You're crazy.

I applaud Brittni Garcia's article "Mental Disorders Common Among Students" and might add that this should be the first of many such articles and public discussions not only about the prevalence of mental illness and emotional disorders, but also about the stigma of seeking treatment for the same. How many times have we heard about a young adult, or any person for that matter, committing suicide? In many such instances, treatment for the very common case of depression was not sought, due in part to anxiety on the part of the individual about not wanting to be seen as weak, in need of help or fearing he/she might be perceived as "crazy." The first comment after the story is testimony to the attitude many have about serious, thoughtful and well-informed discussion of this topic. This is just to say we can operate a state-of-the-art counseling center, but it is the stigma of mental illness that will keep those who might benefit from it from using it. Go Panthers!

-Steve Morice
Minneapolis, Minnesota

I am a product of the EIU counseling center and believe strongly in their effectiveness. I am currently a mental health advocate and speaker on these issues. I speak on college campuses all around the country and, yes, there are more students coming to college with existing challenges and more severe challenges. The important thing is that we encourage a stigma free environment on campus and that we encourage people to seek help. We must also note that help seeking takes time and energy. You must be strong enough to keep looking for the right counselor and treatment that works for you.