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The recent global pandemic has brought social isolation and mental health issues to the forefront of many college campuses. Grand View is not exempt.

“Emotional wise it was hard to not go out and be social,” said Jay Lewerke, a sophomore. “You felt alone. I felt very isolated and by myself.” 

Jay’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic resonates not only with students but also with faculty here at Grand View. Kenlyn Gordon, assistant director of counseling services, said that “processing through the confusion and anxiety around it” was the most challenging part of the COVID-19 shutdowns. Here at Grand View there are a number of resources at students’ disposal to pursue healthy mental habits.

 “We’re offering in-person services if students want that,”  Gordon said. “We’re also offering Telehealth services.” 

Gordon said that the video conferencing is available through a HIPPA compliant video service to ensure privacy. Grand View’s counseling services are included with tuition costs, but many avoid taking advantage because reaching out to a counselor may seem to be a daunting task. Fortunately, Grand View offers plenty of alternative resources. Kent Schornack, the director of leadership and counseling, encourages students to check out the helpful information and links accessed through MyView.

“There’s a site called ulifeline that is specific for colleges,” Schornack said. “You can type in depression or how to deal with roommate conflicts. It’s a really good online resource that gives you information. Maybe you don’t want to come to a counselor or don’t feel like you need that but you want to think about that subject from a mental health standpoint.” 

Once a student has identified an issue that they want to discuss, coming forward and reaching out is a bold and courageous step that should be celebrated. Kent Schornack said that when students and faculty come together to share the issues in their own life, it allows for everyone to realize they are not alone. 

“Take that courageous step of saying, ‘I’m not feeling so good, I’m feeling isolated or things aren’t going well.’ Having the courage to share that is a hard, first step,” Schornack said.

“Take that courageous step of saying, ‘I’m not feeling so good, I’m feeling isolated or things aren’t going well.’ Having the courage to share that is a hard, first step,”

Kent Schornack

Removing the stigma of shame and weakness surrounding mental health can be an important goal for all students here at Grand View. Kenlyn Gordon explains that even though there is a stigma of shame and weakness, no one is alone in struggling.

“There can be a lot of shame around struggling, which is kind of interesting to think about because everyone struggles,” Gordon said, “but yet, when we are in that position, it kind of feels like you are the only one. It’s courageous to talk with people; it’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.”

No one needs to be alone in the mental health battle here at Grand View. Many students face issues, that range from isolation and anxiety to depression, addiction and eating disorders. As a student body we have the chance to create a supportive and safe environment for each other. Lewerke, Gordon and Schornack shared a few ways this can be possible.

“Go into your in-person classes at least one day a week, and take that advantage to meet people,” Lewerke said. 

Gordon encouraged students to combat disconnection by being fully present, saying ‘hi’ to people and really engaging with them. Gordon also said that it is important to be kind and understanding of the fact that everyone has different opinions and will be coming from different emotional places. Therefore, it is important to use empathy and patience in our interactions with others. The little things such as building relationships, being kind, being patient and always being willing to listen go a long way. Schornack said that it is important to see our responsibility as part of a community to care for those around us instead of living life in isolation as if we were on our own little islands.

“I don’t think we’re meant to do life in isolation or meant to keep all of our stuff to our own self,” Schornack said. “We are created and made to be relational beings and we are meant to do life in community.”