May is Mental Health Awareness Month, giving UCLA students and campus organizations an opportunity to focus on mental health support.
Mental health often carries a stigma stemming from ignorance and cultural beliefs, which can create significant barriers to effective treatment, according to the Cureus Journal of Medical Science.
During May, individuals and organizations work together to reduce the stigma by educating the public and promoting resources for mental health conditions.
There are various campus resources available for students to support their mental health and well-being.
UCLA’s Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, is one of the university’s primary mental health resources for students. Nicole Presley, executive director of CAPS, said that CAPS offers a variety of services, including individual counseling and group therapy, designed to “foster the development of healthy well-being necessary for success in a complex global environment.”
The Resilience In Your Student Experience Center, or RISE Center is an extension of CAPS that provides students with free resources, including mental health workshops, trainings, drop-in consultations and self-directed resources.
In addition to university-run resources, there are various student clubs and organizations focused on mental health awareness and support. Active Minds at UCLA is an organization devoted to changing the conversation about mental health. The organization hosts events as well as weekly meetings and will hold its annual Mental Health Conference on May 23.
Despite resources such as CAPS, RISE and Active Minds at UCLA, students may still face barriers to accessing support, including the stigma and lack of awareness of these services.
Mental Health Awareness Month offers an opportunity for students to grow more aware of the support systems available across campus. While mental health awareness is spotlighted in May, mental health remains a crucial part of students’ well-being and UCLA’s resources are available for Bruins year-round.
