Mental health issues are a reality for millions of people across the country. Young people are especially at risk, with half of college students reporting that they have been stressed to a point where they couldn’t function during the past year. The impact of mental illness is so devastating that suicide is the third leading cause of death among all people ages 15-24.
The good news is that nearly all mental health issues can be improved with proper treatment. When we decrease the stigma around mental health and encourage help-seeking, we can change and save lives. Through Half of Us, mtvU and The Jed Foundation aim to initiate a public dialogue to raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues and connect students to the appropriate resources to get help.
Getting Started
Have you or a friend been feeling stressed, anxious, sad, hopeless, irritable or unfocused? It’s OK to answer “yes” if that’s the case. These feelings could be normal, but they could also be something that requires help to overcome. If you were in physical pain, you’d get it checked out. Mental health is just as important. Reach out for support or encourage a friend to ask for help.
Remember, many of us struggle with depression, but all of us have the power to help ourselves and others by fighting the stigma around mental health and speaking up when we need support. Here’s what you can do:
- See Mary J Blige, Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy as well as young people from across the country share their personal experiences.
- Learn more about depression, bipolar disorder, suicide, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and addiction.
- Explore the resources in your community and on your college campus.
- Find ways to help a friend in need.
- Use your voice to show that love is louder than the pain.
mtvU AP 2010 Technology and Mental Health Poll
(Executive Summary)(Full Survey and Responses)
An examination of how technology and constant connection is impacting college students’ mental health – 10/10
mtvU AP 2009 Economy, College Stress and Mental Health Poll:
(Executive Summary)(Full Survey and Responses)
An in-depth look at the effect of the economy and other factors on college students’ mental health – 5/09
mtvU AP 2008 College Stress and Mental Health Poll:
(Executive Summary)(Full Survey and Responses)
An examination of how stress, the Iraq war, the economy and other factors are affecting college students’ mental health – 3/08
mtvU College Mental Health Study: Stress, Depression, Stigma & Students
mtvU conducted extensive research on how stress and depression are affecting college students nationwide – 11/06
Contact Us
For more information about Half of Us, to get involved with the campaign or to add your school’s resources to the site, please click here. To contact the press team, please click here.