The importance of getting help on campus

By: Owen Rode

Email: Rodeo@findlay.edu

Kelly Catlin, a member of the U.S. women’s pursuit cycling team that won a silver at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and student at the University of Stanford, died at age 23. The cause of death was suicide

According to Dr. Andrea Mata, Associate Professor of Psychology and Faculty Athletics Representative at the University of Findlay, depression amongst students these days is becoming more prevalent.

“Our current college student body, across all schools, have significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to any other previous generations before,” said Mata. “And the burden that student athletes go through is like having the responsibility of a double major that requires your attention 24/7.”

According to collegedegreeresearch.net an average of 1,100 college students commit suicide per year while six percent of undergraduates students and four percent of graduate students have seriously contemplated suicide.

According to CNN, Caitlin’s family said that she was in a biking accident and had a concussion as a result. Ever since the incident she was never her normal self.

According to completeconcussions.com, it is very important to treat concussions like it is a life threatening sickness.

“Concussions are very dangerous and can result in many mental health issues. Depression. Anxiety. Confusion. Concentration problems. Emotional difficulties. Personality changes. Irritability. Memory issues.”

Catlin recently wrote a journal on velonews.com about how she balanced her cycling and personal goals, which she said was “like juggling with knives.”

Students at the University of Findlay have services available to them if for any reason they are feeling depressed, anxious, and or suicidal.

“Students who are experiencing anxiety or depression should go to the on campus counseling services,” said Mata. “There are three different counselors there who will talk to you about anything and everything you want to talk about while keeping everything confidential.”

If a student is experiencing any of these problems they can contact University of Findlay’s Counseling Services at 419-434-5567 or go to their location at 307 Frazer St. There is also the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.

 

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