The Northerner | Ed. 64 Issue 5 by thenortherner.com

SOTA graffiti stairwell Proposal plans to paint over the popular spot on campus story page 7

Southgate Street School preserves history page 6

Edition 64, Issue 5 Wednesday, September 18, 2019

thenortherner.com @northernermedia

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

See stories on pages 3, 4, 5 and 8

02 Happenings

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

NORTHERNER STAFF

WWW.THENORTHERNER.COM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Natalie Hamren [hamrenn1@mymail.nku.edu] MANAGING EDITOR Josh Kelly [kellyjoshua17@gmail.com] NEWS EDITOR, DESIGN EDITOR Billy Keeney [keeneyw1@mymail.nku.edu]

WHAT TO DO Check out the hottest campus happenings and can’t-miss events in Greater Cincinnati.

20-22 SEPT

NEWS EDITOR Josh Goad [goadj2@mymail.nku.edu] ASST. NEWS EDITOR Noelle Horn [hornn3@mymail.nku.edu] ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Kane Mitten [mittenm1@mymail.nku.edu] ASST. ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Corinne Byrne [corinnefaith217@gmail.com] SPORTS EDITOR Sierra Newton [sflnewton@gmail.com] COPY EDITOR Noël Waltz [hailee.waltz@gmail.com] PHOTO EDITOR Colin Johnson [johnsonphotography6626@gmail.com] ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Maya Shaffer [mayakat1998@gmail.com] VIDEO EDITOR Abby Behrens [behrensm1@mymail.nku.edu] ASST. VIDEO EDITOR Megan Mixon [mixonm1@mymail.nku.edu] DESIGN EDITOR Kamryn Spence [spencek2@mymail.nku.edu] WEB EDITOR Laine Harrett [nicholasharrett25@gmail.com] ASST. WEB EDITOR Sean Gibson [seanpgib@gmail.com]

20-22 SEPT

SEPT

OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI | DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI | $15 - $60 The largest Oktoberfest in the entire country begins Friday, and it’s held just a few minutes away from campus on second and third street downtown, which is right in between Walnut Street and Elm Street. Events of note include the “Running of the Wieners” dachshund race on Thursday before the festivities begin, the Gemuetlichkeit Games on Friday morning, and the world’s largest chicken dance on Saturday at 5 p.m. Lots of traditional German and Bavarian cuisine will be featured at the festival, along with—of course, because this is a German festival—plenty of beer. CINCINNATI COMIC EXPO | DUKE ENERGY CENTER | $15 - $55 Get ready to head downtown for a comic con of galactic proportions. The 10th anniversary of this annual Cincinnati event is bringing a bevy of well-known celebrities, including almost the entire cast of “Firefly,” several cast members of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,“ several of the English voice actors from “My Hero Academia,” assorted cast members from the “Star Wars” films and many more. There’s also a cosplay contest, panels from comic writers and illustrators to several photo-ops for fans featuring props from some of the series listed above. MIRANDA LAMBERT LIVE | BB&T ARENA | $57+ | 5:30 P.M. Mosey on down to BB&T Arena to see Miranda Lambert live as part of her “Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars” tour. This Grammy-winning country musician will be bringing Caylee Hammack, Elle King and her country trio group, the Pistol Annies, to the arena stage as well. The Pistol Annies’ last album, Interstate Gospel, was released in November 2018 and hit #1 on the Billboard Country chart upon release. Lambert’s newest album “Wildcard” will release on Nov. 1.

What you missed at SGA Sept. 9

Noelle Horn

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Monday’s meeting was run by Vice President Shelby Sanford in the absence of President Jarett Lopez. The meeting began with a presentation from Alpha Omicron Pi about their philanthropy event “Strike out Arthritis.” The two-day softball elimination tournament will take place Oct. 26 and Oct. 27 at Mills Road Park in Covington. The event will benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Two new justice appointments were introduced at the meeting—Tori Watkins and Kyle Siefert. After

questions from the senators, Watkins and Siefert were sworn in. With its two new senators, SGA almost had a full senate. Chief of Staff Roberto Amazendes said this is the first time there has been an almost-full senate in years.

Student Government Assocation meets at 3:30 p.m. Mondays in SU 104.

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Kate Fulmer [fulmerk1@mymail.nku.edu] ADVERTISING Samantha Brown [northerneradvertising@gmail.com] ADVISOR Michele Day [daymi@nku.edu]

JOIN US

5 p.m. Mondays in Griffin Hall 204

Visit us in the newsroom: GH 125

ABOUT THE NORTHERNER

Entire content is copyright of The Northerner and may not be reprinted without prior consent. Views expressed do not represent those of the administration, faculty or student body. The Northerner is considered a designated public forum. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. The Northerner staff respects the right to a free and open dialogue as allowed under the First Amendment.

CONTACT US The Northerner Griffin Hall Rm. 125 Highland Heights, KY 41099 Editor-in-Chief: (859) 572-5732 Advertising: (859) 572-6677

New SGA members were sworn in Monday. COVER ILLUSTRATION BY KAMRYN SPENCE. SGA PHOTO BY NOELLE HORN.

Ed 64, Issue 5

Bee Klapper

NKU offers specialized mental health services for LGBTQ students

Arts & Life 03

REPORTER

September is suicide prevention awareness month, and its importance to the LGBTQ+ community is more crucial than ever. With suicide being the second largest leading cause of death for those age 15 to 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and LGBTQ+ students being about five times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers, there is genuine cause for concern. There are several factors that weigh in to the risk of suicide, including mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and stress. For many college students, the transition from high school to college brings on many new stressors. Dr. Ty Brumback, assistant psychology professor, said that the transition to college and adulthood can exacerbate those with depression and anxiety. Academic stress is increased in all students upon college arrival, and in LGBTQ+ students, stress regarding their sexuality and/or gender identity contributes to their risk of suicide. Stigmatization also plays a key role in suicide, and stigma associated with depression, suicide and being part of the LGBTQ+ community contribute heavily to students failing to reach out for help. LGBTQ+ students already suffer from a stigma that may prevent them from coming out. As a result, it may be harder for them to talk about mental health concerns, and instead try to get by alone. “I think one of the things that we really need to do to de-stigmatize suicide is recognize that people who commit suicide are not crazy. They feel a profound sense of hopelessness, and because of the hopelessness, they don’t realize all of the other options they have,” Dr. Kathy O’Connor, psychology lecturer, said. A key role in preventing suicide is noticing both subtle and unsubtle warning signs, as well as having an open discussion with those who are having suicidal thoughts. O’Connor suggests speaking openly with friends who have confided they were having

suicidal thoughts, in order to give an outside look and alternative options. Brumback said that talking openly about suicidal thoughts and suicidal ideation is one of the best first steps to preventing suicide. “While it can feel really uncomfortable for people who don’t know or haven’t experienced it before, talking about it openly reduces the stigma about it, but also puts it in its place that it’s just a thought,” Brumback said. “If we just keep it all inside as an individual, we might start believing those thoughts. And verbalizing them actually has to get them out of our heads and makes us hold them up to the light and say ‘does this make sense, really?’” Brumback said that a large percentage of adults across the United States have suicidal thoughts, but only a small percentage act on those thoughts. By talking about suicidal thoughts openly and exploring them, it can reduce the stigma surrounding those thoughts. Another one of the biggest warning signs to look out for is changes in behavior, O’Connor said. Changes in sleeping patterns or appetite may appear due to depression, and can be either an increase or decrease. Social changes also appear in a lack of interest or someone becoming quieter or less social than they were before.

Though noticing symptoms can open a conversation, if someone is in immediate crisis, contact a professional. “We really want to help our friends, and especially if we know we have a friend in need; we want to be there, but we’re not all professionals,” Brumback said. “It’s not fair for us to take that on ourselves and sometimes there’s also that whole wanting to be protective of our friends, that confidentiality, but we have to also recognize that there’s a line and we don’t want to test that.” On campus, there are resources and organizations available for all students. The Health, Counseling and Student Wellness center located on the fourth floor of the University Center provides counseling services for those who are at-risk of suicide, or who need someone to talk to in order to help them sort through the stress that accompanies attending a university. The initial consultation is free, and students can speak with a therapist at a low rate or be referred to another therapist in the area. NKU recently passed a resolution for mental health assistance that specifically focuses on providing affordable resources for a diverse student population. The Health, Counseling and Student Wellness center also offers QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training to all students, which focuses on identifying those at risk of suicide,

and to refer those suffering from suicidal thoughts to a professional when necessary. Student organizations such as Common Ground and Lavender Society offer safe places for LGBTQ+ students to come out and engage with fellow peers who can provide a network of support for those who are newly exploring their identities or those who need support of fellow minorities. Rae Loftis, the Assistant Director for the Center of Student Inclusiveness, said that NKU also offers Ally Zone and Trans Ally training, particularly for faculty and staff to work on being more inclusive for their LGBTQ+ students. After completing the training, attendees can take an Ally or Trans Ally magnet in order to be visibly inclusive and offer a safe space for their students. Seeking help for both mental health or LGBTQ+ support can be very daunting, and the idea that a situation needs to be “bad enough” in order to seek help makes getting that help much more difficult. Loftis advises for students to come to the Center of Student Inclusiveness to ask for organizations to join in order to receive support, or to reach out to the Health and Wellness Center. “Most of all, know you don’t have to bear this alone. People do want to reach out to you,” O’Connor said.

GRAPHIC BY SAM ROSENSTIEL

04 Arts & Life

NKU counselor shares the importance of therapy

Editor’s Note: The terms counseling and they’re going through and work through therapy are used interchangeably through- it. Clark said she thinks that sex is overout the story. sexualized in the world, and that some of the meaning, uniqueness and beauty of it Amy Clark realized the importance of is lost. therapy as a teenager. Her mother, a clin“I like to bring that back on track, as ical social worker, was an advocate for go- well. And, help people understand, it’s ing to therapy and being open about men- more than just a behavior, but it’s about tal health. the connection and knowing one another,” Clark said she faced obstacles growing Clark said. up that a lot of children don’t experience. Clark said that, although the stigma Clark said she often wondered if she would around mental health—especially among lose her mom due to medical issues, her college students—is dwindling, some peoparents got a divorce and close family ple still think that going to therapy means members and friends struggled with their you’re weak. With education and awareown mental illnesses. ness about mental health, college students Now, Clark serves as the NKU Director can open up to the idea of therapy, Clark of Counseling at Health, Counseling and said. Student Wellness (HCSW)—where she Clark said if HCSW can get students uses her passion and love for counseling to through the door and get them connected help others. with a therapist, they may see the value in Throughout her life, Clark has been in therapy. therapy on-and-off. She said counseling “Sometimes it’s just them taking that has benefited her personally, and that she’s first step to reach out for counseling,” passionate about it because she knows that Clark said. “I think that one of the things it works. that I’m excited about, and that [HCSW] “I see the value in it,” Clark said. “It’s is excited about, is continuing to do more helped me just to be able to process feel- outreach—on campus—specifically so ings. Things have gone on in my life that I that students, staff and faculty know about needed help with. I think it’s nice to have our services, what we’re doing.” someone to go to and have a safe space to talk.” Even as an adult and counselor herself, Clark still goes to therapy, where she discusses personal matters, professional matters and whatever else is on her heart. She said it’s an opportunity for self-care. Clark’s favorite thing about counseling isn’t a theory or a concept; she loves connecting with people and building relationships. Clark said she encourages people to bring their true selves to therapy, share their story and own who they are. “Sometimes, even in counseling, people want to kind of put on a front or might want to try to tell you what they’re supposed to say or what they should say,” Clark said. “But, I think I encourage people just to be real and be vulnerable, which is really difficult at times.” Clark specializes in relationship and sex therapy, which is something she said people “definitely steer away from,” but something that affects everybody. Clark works with individuals and couples who are struggling with intimacy, learning how to connect or have prior history that makes their relationship more difficult. She works with clients to process what

Graduate interns earn experience in counseling Elena Ferguson

Natalie Hamren EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

05 News

“I’m not going to say that it’s always easy because it’s not,” Clark said. “You can get into some pretty tough, vulnerable things. But, to me, To schedule an it helps develop appointment with you into a healthier Health, Counseling and Student Wellness, call person, if you’re able to process and work (859) 572-5650 through some of or visit University Center those things.” 440.

She said she hopes this will allow people to see herself, and other therapists, as humans—giving them someone to relate with and talk to. Clark said that even if an individual feels like their problem isn’t significant, they still can seek help, adding that “there’s no reason not to reach out.” “I’m not going to say that it’s always easy because it’s not,” Clark said. “You can get into some pretty tough, vulnerable things. But, to me, it helps develop you into a healthier person, if you’re able to process and work through some of those things.”

PHOTO BY FORREST WILLS

CONTRIBUTOR

Amy Clark, NKU’s new director of counseling, is pushing for NKU’s Health, Counseling and Student Wellness office (HCSW) to have more visibility on campus and increased collaboration with students. In the past, HCSW has housed student interns from local universities, but usually not NKU students. When Clark came to NKU, she decided that she specifically wanted student interns from the NKU counseling and social work programs in the office. “I think it’s a great opportunity for them to learn how to do therapy, how to learn intakes—so why wouldn’t we use our own students?” said Clark. “I think it shows that people who attend NKU and are getting their education at NKU, it’s quality. Quality enough that we want them in our own center.” She believes that the interns are “an asset to the center.” Brittany Combs—who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is working on getting her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling—and Chantelle Thompson—who has a bachelor’s degree in social work and is working on getting her master’s degree in social work—are two of the interns at HCSW.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for them to learn how to do therapy, how to learn intakes—so why wouldn’t we use our own students?” said Clark. “I think it shows that people who attend NKU and are getting their education at NKU, it’s quality—quality enough that we want them in our own center.” Amy Clark.

Combs was able to get some experience at Gateway Community and Technical College before returning to NKU for her internship, and she is happy to be back. “I love NKU and I am comfortable here at NKU. It was really nice for me to go somewhere where I feel passionate about helping the people I’m working with,” Combs said. “Building your confidence as a counselor is really important and this opportunity is something that can really make that happen.” Thompson was looking for internship opportunities when she heard about the position. “[The internship] definitely has, kind of, reinforced some of the things that I’ve learned because learning is one thing, but when you come here and you’re able to actually apply it is something else. Then, it kind of also just showed me a lot of things that I have to learn,” Thompson said. Combs and Thompson were both enthusiastic about the programs at NKU and wanted to emphasize how rewarding they were for them. “The quality of education I’ve been able to receive and the opportunities I’ve been given from that program and from Amy here at the counseling center have just been life changing,” Combs said. Combs and Thompson have weekly clinical supervision, where they are able to discuss cases, watch videos and be held accountable in their journey as counselors. They see clients and get hands-on experience at the wellness center. For students who can’t afford the $15 fee for a counseling session, there are free sessions with the student interns. “Not only are they getting a free service, they’re also getting a quality service,” Clark said. HCSW, including the student interns, are passionate about helping people and providing them the care they need. “Their problems and what they’re going through, we understand it,” Thompson said. “We all go through different things, people aren’t alone, there’s people who are here to help them achieve their goals.” Combs and Thompson shared how important hands-on experience is when working toward a career in counseling and are grateful for the chance to get that at HCSW. They hope that this internship will not only be beneficial for them, but also for their fellow NKU students. PHOTOS BY ASHLEIGH CAUDELL

Chantelle Thompson.

“Their problems and what they’re going through, we understand it,” Thompson said. “We all go through different things, people aren’t alone, there’s people who are here to help them achieve their goals.”

Brittany Combs.

04 Arts & Life

NKU counselor shares the importance of therapy

Graduate interns earn experience in counseling Elena Ferguson

Natalie Hamren EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

05 News

PHOTO BY FORREST WILLS

CONTRIBUTOR

Chantelle Thompson.

Brittany Combs.

06 Arts & Life

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Southgate School promotes education, understanding Rachel Smith REPORTER

When James Harris was eight years old, he would stand on a Newport street and gawk at the local school closest to his home. Harris said it was so unlike the school he had to walk several blocks to attend because this one had an enormous playground— one with shiny swings, seesaws and slides. It captivated him as a child, so much that as soon as he first saw it, he ran to his mother and begged her to enroll him. “You can’t go there,” he remembered his mother responding. “You’re colored. That school is for white children.” Harris furrowed his brow in confusion, tripping over the word foreign to his vocabulary. “What does colored mean?” he asked. It was the first time Harris discovered his skin was not considered just skin—it was colored. Seventy years later, Harris walked through the threshold of his old school, Southgate Street. The first thing he noticed was the field of grass growing on the side of the building. “It used to be a thin concrete sheet there,” Harris said. “That was our playground.” White children in Newport had swings and teeter-totters. Harris, and the hundreds of African-American children who passed through Southgate Street School, had concrete. After remaining abandoned for decades since being decommissioned following the decision of Brown v. Board of Education, Southgate Street School has now been turned into the Newport History Museum. In addition to housing many exhibits that display Newport’s local history, the museum showcases content tailored specifically to the story of Southgate Street as an all-black school during nation-wide racial segregation in the early to mid-1900s. Since its opening in 2016, the museum has fostered many projects by NKU students with studentled exhibits, artwork and policies implemented. According to Dr. Brian Hackett, director of the public history program

“They learn history doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” Hackett said. at NKU, around 70 master’s students have contributed to the museum in the three years the university has been involved. Hackett said this opportunity gives students work experience as a historian, as well as a valuable lesson. “They learn history doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” Hackett said. Southgate Street School was decommissioned in 1955. According to Hackett, this means many former students and teachers are still alive to have their voices be part of the museum. Harris was given the opportunity to share the oral history of his experience in a video by public history master’s student Shirlene Jensen. Harris attended Southgate Street from 1949 to 1953. Though he became aware at a young age that children like him didn’t get swings and seesaws, he said he was still naive to the juvenile level of education he was given compared to his white peers. “It was just a school to me. Most 8-year-olds aren’t thinking about, ‘what are the academic standards of this place?’ and all those sorts of things,” Harris said. But he said he was acquainted with the harsh reality of “separate and unequal” when he entered integrated schools after the end of racial segregation in 1955. “[The white children] were able to learn things in third grade that I had no idea about,” Harris said. “So, it was this constant catch-up I had to do throughout my schooling. And there were some things I just never understood.” And then there was the isolation. According to Harris, he was one of the only black students at his catholic high school in Newport. At Xavier University, he was the only black student in his entire graduating class. “What’s really interesting about

PHOTO BY MAYA SHAFFER

this museum is that many of the former students and teachers are still alive and here to tell their story,” Michael Steenken, a public history master’s student at NKU, said. “For the community’s sake, I think it helps represent a portion of the history of the city that has not been forgotten and that’s still living on.” Steenken has been involved with work on the museum since 2018 and serves on the board of directors as well as chairman of the volunteer committee. Alongside many master’s students in his program, he has contributed with the museum through creating exhibits, leading tours and drafting collection policies. According to Steenken, the main goal of the museum is to promote cultural awareness and understanding of their surroundings amongst people of Newport. Cordel George, a public history master’s student in his last year of study, said his work in the museum

“It’s powerful because it leaves no room for society to forget what happened in the past by preserving a more inclusive story,” George said.

has strengthened his passion for African-American history. “It’s powerful because it leaves no room for society to forget what happened in the past by preserving a more inclusive story,” George said. Because of its residency at the actual historic site, the museum showcases artifacts hundreds of years old that had been discovered during its renovation: crude desks, unsteady bookshelves and a dried inkwell. “The reason that Southgate School was even built was to provide adequate education, and that’s a reminder of that struggle that the African-American community had to face—to climb that hill of adversity,” George said. According to Harris, the change in the structure’s purpose hasn’t resonated with him yet. When he walked through the doors on a recent visit to record his oral history, he still saw the same school that represented him being separated in society. Harris, despite his personal feelings attached to the structure, he is grateful the school still remains for study and preservation in the present-day. “Here, we had six grades in a fourroom facility. My grandkids go to elementary schools that are like campuses,” Harris said. “I think it does show an aspect of society that no longer exists, so that people can take a step back in history to see what it was like.” @northernermedia

Ed 64, Issue 5

Arts & Life 07

Graffiti stairwell: proposed plans to paint over

Kyle Wade

PHOTO BY BILLY KEENEY

CONTRIBUTOR

It’s back to the drawing board for the faculty of the School of the Arts as they continue to pursue solutions to promote self-expression, not vandalism. The Fine Arts Building’s graffiti stairwell is an underground attraction on NKU’s campus, and faculty of SOTA are discussing various ways to make the infamous stairwell presentable. “We want to make this a place that makes us proud to display to parents and visitors, not embarrassed,” Lisa Jameson, visual arts program head, said. Jameson maintains a passion for street art and self-expression, but for her, the graffiti hallway is different. “It makes me sad because the art is so badly done,” Jameson said. She said she would like to see the hallway covered in art that provokes thought and holds an artistic commentary relating to social justice, politics or current events. One idea, proposed by Jameson, could solve the issue for students and faculty alike. Her proposition will showcase student street art, and is intended to be directed by students as well. The plan entails that the stairwell be completely painted over to free up the

entire space for art. Students will be allowed to submit their ideas and plans to the student-led board to gain approval. Once approved, students will be allotted specific space along the stairways to compose their pieces. In 2014, NKU hosted GraffitiFest, where 12 local artists created graffiti art live for the crowd while maintaining the assigned theme. The pieces were auctioned off and the proceeds were donated to four organizations—American Red Cross, Visionaries and Voices, Revive the Heart and ArtWorks. A theme idea has been incorporated in the proposition, but isn’t fully established, as of now. Jameson has been on campus since 1996 and doesn’t remember the stairwells being vandalized until 2009, when she first started noticing graffiti. She said that the issue has only worsened in the past five years. NKU Chief of Police John Gaffin said there’s a common misnomer on campus that the Fine Arts Building is fair game for students to tag. “I think there might be a perception that there is a tolerance or has been a tolerance in the past for this sort of activity in that specific location,” Gaffin said.

Jameson said that the attitude toward the vandalism will no longer be one of tolerance. “Destroying our campus for one’s own artistic expression is not for the better; it’s actually illegal,” Jameson said. She said that SOTA will seek criminal punishment for anyone participating in the vandalizing of the building. “There’s a thin line between street art and vandalism—this is vandalism,” Jameson said, as she flipped through some of her favorite street art pieces. Since the increase in vandalism, the Fine Arts Building has been fitted with security cameras to monitor the stairwells 24/7. The penalty, if caught tagging, could carry fines and the possibility of jail time. Jameson said that she doesn’t want to see any students in legal trouble, especially if the student feels like they were expressing themselves. “We do want to make it work for the sake of artistic freedom and creativity,” Jameson said. “But the free-for-all we have occurring now isn’t producing street art—it’s producing junk.” This problem, as explained by Jameson, isn’t only superficial. Jameson cited an article from Sci-

ence Direct, which showcases a study done in major cities like New York City called the “Broken Windows Theory.” The study showed that having visible graffiti could increase the number of potential people vandalizing. Jameson’s fear is that one day, the Fine Arts Building will see the same results if the issue isn’t resolved. A rise in crime isn’t the only repercussion of vandalism; it can be a financial burden as well, according to Gaffin. “The primary negative is the impact to the overall appearance and environment as well as the cost incurred cleaning or painting over unauthorized graffiti. Higher costs ultimately trickle down to tuition dollars,” Gaffin said. While this proposal gains momentum and works its way through the ranks, not everyone is a fan. Chris Whelan, junior visual communications design major, said, “It’s cooler just knowing it’s not supposed to be there.”

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08 Sports

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Mental health: ‘A part of being a complete student-athlete’ Suicide #2 leading cause of death among college students

NCAA COLLEGE ATHLETES WHO REPORTED

44.5%

Not recieving education regarding mental health issues as a college athlete Occurence of depressive issues

33.2% 25.7% 3.7%

Accessible treatment at their university

A diagnosis of depression in the past six months

ILLUSTRATION BY KAMRYN SPENCE, DATA SOURCED FROM NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS

Ty DeBonis REPORTER

Student-athletes in college have trainers and coaches around to keep them in top physical condition. If they get injured, doctors are in place to help get them back on the field in peak physical shape. But who can help student-athletes with their mental health? Mental health is an important area that can be overlooked when coaches and trainers push the student-athletes to be invincible physically. “I am not sure it is so much negative, as much as it is a perception. In our SAAC (student-athlete advisory committee) meeting last week, we talked about if we give [mental health counseling] a different name, does it give it another connotation?” Associate Athletic Director Debbie Kirch, who oversees compliance and student services, said. Kirch feels physical health is treated differently compared to mental health. “If you are injured physically, a doctor tells you, you have to sit out, rest, or have surgery. There is a diagnosis. When you are struggling mentally and emotionally there is that question mark of ‘is it bad enough yet?’ It is not as clear cut as something physical,” Kirch said. Participation in sports can help student-athletes develop and maintain good mental wellness. However, the culture of sports can sometimes promote a stigma around mental illness.

This is one reason why many student athletes do not seek help because they may fear being labeled as weak. Beyond the inferior feeling that student-athletes may feel when dealing with mental illness, such as depression and anxiety, the inability to recognize symptoms is just as much to blame. “I think the biggest thing is just noticing changes; it is hard to say what those changes are because it depends on the person. Maybe somebody is really outgoing, and they stop being outgoing and they are more closed off.” “Maybe someone is not really outgoing and now they become outgoing. It is just noticing differences and changes, little things, that something is not right. We have to be more perceptive of those changes,” Kirch added. Students, especially teammates, should be educated on the signs to recognize when one of their teammates is beginning to have issues with mental health. Alec Sandusky, senior cross country runner for the Norse, shared with the student-athlete body his story about going to seek help during the welcome back at the beginning of the 2019-20 school year. “I think just sharing my personal story about how I got help and how easy it is would be a great start. When someone sees that someone else has

done it, they are more willing to give it a try,” Sandusky said. Changing the image around mental health begins at the top of the athletic department. When the athletic department emphasizes a focus on mental health, it then trickles down into the coach’s hands. This, in turn, leads to athletes who are more receptive to the message. Thus, many more are likely to go and seek help at the university’s resources. “The biggest difference with student-athletes are the extra pressure, time commitments and how hard we are on ourselves is what I would say is unique. We feel pressure from coaches, parents and ourselves to perform at the highest level possible and that can weigh on your mind. We just need to remember we belong here and can handle that pressure,” Sandusky said. Other universities have recognized this issue as well. Some have even launched initiatives. On Sept. 9, Boise State University launched #BroncoBOLD, an initiative to showcase the athletic department’s mental health programming for student-athletes, coaches and staff. Bronco student-athletes will wear helmet stickers, hair ribbons and patches throughout this weekend’s competitions in support of the #BroncoBOLD initiative. Recognition is the start of the solution to many issues including, and es-

pecially, mental health. “Student-athletes are raised to be strong and to perform. The stigma of being mentally weak to their coaches, teammates, parents… is a huge obstacle for some.” “We are working with our [student athletes] to understand that getting help/counseling is just like eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, using the strength and conditioning department … It’s just a part of being a complete student-athlete,” Molly Woods, the associate athletic director of sports medicine and risk management, said. Everyone in the athletics department is supportive of bringing mental health support to the forefront, from Woods to the director of athletics. “Ken Bothof is in complete support of using and encouraging mental health services,” Woods said. “He sees this as a tool to help our student-athletes be highly effective at the Division I level.” The connections between departments at NKU are growing, and the true benefactors are the students and student-athletes. The Norse have recently partnered with Dr. Christopher Lawrence, the director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Woods said that the hope is to develop new programs with the graduate students for our student-athletes.