Happy Mental Health Awareness Month from the Accessibility Advisory Committee!

As many of those in our community know, May is the month that celebrates mental health awareness. Psychiatric disabilities are highly stigmatized primarily because they are non-apparent (not visible), and there are often misconceptions about these diagnoses that create fear. Data made available by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) tells us that “Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year.” It is important to recognize that while mental health disorders such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and others can significantly affect those diagnosed, it does not mean that they are dangerous or that they cannot lead typical lives. Individuals who live with psychiatric disabilities succeed and flourish in higher education, they have extraordinary careers, and they raise families if those are their chosen paths.

Resources are available for those who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, or who may not have been diagnosed but could benefit from the assistance. There are many emergency resources for individuals who are suicidal, even if they just want to talk. Those who are in a crisis may text “NAMI” to 741741, which will put them in immediate contact with the NAMI.

Here at Shoreline, Faculty and Staff are urged to submit a Care Report online if they have any concerns about a student’s welfare; a Care Team member will follow up. Students may also reach out to Counseling Services on campus for confidential assistance as well as help finding an outside therapist, and to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for assistance with finding accommodations or modifications related to their mental health disorder. Below are a few resources. Please feel free to contribute any others!

• National Alliance on Mental Illness, Phone: 800-950-NAMI (6264)
• Providence-Everett Behavioral Health Urgent Care,  Phone: 425-261-4210
• Shoreline Community College Counseling Services, Phone: 206-546-4594
• Washington State Employee Assistance Program, Phone: 877-313-4455
• Shoreline Community College Student Accessibility Services, Email: sas@shoreline.edu
• Shoreline Community College Care Team
• Inside Higher Ed: Accommodating Mental Health