“If we were meant to be alone, we would each have our own little pockets of land.”
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and across Georgia Southern’s Statesboro, Savannah, and Swainsboro campuses, students are surrounded by resources, wellness activities, and supportive communities designed to remind them that they do not have to navigate stress and mental health challenges alone.
For Ms. Jadeshala Humphries, Associate Director of Outreach and Community Engagement at the Counseling Center, this month is not only about raising awareness nationally, but also about supporting students through one of the most stressful times of the academic year. Between finals, graduation and major life transitions, May can bring both excitement and overwhelming pressure for students. Mental health should be cared for year-round.
While Mental Health Awareness Month shines a spotlight on wellness, Humphries emphasized that conversations surrounding mental health should not be limited to one month out of the year.
“I think this month overall brings a heightened level of awareness to mental health concerns,” Humphries said. “But especially on a college campus, it’s about making sure students are okay and helping them take care of themselves during a stressful time.”
She believes colleges should continuously create spaces where students feel supported and informed about available resources.
“We don’t just say, ‘come see us.’ We say, ‘we’ll come to you.’”
Humphries explained that combining wellness activities with conversations about mental health can make students feel more comfortable engaging with support systems.
Through partnerships with organizations like Student Wellness and Health Promotion, Campus Recreation and Intramural Sports (CRI), housing staff and student leadership programs, counselors are able to connect with students in familiar and comfortable environments. Meeting students where they already are, rather than expecting them to seek help on their own, creates a stronger sense of community.
Across campus, there are places to relax, talk to someone and decompress whenever needed. The Counseling Center also leads events such as yoga and meditation sessions, wellness programming, SOLD leadership presentations and outreach events designed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health services.
The Counseling Center has also expanded its outreach through social media and campus events, including an open house where students can tour the office, meet staff members, and learn more about available services in a relaxed setting.
“I feel like that helped reduce the stigma,” Humphries said. “Students could actually come in, see the space and understand what counseling looks like.”
Present All Year Long
The Counseling Center will remain open during the summer. Students can still access one-on-one counseling, relationship counseling, same-day solution sessions and 24/7 crisis support throughout the summer months.
Students who leave campus are also encouraged to continue prioritizing their mental health. Humphries noted that students located in Georgia can still access virtual counseling services, while additional support is available through UWill, an online mental health platform available through Georgia Southern. Case management services are also available to help students connect with resources in their hometowns if needed.
As the semester comes to an end, Humphries encourages students to reflect on the habits and coping strategies that supported them throughout the year.
“Take inventory,” Humphries said. “What worked well for your mental health this semester? What didn’t?”
Whether it is taking walks, reconnecting with support systems, or practicing self-care routines, Humphries encourages students to continue carrying those healthy habits into the summer.
For students who may be struggling quietly, Humphries offered a reminder that many students need to hear.
“It’s okay to not be okay,” Humphries said. “Seeking help is not weakness. It shows self-awareness.”
College students often feel pressure to have everything figured out, but learning, growing, and asking for support are all part of the process.
“If we were meant to be alone, we would all be on our own islands somewhere,” Humphries said. “Students are surrounded by resources and people who care, and they don’t have to go through things alone.”