NEW YORK (PIX11) -- As we approach May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, we are taking a closer look at what our youth are dealing with.
An overwhelming number of college students today meet the criteria for at least one mental health condition.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in that age group. Now, there’s a program gaining traction on campuses nationwide to help students cope with issues before they reach a crisis point.
The program is called Radical Health. It was established by the Radical Hope Foundation in memory of Chris Martin. Martin died by suicide in 2017. Like many students, Chris experienced emotional isolation and personal struggle. The program empowers and equips young adults with the tools and coping skills they need to build resilience before they reach a crisis point.
PIX11 visited Pace University's campus in Pleasantville to take a look at how the program has worked there. The Radical Health Program runs for four weeks each semester at Pace. Since its first session in 2020, it’s helped nearly 1,000 students on campus.
"Students have always had stressors," said Jerry McKinstry, assistant vice president of Public Affairs at Pace. "I think COVID set it to another level, and at a university, we were seeing it day in and day out."
McKinstry adds that COVID-19 disrupted education and isolated students. It was during the pandemic when the Radical Health team reached out to see if Pace wanted to be a part of their pilot program. "We were hearing from students that they were struggling," adds McKinstry.
Annika Blas-Cedeno is from California. She’s got her hands full with her studies, the volleyball team, and the Sophomore Honor Society.
"Being open and vulnerable with how we’re feeling and being able to recognize that," said Blas-Cedeno. "It's having a safe community to talk about it."
They meet once a week to freely and openly discuss their mental well-being, and they do it, most importantly, without judgment and without stigma. They meet in small groups of like-minded Pace students who are facing the same pressures and challenges.
The first week focuses on strengthening emotional intelligence, like connecting and communicating. Week 2, on principles and priorities, meaning self-awareness and time management. The third week is about building resilience, as in self-care and handling stress. Finally, the last week asks 'how do I get there' and 'how to create positive outcomes.'
Stephanie Spruck went through the program as a freshman. Now in her senior year, she is a peer guide for Radical Health, and she's leading the session we sat in on. Spruck says the students are learning skills they can take beyond campus and into the real world one day.
"We know college is a naturally stressful environment," said Spruck. "Radical Health pioneered that conversation where we are being there for students and telling them, we understand."
According to the latest Healthy Minds Study, more than 60% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem. That's a 50% increase since 2013. 44% report symptoms of depression. 37% experienced anxiety. 15% said they were considering suicide.
Since its inception five years ago, Radical Health has partnered with more than 70 campuses nationwide.
Luis Marquez is a freshman at Pace and says the program has helped him tremendously. "I knew how it felt and why it was so lonely, and I feel like we need to educate people before it gets to the crisis point and asks how can I get help?"
Junior Hannah Mills first participated in Radical Health in her freshman year and found it to be a resource. She's taking it again this semester.
"It's being aware of when I can take quiet moments for myself, and it has been really important," said Mills.
While participation in the program is voluntary, it's garnered such positive feedback, Pace officials have considered making it a requirement
"They bond over the fact that they all want to not only belong, but to deal with the stressors of everyday life," said Sue Maxam, Asst. Provost for Wellness at Pace.
The Radical Health program has been so successful that it's now spread beyond colleges and universities. The NFL is said to be using it for some of its rookie players.
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