The numbers are staggering — at least one estimate says almost one out of every 10 college students seriously considered suicide. A lot of people don't want to even talk about it. But one university is the first in the U.S. to give students the tools they need — right at their fingertips to fight those deadly odds.
Blowing off steam; it's a key part of college; because if you can't, the pressure too often can turn deadly.
"When you finish the first one it's like ok, now we have to study for the next quiz, so there's always something to be stressed about," said Drexel University Sophomore Isaac Adams.
That stress that can lead to anxiety, depression, binge-drinking and even worse
Paul Furtaw, PsyD, Associate Director of Counseling at Drexel University in Philadelphia said too many students avoid seeking help at campus counseling centers.
"They worry that they'll be seen as crazy, lazy, stupid, or bad, those are the things they tell us when they finally make it there, and I waited too long because this place means that I have a problem."
He knows delay can be deadly. So he's using the MindKare kiosk to help Drexel University's tech-savvy students who may be suffering.
"Having the kiosk, they get to take charge of it, that information is known only to them, it's totally confidential, totally anonymous, it's free, it's quick."
Quick enough that anyone who answers some questions gets immediate feedback about whether they have a problem, and, if necessary, the numbers to call and places to go for help.
It's the first of its kind in the nation, but Drexel officials don't want it to stop here. They want to save as many lives as possible.
Since last May, hundreds of students have used the kiosk in person and online. Many have told counselors they got help for mental health issues because they answered the questions.
Online resources are also available. To take a free an anonymous mental health assessment, https://mentalhealthscreening.org/
