The Persuasive Research Essay

Synopsis/Reflection of Major Project 1

My topic is the mental health of students at SUNY New Paltz. I argue that New Paltz administrators should take additional steps to support students with mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. The solutions I offered included periodic screenings, life skills courses, and professional models to raise awareness.

I am passionate about mental health for various reasons. Throughout my life, I have dealt with social anxiety and mild paranoia. As a child, I was always very shy and nervous 

around my peers. My anxiety made it scary to reach out, so I mostly kept to myself. As a result, I lost several friendships and became something of a loner. Last semester, I battled symptoms of depression, including extreme fatigue and feelings of isolation/hopelessness. While these experiences were painful, they gave me strength and perspective. Most importantly, I gained a deep sense of empathy for those who are struggling. It pains me to know that people endure these hardships alone, because it is hard even with a strong support system. Therefore, I chose this topic in hopes of helping people who feel they have nowhere to turn. Mental health needs to be addressed because it is only getting worse, especially on college campuses. In today’s society, college students face massive academic, financial, and social pressure. This pressure is frequently harmful to their mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the mental health crisis. No student should lack access to effective health services or feel uncomfortable reaching out for help. From a logical perspective, studies have shown that poor mental health is linked to increases in academic failure and dropout rate. I hope that people who read my essay will have compassion towards students who struggle with mental health. Furthermore, I want administrators to take this issue seriously and consider my solutions.

Link to Sample Research Essay for ENG170

 

Persuasive Research Essay Final Copy

How SUNY New Paltz Can Combat the College Mental Health Crisis

                                                                                                             

On March 13, 2020, I received an email from my high school informing me that the school would be closed for a few days after several students tested positive for COVID-19. At the time, I had no idea that I would never set foot in the school as a student again. Quarantine was my first encounter with depression, although I have always suffered from anxiety. Since then, my mental health has been erratic, with a mix of good and bad periods. However, far too many people my age go through much worse than I do. Research has demonstrated that college students are among the greatest victims of mental health problems. College can be incredibly stressful, and widespread social media usage only adds to the pressure that students face. These challenges often have negative effects on students’ mental and emotional state. As the mental health crisis on college campuses continues to grow, it is crucial that schools do whatever possible to support those who are struggling. I believe that SUNY New Paltz administrators should endorse the central counseling center and provide a greater variety of resources to students, such as periodic screenings and life skills courses.

The number of college students that experience mental health challenges has risen significantly over the past decade. According to a study by Mary Duffy and Jean Twenge, rates of depression, anxiety, nonsuicidal self-injury, and suicidal attempts among U.S. college students markedly increased from 2007 to 2018 (590). Consequently, suicide rates have also increased over the same period. It is fair to say that a lack of proper mental health services contributed to many of these deaths. While most students do not commit suicide, mental health problems frequently lead to major behavioral issues that negatively impact schools. For example, “nearly two-thirds of students who develop substance abuse problems also are found to suffer from mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression” (“What Parents Need to Know”). Poor mental health is also associated with academic failure and higher dropout rates. Therefore, students with mental health problems are less likely to be positive contributors to society. 

At SUNY New Paltz, the primary option for students with mental health issues is the Student Health and Counseling Center, which includes the Psychological Counseling Center (PCC). Through the PCC, students can schedule individual or group appointments with a therapist. These appointments can be held in-person, online, or by phone. The PCC also offers workshops throughout the semester, each of which pertains to a different component of mental health. For example, “All of Me” is a weekly session that is geared towards individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, SUNY New Paltz recently partnered with a student-athlete mental wellness app called AthleteTalk. The school’s website states that AthleteTalk “utilizes a social media wellness feed, multi-day wellness plans, wellness videos and more to engage athletes in mental health workouts” (“SUNY New Paltz Athletics”). Although these are valuable resources, they have problems that need to be addressed. While the AthleteTalk partnership will likely benefit student-athletes, it excludes the vast majority of the student body. In addition, the major concern with the PCC is its lack of accessibility. The Student Health and Counseling Center is a relatively small building located near the outskirts of campus. It is very easy to miss, and many students live too far from it. Additionally, some people may be afraid to pick up the phone and call. Therefore, our school needs to do more to promote the PCC and encourage students to visit.

One way to promote the PCC is to educate students, faculty, and the New Paltz community on mental health disorders. Unfortunately, many people either do not understand or have an inaccurate view of mental illness. This can be attributed to various factors, such as the misrepresentation and stigmatization of mental health in mass media. Proper education is an essential step to greater awareness and sensitivity. The more people who understand mental health and how to help those who are struggling, the safer the community will be. This concept is commonly known as the public health approach. As the name suggests, this approach emphasizes a collective understanding of various aspects of mental illness (Parcover). This can be achieved through classroom activities, wellness seminars, fundraising events, and much more. It is important to be able to identify signs and symptoms of these conditions, as well as different forms of treatment. Faculty, staff and students should be taught the REDFLAGS model. REDFLAGS is an acronym for eight common warning signs of mental illness. The goal of REDFLAGS is to foster an environment in which people look out for each other and notice changes in mood and behavior. Multiple studies have shown that the REDFLAGS model is multidimensional and will generally lead to an increase in peer-to-peer counseling referrals (Kalkbrenner et al. 243-261). Those who are knowledgeable about the signs of deteriorating mental health are much more likely to reach out for help, whether it be for themselves or others. This is crucial because mental health problems are often downplayed, making them easy to miss. 

Another measure that administrators could take to raise mental health awareness is to provide regular screenings. A screening is a short exam that evaluates one’s overall health. The goal is to look for potential problems that may not be showing symptoms. Screenings would be a simple, non-intrusive approach to assessing students’ mental well-being. They could be conducted on a monthly basis, similar to the campus policy for COVID-19 testing. Due to the pressure of a collegiate setting, negative feelings can mount very quickly. Therefore, it is vital that students be checked on somewhat frequently. The questions would be straightforward, such as, “How often do you feel strong negative emotions (sadness, anger, anxiety, etc.)?” The answers to these questions would be easy to interpret and assess. One idea for an additional step would be to contact students’ parents for a brief description of their mental health history. The main issue with screenings is that people may answer dishonestly. If there is cause for concern, the PCC could reach out to a student’s parent(s) to inform them and ask for additional information. Several universities have implemented similar concepts to great success. The University of Bristol recently introduced a system in which students can allow parents to be contacted about health issues. In 2020, 93% of students opted in, and 36 cases of extreme concern were reported (Coughlan). SUNY New Paltz should make this option available to students. I strongly believe that a considerable number of people would opt in.

Because the transition to college is stressful, New Paltz should offer courses helping students to make this transition. Leaving home and learning how to live independently can be detrimental to one’s mental health. My cousin Maddie, who graduated from Duke University in 2020, was in this situation during her first year. When asked about her mental state throughout college, Maddie said, “It definitely got better over time – Freshman year was the hardest. During my second semester, my mom flew down and took me to the hospital because I was so overwhelmed and scared. I felt like a danger to myself.” Freshman year often feels like a bottomless pit of homework, homesickness, social pressure, and new responsibilities. The best way for schools to combat this is to teach students about college life and prepare them for its challenges. I feel that SUNY New Paltz should offer basic life skills courses, considering that they are not included in many high school curricula. These classes would cover the basics of time, stress, and finance management. They could also teach students how to plan meals, make schedules, and maintain a healthy balance between schoolwork and everyday life. A potential model for the course(s) is a project-based learning (PBL) model. PBL courses are based on problem-solving rather than lectures and exams. Students are asked to design and complete projects, many of which require solving multiple problems during the process. Numerous studies have demonstrated that PBL courses are effective in helping students develop important life skills (Qureshi and Wurdinger, 280). These skills include creativity, time management, collaboration, communication, self-control, and task initiation. Perhaps SUNY New Paltz could create life skills courses that incorporate elements of project-based learning. Students could be given real-life scenarios that apply to their lives, such as making weekly schedules.

Because SUNY New Paltz is a public school without a large endowment, administrators may argue that the creation of new programs would be too costly. However, I believe that many parents would be willing to pay a bit of extra money if it could benefit their children. The main hurdle would be creating a life skills curriculum and finding people to teach them. However, I think that some upperclassmen would be willing to teach once or twice a week for less money. They are the most knowledgeable group about adjusting to life at SUNY New Paltz, and underclassmen could easily relate to them. Additionally, it would provide valuable teaching experience for education majors.

Mental health is an issue that affects every single person within the SUNY New Paltz system. It dictates how we navigate the obstacles of everyday life and deal with adversity. A campus that prioritizes mental health is a campus that is more vibrant than it would be otherwise. In addition, a positive mindset motivates people to be successful in every facet of life. I acknowledge that these changes will not completely erase the mental health crisis on campus. However, it is impossible to achieve true change without making an effort. At the very least, my ideas would get the ball rolling in an effort to address mental health.

Works Cited

Coughlan, Sean. “Would parents be told about student mental health crisis?” BBC News. 9 Feb. 2022, Would parents be told about student mental health crisis? – BBC News. Accessed 18 Apr. 2022.

Duffy, Mary, et al. “Trends in Mood and Anxiety Symptoms and Suicide-Related Outcomes Among U.S. Undergraduates, 2007–2018: Evidence From Two National Surveys.” Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 65, no. 5, November 2019, pp. 590-598. ScienceDirect, Trends in Mood and Anxiety Symptoms and Suicide-Related Outcomes Among U.S. Undergraduates, 2007–2018: Evidence From Two National Surveys – ScienceDirect.

Kalkbrenner, Michael T. et al. “A Mental Health Literacy Approach to Supporting First-Generation Community College Student Mental Health: The REDFLAGS Model.” Community College Review, vol. 49, no. 3, July 2021, pp. 243–61. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.1177/00915521211002893.

Parcover, Jason, et al. “Implementing a Public Health Approach to Addressing Mental Health Needs in a University Setting: Lessons and Challenges.” Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, vol. 29, no. 3, July 2015, pp. 197-210. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10p.1080/87568225.2015.1045781.

Qureshi, Mariam and Wurdinger, Scott. “Enhancing College Students’ Life Skills Through Project Based Learning.” Innovative Higher Education, vol. 40, no. 3, Springer Netherlands, 2014, pp. 279–86, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-014-9314-3.

“SUNY New Paltz Athletics, Wellness & Recreation Partners with Student-Athlete Wellness App AthleteTalk.” SUNY New Paltz Athletics. The State University of New York at New Paltz, 4 Feb. 2022, SUNY New Paltz Athletics, Wellness & Recreation Partners with Student-Athlete Wellness App AthleteTalk – SUNY New Paltz Athletics (nphawks.com). Accessed 8 Mar. 2022.

 

Persuasive Research Essay: Rough Draft

On March 13, 2020, I received an email from my high school informing me that the school would be closed for a few days after several students tested positive for COVID-19. At the time, I had no idea that I would never set foot in the school as a student again. Quarantine was my first experience with depression, and I have always suffered from anxiety. Since then, my mental health has been erratic, with a mix of good and bad periods. However, far too many people my age go through much worse than I do. Research has demonstrated that college students are among the greatest victims of mental health problems. College can be incredibly stressful, and widespread social media usage only adds to the pressure that students face. These challenges often have negative effects on students’ mental and emotional well-being. As the mental health crisis on college campuses continues to grow, it is crucial that schools do whatever possible to support those who are struggling. I believe that SUNY New Paltz should raise mental health awareness and provide a greater variety of resources to students, such as regular screenings and life skills courses.

At SUNY New Paltz, the primary option for students with mental health issues is the Student Health and Counseling Center, which includes the Psychological Counseling Center (PCC). Through the PCC, students can schedule individual or group appointments with a therapist. Although the PCC is a valuable resource, it has problems that need to be addressed. The major concern with the PCC is its lack of accessibility. The Student Health and Counseling Center is a relatively small building located near the outskirts of campus. It is very easy to miss, and many students live too far from it. Additionally, some people may be afraid to pick up the phone and call. Therefore, SUNY New Paltz needs to do more to promote the PCC and encourage people to visit. One way to accomplish this is to educate students, faculty, and families on mental health disorders. Proper education is an essential step to greater awareness and sensitivity. This is commonly known as a public health approach. As the name suggests, this approach emphasizes a collective understanding of various aspects of mental illness (Parcover). It is important to be able to identify signs and symptoms of these conditions, as well as different forms of treatment. Students who are knowledgeable about the warning signs of deteriorating mental health are much more likely to reach out for help, whether it be for themselves or others.

The transition to college is stressful and overwhelming for many students. My first semester was easily the most emotionally challenging period of my life. It felt like I was drowning in an ocean of homework, homesickness, social pressure, and new responsibilities. Developing life skills classes for freshmen would definitely facilitate the adjustment. One of the main causes of stress in young students is lack of preparation. Most high schools do not offer basic life skills courses that would be very beneficial to students. For example, “US students receive less than 8 hours of required nutrition education each school year, far below the 40 to 50 hours that are needed to reflect behavior change” (“Nutrition Education in US Schools”). Between managing a heavy course load, trying to make friends, and acclimating to an unfamiliar environment, it can be difficult to maintain healthy eating habits. These classes could also cover the basics of time, stress, and finance management, all of which are relevant to young adults. A potential model for the course(s) is a project-based learning (PBL) model. PBL courses are based on problem-solving rather than lectures and exams. Students are asked to design and complete projects, many of which require solving multiple problems during the process. Numerous studies have demonstrated that PBL courses are effective in helping students develop important life skills (Qureshi and Wurdinger, 280). These skills include creativity, time management, collaboration, communication, self-control, and task initiation. Perhaps SUNY New Paltz could create life skills courses that incorporate elements of project-based learning. Students could be given real-life scenarios that apply to their lives, such as making weekly schedules.

SUNY New Paltz is not a particularly affluent school. Many will argue that the implementation of new programs would be too costly. However, most of my ideas do not have to be expensive. There are countless ways to raise awareness without spending much money, and the mental health screenings would not be a financial concern. The main obstacle would be creating life skills courses and finding people to teach them. However, I believe that some upperclassmen would be willing to teach once or twice a week for less money.

Works Cited

Parcover, Jason, et al. “Implementing a Public Health Approach to Addressing Mental Health Needs in a University Setting: Lessons and Challenges.” Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, vol. 29, no. 3, July 2015, pp. 197-210. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10p.1080/87568225.2015.1045781.

Qureshi, Mariam and Wurdinger, Scott. “Enhancing College Students’ Life Skills Through Project Based Learning.” Innovative Higher Education, vol. 40, no. 3, Springer Netherlands, 2014, pp. 279–86, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-014-9314-3.

“Nutrition Education in US Schools.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nutrition Education in US Schools (cdc.gov)