Treatment of psychologically disturbed students at American universities was called into question five years ago when Seung Hui-Cho killed 32 and injured 25 others at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University before committing suicide.
Cho had been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, social immaturity, severe depression and a mood disorder.
The Virginia Tech student had also exhibited a series of warning signs, including writing a creative essay about a murder-suicide that mirrored his attacks and disturbing at least three female students.
“In every shooting, when the story unfolds, there is always someone who knew it was happening,” said Greg Janson, an associate professor of child and family studies at Ohio University.
Though OU already had a plan in place to establish a set program for assisting troubled students, The Student Review and Consultation Committee was created in 2008 to address concerns in a holistic manner.
Associate Dean of Students Patricia McSteen, who sits on the committee, said there are a number of options available to struggling OU students, including sessions through Counseling and Psychological Services, appointments with Dean of Students staff, and aid from the Allen Student Help Center.
Students who pay $40 for Campus Care’s WellBeing Plan receive 20 free counseling sessions per year, free psychiatric intake and follow-ups, and free group counseling sessions.
Most mental-health issues prevalent in college students are true psychological disorders, Janson said.
“There are many normal, developmental and stress-related things that can disturb the psychological well-being of a student,” he said.
Some common problems among students are test anxiety, adjusting to college life, jealousy, and standard anxiety or depression, Jansen added.
“What’s great about OU is (every department involved) works together, and they will work together for a single student,” he said.
Concerns can be submitted on the Dean of Students website. Those submissions are not anonymous. Faculty and Residential Life staff also may be contacted.
Janson and McSteen both emphasized that students will not get in trouble by asking for help with either their own mental stability or another student’s.
Otherwise, students will be held responsible for their actions, McSteen added, and if someone acts against the code of conduct, it would be dealt with accordingly.
“(Another) thing that students do that is problematic is trying to help their friends,” Janson said. “Most OU students are caring people, and they can get in over their heads.”
If there is an immediate threat to safety, Janson and McSteen urge students to contact OUPD.
Madison Schoephoerster, a resident assistant and senior studying human biology, said students should be aware of their surroundings, including what students are sharing on social media.
“It’s important to trust your intuition,” she said. “If you get a feeling that you should feel a little concerned or if you see someone drawn back. Facebook statuses can sometimes give a lot away.”
bl171210@ohiou.edu
