BY HALEY VELASCO
San Jacinto College’s Robert Murray discusses student needs In an interview with Community Impact , Robert Murray, San Jacinto College’s director of mental health services, discussed the current state of mental health among college students. San Jacinto College deployed new measures to assist students in 2022, and there was a 60% increase in students receiving services between academic years, Murray said. How would you describe the current state of mental health among San Jacinto College students? Like many students across the nation, some San Jacinto College students show increased levels of anxiety, depression and stress. These chal- lenges often place additional strain on students’ social-emotional wellbeing and academic success. However, students demonstrate resilience, and an increasing number are seeking resources and support to address their concerns. Many students engage in counseling services to understand and learn ways to cope with daily life struggles they are experiencing. Have you noticed any new or emerging trends in students’ mental health over the past year? Over the past year, there has been a noticeable increase in student anxiety related to academic demands and the current political climate. We have also observed that some students are turning to arti cial intelligence as a means of social connec- tion and as a tool to seek mental health support.
What stressors are impacting students the most today—academically, socially or nancially? As a college that serves a high number of rst gen- eration and economically disadvantaged students, San Jacinto College sees nancial stress impacts students the most. Many students are experiencing challenges related to food and housing insecurity, coupled with the costs of education. Despite these challenges, students continue to actively seek support and utilizing available resources to remain engaged in their academic goals. What factors most in uence a student’s social- emotional wellbeing in college? Students need to create or maintain connection to maintain their social-emotional wellbeing in college. Students not only need a connection to the school, but with their family, peers and community that supports them. Is there anything you wish more people knew about the pressures college students face? Our students face many pressures that often intersect—many are balancing work, home and family responsibilities while pursuing their college education. This combination of demands can create signi cant stress, anxiety and depression, negatively a ecting their mental health and, in turn, impacting their academic performance and long-term success. What message do you want to leave with students, families or readers about prioritizing mental health? Mental health is essential for maintaining balance while working toward your goals. Experiencing challenges with your mental health is not a sign of weakness, but a re ection of resilience. As we often remind our students, we cannot e ectively take care of others unless we take care of ourselves.
COURTESY ROBERT MURRAY, DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
Some signs a student may be struggling emotionally
Changes in class attendance, academic interest or performance
Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
Seeming overwhelmed, irritable, anxious or withdrawn from others
Changes in sleep or appetite
Expressions of hopelessness
SOURCE: SAN JACINTO COLLEGE COMMUNITY IMPACT
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .
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