Why are we afraid to seek help when we’re desperate?

This story addresses topics such as suicide, depression, anxiety.

By now we’ve all heard about the “medical emergency” at Scully over break. This was not the first event of its kind this year.

In January, junior Audrey Dantzlerward was found dead in her dorm room. Her death was later ruled as a suicide. And in the infamous lawsuit of 2014, a student by the initials of W.P. sued the University on the grounds mental health discrimination.

The administration isn’t oblivious to Princeton’s mental health crisis. Last year, UHS released data reports conducted in 2013 concerning the mental health and stress of Princeton undergrads. Here are the main takeaways:

Students report similar levels of depression and anxiety compared to the nation average:

Princeton University 2013 ACHA-NCHA II

And lower rates than the national averages for the following diagnoses:

Princeton University 2013 ACHA-NCHA II

But surprise, our stress levels are noticeably higher:

Princeton University 2013 ACHA-NCHA II

So basically we’re more stressed, but less anxious and depressed than everyone else? Something here just doesn’t add up.

The key lies in the word “diagnosed.” If students aren’t getting medical treatment, then they can’t be officially diagnosed. But just because students aren’t going to CPS doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering.

And guess what? A lot of people aren’t going to CPS. Students who use CPS are overwhelmingly female, white, and straight. Granted, the diversity stats of our student body itself may account in part for that, but still:

Princeton University 2013 ACHA-NCHA II

CPS may offer top-rated services, but if students aren’t using them, then they aren’t much help. The real question is: Why are many students not seeking help through the University?

One reason? The aftermath W.P.’s court case: Students are afraid that if they report suicidal thoughts to CPS, they will be forced to leave Princeton.

“That’s just not true,” says Ariana Mirzada ’18, founder of Princeton’s TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms) chapter, a  non-profit organization for mental health awareness and support.

“I think that a lot of students are afraid of admitting they need help and going to CPS, but it’s not something they will get punished for. I personally know someone who has gone to McCosh because he was afraid of relapsing and having suicidal thoughts. They arranged for him to stay the night. I’ve only heard of very rare cases where a student is an immediate danger to themself or to others that the administration would get involved.”

Mirzada comments, “TWLOHA has a great relationship with CPS. We see ourselves as a bridge to connect students with the resources they need. And it’s a very common need. We aim to create an open dialogue about mental health, as well as to end the stigma that surrounds these issues.”

Other campus resources include the Mental Health Initiative and U Matter.

The Tab contacted a U Matter representative to include “Connecting Matters” in this piece. He referred us to the University spokesperson, who unfortunately has not responded for comment.

For those who are still wary of CPS, there are other options, like CONTACT, the Mercer County hotline and chat service. Both are free and anonymous.

“It’s very common for students to use CONTACT, especially CrisisChat,” says a student volunteer. “The most important thing is to know that someone out there is listening. Everyone is affected by stress, and a lot of people have these feelings. Isolation is what’s most dangerous.”

So how do we end suicide and minimize depression at Princeton? I wish I had the answer. There’s something underlying in the campus culture of many universities. Maybe it’s the combination of a high-stress environment coupled with the pressure to keep up appearances.

The point is, we have a problem. The best thing we can do is to continue keeping up awareness about mental health year round, not just after another incident.