'I Will Listen': UBalt Community Raises Awareness About Mental Health, Offers Support
October 3, 2022
Contact: Office of Advancement and External Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
Watch University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke's I Will Listen message.
Jordan Damon ran into more problems than solutions when he was struggling with his own mental health issues because of the stigmas tied to seeking help, especially for Black men.
Now, the undergraduate psychology student, as a volunteer with the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Baltimore chapter, meets with middle school students to share his experiences about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 17 and how he found the help he needed.
"If I knew then what I know now, I feel like that would have helped me so much," he says.
It helped to gain understanding. It helped to have allies.
And often, Damon adds, it helps when someone would simply listen to what he was experiencing. That's one of the messages he hopes to share with The University of Baltimore community as part of NAMI Baltimore's "I Will Listen" campaign. The week, always recognized in early October, is dedicated to raising awareness about mental illness, ending the stigma tied to it, highlighting resources to help, and encouraging ways to be better allies.
UBalt has been part of the campaign since 2016, says Tony DuLaney, the University's clinical case manager. During the week, the Office of Student Support and various student organizations host events and urge others to take the I Will Listen pledge. This year's lineup of events includes a Work-Life Balance Workshop, a Mental Health Education and Screening, Sexual Health Education and HIV Testing with The JACQUES Initiative, and Student Mental Health First Aid Training.
DuLaney says college campuses are a critical partner in discussing mental health because ages 18 to 24 marks a developmentally significant time when most mental health challenges occur.
According to NAMI, 25 percent of adults in this age range have a diagnosable mental illness, and more than 70 percent of students living with a mental health condition experience a crisis on campus.
More students are coming to college having lived with mental health challenges or illnesses that may or may not be receiving services, DuLaney says. A major goal of the Office of Student Support and awareness campaigns like I Will Listen is to help students recognize their needs and understand their options to find help.
"Giving people the language to say, 'Yes, I'm having this experience or challenge,' and being aware of how to identify it as soon as you can, is super, super important," DuLaney says, "because the sooner you can intervene with someone who's experiencing one of these challenges, the sooner and better their long-term prognosis."
Overall, that means a healthier life, and, academically, it means students have a better chance of performing well, graduating on time, and fulfilling their professional goals.
Kathea Smith, assistant dean in the Merrick School of Business, appreciates the University's participation in I Will Listen.
"I know how important it is for students, or people in general, to have someone to talk to when they're going through a hard time in their life or experiencing some sort of crisis," Smith says. "And for the University to take a stand and say it is important for us because our students are important shows we value our students as individuals."
Smith, along with Damon and Alan Lyles, professor for the College of Public Affairs, received a Mental Health Ally Award from UBalt's Office of Student Support earlier this year.
The diversity of UBalt's student body, in terms of age, background and more, means students here might be facing a variety of stresses, Prof. Lyles says. They may be the first in their families to attend college and need help navigating their academic path. They may be international students trying to become accustomed to the new landscape, personally and academically.
"It's important that when we see people, we see beyond the cover of the book. We see who the human being is inside," he says.
As a first-generation college student himself, Lyles still thinks fondly of those who helped him and tries to be that ally now for his students.
Smith wants students to know they have allies across the University.
"We have a fantastic team of people who are here to support you. I know it's scary to tell what could be a complete stranger what's going on in your life, but your academic advisers, your assistant deans, your faculty are here to help you and there's nothing that you're going to say that's going to make us turn away."
Where to find help
9-8-8 is the new National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Maryland. Veterans can access the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 9-8-8 and pressing 1.
Call 2-1-1, and press 1, to find free and confidential support, through partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration. Learn more at 211md.org.
The Basic Needs Resource Center provides links to the various resources available for students at UBalt, including academic support, Disability and Access Services, the Career and Internship Center's Career Closet, the Student Emergency Assistance Fund and other financial support services, the Campus Pantry, The Bob Parsons Veterans Center, and more.
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a free and confidential resource available to UBalt students 24/7 year-round. The SAP provides a variety of supports that include in the moment emotional support, up to five free sessions of short-term therapy, free financial planning, and a free 30-minute consultation with a lawyer. Call 1.800.327.2251 or use the mobile app, username: UBALT.
Compass Case Management works with UBalt students to help them identify supports and resources both on and off campus. Services include assessment of needs, referrals for mental wellness or behavioral health concerns, and help managing complex medical needs.
Why we listen
"I will listen because your life matters. You're important, you’re special and there's always going to be someone available for you." -Nikki Singleton, B.A. in Human Services Administration student
"I will listen because no one should suffer in silence. The last few years have been especially difficult for everyone so it's important for every voice to be heard." -Francisco Ruiz, manager of operations and academic student services, UBalt at the Universities at Shady Grove
"I will listen because I needed somebody to hear me at one point and I will hear you when you need it." -Dani Ciscell, B.A. in Psychology student
"I will listen because you deserve to be heard. Your feelings and how you feel are important." -Michael Swaby-Rowe, manager, Merrick Advising Center
"I will listen because we all know someone—a friend, acquaintance, relative, or significant other—that would have or could have benefitted from having someone listen to their stories." -Nusta Carranza Ko, assistant professor, School of Public and International Affairs
How you can help
The Office of Student Support is offering Mental Health First Aid Training to students on Friday, Oct. 7 through Zoom. There will also be an opportunity to participate in the training in the spring 2023 semester.
The UBalt Connects Mentorship Program is seeking additional volunteers to serve as mentors for current students.