Mental Healthcare at the University of Pittsburgh

While National Mental Health Awareness Day has recently passed, we should be acknowledging mental health, the struggles of ourselves and others alike, and working towards beating the stigmas that come along with it every day—especially on college campuses. According to studies conducted by the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), a large portion of college students report mental illnesses as factors that hinder their academic potential. In fact, 30 percent of students cite depression in the past year so debilitating that they were unable to function normally. More than 50 percent experience crippling anxiety that makes the most mundane, everyday tasks, including education, nearly impossible to manage— over 50 PERCENT. What’s even more important to point out is that a good majority of these college students don’t seek out help on the basis of the stigma around mental illness.

Well, friends. I, too, fall into all of these categories, fighting internal and external battles with each new sunrise. If there’s something I’ve learned over the years, though, it’s that it’s ok to be vulnerable and ask for help when I need it. Seeking out help is a testament to incredible strength, and we owe it to ourselves to take such care of our minds, bodies, and spirits on a regular basis. Thankfully, the University of Pittsburgh advocates for healthy bodies and minds, too, affording us safe spaces on campus to combat even the tiniest stresses in our lives.

The University Counseling Center. Located in the Wellness Center on the second floor of Nordenberg Hall right next to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial. From now until April, on Mondays and Thursdays, the center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Just as the rest of campus is, the center is closed on all university acknowledged holidays.

Services the center offers include individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, specialized workshops, and LGBTQIA+ resources available for all enrolled Pitt students. Students can either call the center at 412-648-7930, or stop by the Wellness Center to make an appointment. Once an appointment has been made, the professionals on staff will then determine which treatment fits best for each student based on his or her own individual needs.

In the event of an emergency, students may also call the following numbers in the event of imminent danger:

· 911 or the Pitt Police: 412-624-2121

· Re:Solve Crisis Network: 1-888-796-8226

· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

In the event of a crisis or distress, with no risk of imminent danger, students are encouraged to call the UCC to make an appointment or walk-in during office hours. In addition, students may utilize the following numbers and action will be taken as soon as possible:

· General Mental Health Crisis: 412-648-7930

· Sexual Assault Response: 412-648-7856

Stress Free Zone. Located on the 3rd Floor of the William Pitt Union, the Stress Free Zone offers a cool and relaxing place where students can simply go to destress if only for a little while. Here, professionals working teach students how to practice proactive and reactive behaviors proven to reduce stress in the mind and body, both on short-term and long-term scales. Feel free to check it out by walking-in any time or attending regularly scheduled classes, free of charge provided by the university.

No matter what happens in life, mental health and well-being should always be prioritized. Life is hard enough as it is, and pressures of school, work, relationships, and social calendars further add to all of that stress. The university aims to keep all of us students happy and healthy while we navigate our own paths to success by providing services such as the ones mentioned above. I encourage all of you to consider seeking out the necessary help if you ever feel like you need it. You owe it to yourselves to love yourselves that much. I’m here for you. The university is here for you. And remember, “You is kind. You is smart. And you is important.”