School Shootings Opens Up Conversation about Mental Illness

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Tragedies like the shooting in Oregon yesterday often brings the conversation about mental illness into the spotlight.

Craig Watson at MUW says it’s important that students, staff and the community know there are resources available to help.

Adjusting to college can be tough, that’s why councilors at The W want students to know they are there for them, and that the changes they are facing are normal.

“Not demand perfection on yourself, it’s okay to get feedback, and you’re kind of in a learning phase. Feedback is a good thing, you will be told no, and you will be told that this in incorrect,and that’s okay,” says licensed professional counselor Craig Watson.

Watson, says some changes can occur in the brain when people reach college age, that’s when mental illness can start to show.

He says it’s important students, and faculty work together to monitor changes in people around them.

“If you see a friend, or a colleague, or a classmate going through something as well, go ahead and encourage them to go seek that help,” says Watson.

Watson says the stigma that seeking help means you’re “crazy” is diminishing, giving students the tools they need to ask for help.

“They’re more willing to talk about mental health issues, more willing to be okay that there is a counseling center, talking about the counseling center.”

Watson says making the conversation easier, means more people can get help

For more information on MUW’s Counseling Center click here.