helped her to keep those dreams alive. “They've made a big difference, because I'm not who I was when I began the process,” Malone said. “It hasn’t been a full year yet, and I'm still becoming who I really want to be. And I couldn't have done this as easily without the programs that Ivy Tech offers.”
Stewart gives Malone all the credit. “I'm proud, but the work is on the student,” she said. “I'm there beside them on the journey. I'm holding the map and saying, ‘Hey, we need to turn this way.’ It's up to them if they want to put in the work. But I’m very proud to see anytime that a student has successfully completed their program.”
It’s clear to see the direct correlation between students’ mental health and their academic success. When colleges, such as Ivy Tech Sellersburg, invest in mental health resources for college students, not only can it make a difference in the students’ lives, but also impact their surrounding communities. Interested in learning more about mental health support or other programs available to students at Ivy Tech Sellersburg? Contact the team by phone at 812-246-3301, ext. 4421, visit the Ivy Cares website, or email sellersburg-ivycares@ivytech.edu.
