Lizzie Swanson ’28
Chief News Editor
Suicide is the second largest cause of death in college students, only after accident based events. Roughly 12 young people (aged 15-24) commit suicide everyday, as collected and reported on by the University of Connecticut. Additionally, the National Education Association states over 60 percent of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem. Here at Holy Cross, monitoring student mental health is a priority. COPE (Counseling Outreach Peer Educators) and CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) are just two ways in which Holy Cross works to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and help students in need. As stated in their mission statement, “COPE provides education, resources, and referrals to promote psychological health.” These peer educators meet one-on-one with students to discuss life on the Hill and beyond, and when needed, can refer them to CAPS. Together, both CAPS and COPE worked together this past Tuesday, September 23rd, to bring awareness to these issues on the Hoval in an event called “Fresh Check Day.” Fresh Check Day is a nationally held event across college campuses. Working to bring mental health awareness to the forefront of students’ minds, a variety of booths and activities are offered to help inform students. As reported on by the Fresh Check Day official organization, 1 in every 10 college students contemplates suicide. One particular booth asked students to sign their name on the tablecloth, verifying that they will be 1 out of the 9 to help their peers in need. As one of the tables on the Hoval reported, 40 percent of college students experience overwhelming anxiety. Additionally, 30 percent have felt so depressed that it was difficult to function.
However, Fresh Check Day emphasizes the importance of not glamorizing suicide and self harm. By categorizing suicide as an “epidemic” or that its numbers are “skyrocketing”, these words in term normalize the practice and stifles the conversation we have around it. Instead, students are encouraged to be mindful about how they speak about such a complex and heavy topic. Referring to suicide as “successful” or unsuccessful” and using words such as “failed attempt” implies there is an accomplishment behind suicide. However, there is nothing “successful” about suicide. The CAPS office encouraged students to take a two minute self-assessment test about possible symptoms for depression, PTSD, OCD, and other various mental illnesses. After taking the test, students had the opportunity to sit down with a counselor and briefly chat about the resources on campus available to them. Therapy dog Tomo was accompanied by handler and owner, Kim O’Neil at the event, helping students relax with a snuggle from the “goodest boy on campus.” Joined by CAPS and COPE were the Relationship Peer Educators (RPE), eager to talk about the importance of dismantling rape culture on college campuses. Holy Cross offers a variety of on campus resources (both confidential and non-confidential) regarding sexual assault. Just to name a few, The Office of Title IX, Health Services, CAPS, The Chaplains Office, and the Office of Public Safety are all resources students can consult about sexual misconduct as well as struggles pertaining to mental health.
The Relationship Peer Educators additionally partnered with “One Love Foundation,” a national non-profit organization dedicated to ending relationship abuse. One pamphlet outlined 10 signs of a healthy relationship: Comfortable Pace, Honesty, Respect, Kindness, Healthy Conflict, Trust, Independence, Equality, Taking Responsibility, Fun. The Peer Wellness Coaches additionally hosted their own table, discussing mood and anxiety disorders. They reported (according to ACNA) that “more than 27 percent of college students have been diagnosed or treated for anxiety in the past year and more than 22 percent reported being diagnosed or treated for depression.” Additionally, SHAPE (Student Health Awareness Peer Educators hosted a positivity table in which students were encouraged to write uplifting messages about themselves on a post it note and stick it to a mirror. These messages were intended to help promote body positivity in addition to starting a conversation about self image. Messages reading “Don’t value your body over your being” and “Beauty is not a feeling. Not a size, shape, or color” were vibrantly posted around their table, encouraging students to find meaning within themselves and not seek external validation. General member Kristen Timpano ‘28 expressed her own sentiments regarding Fresh Check Day to The Spire. “I think it’s important for students to express their concerns, but also recognize that other people may be experiencing the same feelings as them. We are not alone in our journeys and Fresh Check Day helps remind us of that.”
One of the most impactful tables on the Hoval was one titled “Elephant in the Room.” Students were encouraged to anonymously write topics they wished were discussed more so that the stigma surrounding them could be broken down. A few responses are as follows: Panic attacks, men’s mental health awareness, stress related to family and academics, being a person of color, alcoholism, eating disorders, social media comparison and addiction, and not being “good/worthy” enough. The Chaplain’s Office also hosted their own table, highlighting LGBT+ mental health. Those who are a part of the LGBT+ community are at a greater risk for suicide. Students were able to make friendship bracelets, enjoy a snow cone, and learn more about promoting mental health acceptance for all with the help of Assistant Chaplain Omondi Andrew and Mary LaVigne. As several students perused from table to table, faculty and student leaders checked off a bingo card they were handed at the beginning. If a student walked around to all the tables, they would receive a meal voucher (from the food truck Moo-licious, the moo-ving cookie bakery) and a raffle ticket. The College of the Holy Cross offers a variety of mental health resources for students and faculty alike to take advantage of if needed, as exemplified by the success of Fresh Check Day.
Featured image courtesy of College of the Holy Cross
Copy Edited by Annamaria DeCamp ’27
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