New student organization to promote “Active Minds”

-- Vickie Lee-Her

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in four adults over 18 years old experience some form of a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year. With over 9,000 students enrolled at Metropolitan State University ranging in age between 15 and 71 years old, the campus is long overdue for some focus on mental health. A new student organization is forming to promote just that. The group is called Active Minds and their mission is to promote mental health awareness, education and advocacy on the Metropolitan State campus.

The Metropolitan State chapter of Active Minds was started by Madeline Sutherland who is a graduate of Metropolitan State’s Human Services Program and a tutor in the writing center. She was inspired to start the organization by a documentary film called “Depression, Out of the Shadows.” The film tells the stories of real Americans who suffer from depression and how it affects families, workplaces and each individual. It features celebrated scientists describing the latest neurological research and revolutionary new treatments for depression.

“I was interested in seeing it because I know firsthand of the suffering experienced by those who have mental and emotional illnesses,” says Sutherland. “When I was in my twenties and attending a community college, I had what I now know were anxiety attacks. I didn’t know what was happening to me.”

Fortunately, Sutherland was able to overcome her anxiety at the time but she experienced difficulties she hopes the new organization will be able to help others avoid. For example, Sutherland felt like she was “going crazy” and was not aware that she could get help for her the way she was feeling.

“I began to think about Metropolitan State’s students, and wondered what more could be done to assist them in getting the help they need,” she says.

Using her resources on campus, Sutherland worked with Dr. Vesna Hampel-Kozar, Director of Student Counseling and Career Services, to find Active Minds, an organization which promotes and helps student groups on college campuses nationwide and in Canada carry out the Active Minds mission. According to the Web site, the mission of Active Minds is to:
•Increase awareness of mental health issues;
•Provide information and resources regarding mental health and mental illness;
•Encourage students to seek help as soon as it is needed;
•Serve as liaison between students and the mental health community.

This mission paired with Sutherland’s passion seemed to come together perfectly. With the help of the national Active Minds organization, the new student organization at Metropolitan State will be blessed with many resources and information.

“While Active Minds participants will not provide a therapeutic support group for students needing help, they will act as referral sources,” explains Sutherland.

The group already has over 30 students working together to establish Active Minds and is still looking for members. Students interested in promoting mental health and helping those in need are encouraged to join. Sutherland suggests students enrolled in studies such as psychology, nursing, human services, social work, chemical dependency or community psychology may be particularly interested in joining as it aligns with their majors.

“Those who have dealt with mental illness have firsthand knowledge and may have a lot to contribute to this group,” says Sutherland. “They can benefit greatly from getting involved by helping others with similar problems.”

The Active Minds organization can provide students with the opportunity to learn more about mental illness and wellness. In addition, as the organization is new, members will be able to sharpen their leadership, planning and goal setting skills. The group will work to plan events such as speaker presentations, film viewings and panel discussions.

If you are interested in learning more about Metropolitan State’s chapter of Active Minds, contact Jennifer Rushenberg by e-mail at rushenje@go.metrostate.edu or Madeline Sutherland by e-mail at madeline.sutherland@metrostate.edu.