President Santa J. Ono’s disclosure about his past suicide attempts has taken social media and college campuses across the nation by storm- for very good reasons. It isn’t everyday a public figure courageously confesses to their struggles, let alone a higher education administrator, let alone an Asian American one. With an increasing acceptance in speaking up about traditionally taboo issues, many public speakers are stepping up to the plate as advocates raising awareness, and as role models encouraging transparency.
There are many people who are afraid of speaking up about their struggles or seeking help due to stigmas placed on mental health issues. This pertains even more so to Asian Americans, who due to cultural reasons are even more reluctant to share their stories. Moreover, many mental health disorders, especially Major Depressive Disorder (or what we commonly refer to as depression), have age of onset during early to late adolescence. MDD is also a leading reason for college dropouts. When faced with such a seemingly alarming and permeating issue, wouldn’t it be logical to address these issues by presenting a safe environment for open discussion? However, this is hardly the case. Instead, everything is kept “hush-hush” and swept under the table.
Mr. Ono’s confession is commendable for a variety of reasons, but most importantly, it presents us with solution; the college campus is a place that many regard as a safe haven for respectful, mature, and comfortable discussions, and we should make every effort to ensure every student has a place and/or trusted individual to confide to, or to simply seek help from. Lessen stigma, and by doing so, we can truly cultivate healthier, happier individuals with immeasurable potential.
http://chronicle.com/article/Discussing-Past-Suicide/236573
I had no idea about this step that this president had taken in order to de-stigmatize mental health issues (in this case depression). Considering how depression is considered a “common” mental illness, there should not be a stigma that is attached to it, yet in society those on the top (in this case the president) has to deal with hiding the depression. It is good to hear that he is doing something good by changing how depression is seen, since it is even within those with a high level of authority.