In February of 2023, The Collegiate released a mental health survey to gauge Grand Rapids Community College students’ mental health. The survey was anonymous and allowed participants to express any concerns regarding mental health they may have. Participants were asked questions as to how their mental health is affected in their day to day lives, how attending GRCC may impact their mental health, and ways in which their mental health could improve. Questions ranged from short answer to yes or no questions. 54 students participated in the survey.
98.1%* of respondents stated that mental health has had an impact in their life, whether it be concerning themselves or someone they know. When asked if mental health was difficult to discuss with others, 85.2%* said that it’s either difficult or sometimes difficult. However, 75.9%* of respondents said that their mental health has gotten easier to discuss in recent years.
Social Media
Most respondents agreed that social media had a negative impact on their lives. “(Social media) pushes the idea subtly that we need to look a certain way or think a certain way,” one respondent said. “We can’t express ourselves as freely as we want to without one person trashing us behind their screen thinking it does nothing. A lot of body dysmorphia comes from social media, from a young age girls are told we have to be like this or look perfect- but oh you can’t wear makeup that’s catfishing. A lot of grooming happens online as well, which most people don’t realize they were a victim of until they are older.”
“I think it’s had a negative effect,” another respondent agreed. “Will I stop using it? No. However, it’s hard seeing people’s lives who are so much better than mine and feel like I have to compare.”
While some have sworn off social media entirely, others have offered a more positive outlook. “Social media has made me aware that I’m not alone in my struggles,” one respondent said. “It helped me find a name for some of my issues before I was able to get an official diagnosis.”
Mental Health at GRCC
Respondents also discussed how being enrolled at GRCC contributed to their mental health. They were asked about the connections they’ve made at GRCC, and how the college could help improve their mental health.
Many agreed that GRCC offers quality connections to peers and staff, even if they hadn’t formed their own connections themselves. Many cited having quality connections with professors on campus. “Every professor I have had so far has been amazing,” one student said. “They remember my name, we have great conversations and their teaching styles are very efficient.”
Respondents stated that they had formed quality relationships through clubs, classes, and other social gatherings. Some reported that attending GRCC even had a positive effect on their mental health. Many reported that teachers and staff helped boost their social well being and helped in giving them a stable routine.
“I think going to college has improved my mental health,” one student said. “I feel like I have more of a purpose and that I’m working towards something important.”
Others contributed attending college as a stressor. Many said they struggled to balance homework, attending class and a job. Multiple people described it as “stressing”.
“The stress of school can be a negative contributor, as the workload gets consistently overwhelming,” said one respondent, “but what I learn and gain usually evens things out, because I love learning.”
What Do You Need?
Finally, we asked respondents what they needed to improve their mental health, whether that be inside or outside of school. Many students replied that they needed therapy. Other popular responses included better support from family and friends, and overall just a chance to talk seriously about their problems.
“I think I just need a really long break,” one student shared. “It would be nice if everything could just stop for a while. It feels like everything is always go, go, go. I feel like I never really get a chance to just sit down and breathe. Even when I get a day off or a short break I can never fully relax because there’s always some assignments to be done or some test to prepare for. But again these aren’t things that can really be helped.”
