College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition, Hi, How Are You Project Launch Video Series to Help Support College Student Mental Wellness

OCTOBER 10, 2024 – Austin, Texas—The College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition (CSMWAC) and the Hi, How Are You Project have collaborated to launch a series of new peer-to-peer support videos in advance of World Mental Health Day next month to help address rising mental health issues among college students nationwide.

This new free resource, Mental Wellness Series: Peer-to-Peer Support in College, is for college students and on-site resident assistants.

For the past two years, the Coalition and the Hi How Are You Project fielded the nation’s largest college student survey on mental health, released as the Thriving College Student Index. The findings reveal that most students turn to their peers as their most trusted resource for mental health support. The seven bite-sized videos are focused on peer-to-peer support for the most relevant mental health issues affecting college students today, with depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder being the primary diagnoses. 

“While starting the academic year is exciting, it can be stressful. This resource helps navigate college life, offering mental health tips and addressing common struggles,” said Gina Cowart, CSMWAC leadership team member and senior vice president of brand and marcom strategy, American Campus Communities. “Together, with our partners, we aim to support housing staff in listening to residents, building community, and promoting mental wellness.”

The Coalition, composed of 28 student housing companies nationwide, will share the series within their communities to reach a combined potential of 800,000+ college students. Next month, The Coalition and Hi, How Are You Project will extend access to the free resource videos, making them available to the general public by posting them on their websites and social media channels ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024. 

“There is a positive link between strong social connections, personal relationships and mental wellness, but according to Mayo Clinic, 75% of students who struggle with mental health troubles are reluctant to seek help,” said Dr. Sonia Krishna, Hi, How Are You Project Board of Directors member and board-certified physician in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry.  “These fresh, new videos focus on common signs, including extended sadness, sleeping too much or not enough, changes in eating habits, roommate issues, trouble focusing, complaining of aches and pains, and someone not feeling like themselves. We hope calling attention to these concerns will help young adults connect and support each other and know they are not alone if they are facing any mental health struggles.” 

To learn more and to get involved with the College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition, visit https://thrivingcollegestudents.org/preferred-vendor/. 

About College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition 

The College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition is an alliance of the nation’s top student housing providers who advocate for student mental wellness through encouraging open conversations, providing resources, and developing industry-wide peer-to-peer staff training programs, in partnership with mental health non-profits, The Jed Foundation (JED) and Hi, How Are You Project (HHAYP). Since its founding in 2022, the Coalition continues to expand its reach and impact as it envisions a world where all young adults thrive thanks to the support of their residential communities dedicated to promoting and advocating for mental wellness to facilitate personal fulfillment and academic success. www.thrivingcollegestudents.org. 

About The Hi, How Are You Project 

The Hi, How Are You Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to educate young people worldwide about mental health and well-being through creative content, events and community-building programs. Inspired by the renowned mural in Austin, TX, painted by the late Daniel Johnston, a celebrated songwriter and visual artist who battled mental illness throughout his life, the project aims to honor his legacy while promoting mental wellness, visit www.hihowareyou.org.