2008 Woodie Awards
Cut screening marks Counseling Center's recent strides
Jill Radwi
Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: News
In a continued effort to address mental health issues, the Counseling Center featured a movie screening and discussion of the documentary Cut this past Monday in the Reamer Auditorium.
This film depicts the emotional aspect of self-mutilation, a rather prevalent problem on college campuses, from the perspective of teens, parents, and mental health professionals. Counseling Center Director Marcus Hotaling explains, "The movie is not a graphic representation of the issue, but more of a personal look at why people cut and alternative ways of coping."
Freshman Maggie Wilson notes, "It seems like an interesting idea, but not a topic that immediately appeals to me. While I understand that it's a problem, I am not sure I would want to see the documentary."
The Counseling Center chose cutting as an awareness topic since it seems to affect college-aged students more than any other group. About one in 12 people from this age group engages in cutting, typically as a means to cope with stress or depression.
Hotaling notes, "If the stats are applied to our campus, it would mean that almost 200 people cut, which is pretty significant."
It is more common for females to cut, though the amount of men using self-mutilation is on the rise. The Center hopes that people will be more apt to learn about this issue because it is a new topic. Students have heard a lot about subjects such as alcohol and sexual harassment, but cutting is addressed much more infrequently.
This outreach program is one of the first of its kind offered by the Counseling Center. In the past, the Center assumed what Hotaling calls, "a private practice mentality" in which students were welcome on a personal basis. Though Cut is not part of a series, the Center is looking into creating a movie series within the Minerva houses.
In addition, a suicide prevention program is in the works for spring term. The Center has involved itself with the Peer Assistants for Learning (PALs), residence life and athletics to increase awareness on campus. Other efforts include posters about mental health issues and a confidential online health screening. The Center has already applied for one grant this year and plans to apply for two more to fund additional improvements.
The Center has made many recent facility developments to construct a more comfortable and friendly atmosphere for students. Some of these changes include new lights, fresh paint, and new furniture, such as waiting room couches. In addition, Health Educator Amanda Tommell introduced nutritious snacks into the waiting area for those visiting the Center. Along with Tommell, psychologist Melissa Them joined Hotaling, clinician Jen Behrens, and receptionist Barb Michaelis to make up the Center's staff for this year.
"Although I personally have never been to the Counseling Center, I feel like it would be a comfortable environment to go to if I needed anything," comments freshman Freddie Dantus. "It sounds like they are making a lot of positive changes."
This film depicts the emotional aspect of self-mutilation, a rather prevalent problem on college campuses, from the perspective of teens, parents, and mental health professionals. Counseling Center Director Marcus Hotaling explains, "The movie is not a graphic representation of the issue, but more of a personal look at why people cut and alternative ways of coping."
Freshman Maggie Wilson notes, "It seems like an interesting idea, but not a topic that immediately appeals to me. While I understand that it's a problem, I am not sure I would want to see the documentary."
The Counseling Center chose cutting as an awareness topic since it seems to affect college-aged students more than any other group. About one in 12 people from this age group engages in cutting, typically as a means to cope with stress or depression.
Hotaling notes, "If the stats are applied to our campus, it would mean that almost 200 people cut, which is pretty significant."
It is more common for females to cut, though the amount of men using self-mutilation is on the rise. The Center hopes that people will be more apt to learn about this issue because it is a new topic. Students have heard a lot about subjects such as alcohol and sexual harassment, but cutting is addressed much more infrequently.
This outreach program is one of the first of its kind offered by the Counseling Center. In the past, the Center assumed what Hotaling calls, "a private practice mentality" in which students were welcome on a personal basis. Though Cut is not part of a series, the Center is looking into creating a movie series within the Minerva houses.
In addition, a suicide prevention program is in the works for spring term. The Center has involved itself with the Peer Assistants for Learning (PALs), residence life and athletics to increase awareness on campus. Other efforts include posters about mental health issues and a confidential online health screening. The Center has already applied for one grant this year and plans to apply for two more to fund additional improvements.
The Center has made many recent facility developments to construct a more comfortable and friendly atmosphere for students. Some of these changes include new lights, fresh paint, and new furniture, such as waiting room couches. In addition, Health Educator Amanda Tommell introduced nutritious snacks into the waiting area for those visiting the Center. Along with Tommell, psychologist Melissa Them joined Hotaling, clinician Jen Behrens, and receptionist Barb Michaelis to make up the Center's staff for this year.
"Although I personally have never been to the Counseling Center, I feel like it would be a comfortable environment to go to if I needed anything," comments freshman Freddie Dantus. "It sounds like they are making a lot of positive changes."
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