Diverse Education reports on the revamping of higher education’s mental health policies, amidst students feeling affected from the last two years as they return to in-person classrooms. Diana Cusumano, director of the JED Foundation’s campus and wellness initiatives, says, “I keep going back to [the idea] that school administrators need to lead with compassion. … Administrators need to continue to be flexible — not just with students, but also with staff. Remember that [people] might still be burnt out from the spring semester.” The article notes that students of color are also at risk of increased rates of mental distress, anxiety, and depression. The multitude of factors, especially for students of color, may influence more students wanting to take a medical leave or leave of absence to focus on their mental health.
NPR News covers how student athletes may have quicker and easier access to mental health than their non-athlete peers. Nationwide, counseling centers report being overwhelmed by student demand, often limiting and capping the number of sessions with students reporting long delays. Athletic programs may be equipped with specific counselors accessible to only athletes. Reporter Alisa Roth recounts the story of A ‘Shon Riggins, “As a football player, Riggins could see a counselor in the athletic department right away, for as many sessions as he needed and at no cost. Same is true for all student athletes at IU. Athletes at more and more schools now have quicker, easier access to mental health care. The question is whether that’s fair to their classmates who don’t play sports.”