Mental health has grown significantly among society in reference to the need for services and an increase in mental health diagnoses. This has been seen prominently in the college student community due to their adjustment to a new environment. Historically women’s colleges and universities, specifically, hold a safe space not only for women but also transgender, LGBTQIA+, and non-binary students. Mental health in college communities has been highly researched due to the obvious social adaptation, however, students who identify as members of these minority groups have not been as prevalent in studies regarding mental health. This can in turn be detrimental when working to improve mental health resources and treatments. Utilizing the 2022 data from the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment, I analyzed data to examine mental health concerns among this population of students including loneliness, psychological well-being, suicidal ideation and help-seeking. The data from these analyses will help to inform mental health practitioners of barriers to treatment and ways in which to create prevention programming for these marginalized groups.
Brianna Moore is a senior graduating with a major in Exercise Science and a double minor in Psychological Science and Health Advocacy and Humanitarian Systems. She has played volleyball at Salem, as well as held student leader positions as a Head Residential Assistant, President of Morgan’s Message, Vice President of the Campus Activities Board, Treasurer of the Senior Class, and Student Representative on the Engaging Ethics Advisory Board. Brianna has a passion for mental health advocacy and has been working to study and research the limitations of mental wellness among minority groups over the past year.