UNC-Chapel Hill pauses for day to address 'mental health crisis'

"I want to take a moment of silence now to remember those we have lost and the suffering our community has been through," Guskiewicz said during the University Day ceremony.

He then promised more resources for students, beyond the counseling at several sites on campus that is available this week.

Students stressed about midterm exams welcomed the break to clear their heads.

"[We can] take some time off to get back on track, take some time to reflect on how we’re doing," junior Therese Brock said.

The student deaths has raised awareness across campus of mental health struggles, Brock and other students said.

"Everyone’s reflecting a bit more. Everyone’s definitely now talking to their friends about it, being more aware, talking about mental health a bit," junior Saskia Rolf said.

Despite pressures of college, pandemic, students often reluctant to seek mental health help

"I feel like I have people I can turn to, but it’s definitely an eye-opener that not everyone has and that some people are struggling more than others," Brock said.

The coronavirus pandemic has only added to the stress of being in college for young adults, said Dr. Amy Ursano, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at UNC-Chapel Hill.

"Things have gotten absolutely worse, certainly for everyone, but this group in particular," Ursano said. "If you think about what they’re dealing with, they have to deal in the pandemic with a lot more isolation, a lot more disconnect [and] a lot of frustration."

Rev. Tobi Nguyen, pastor of discipleship at University United Methodist Church, on Franklin Street, said therapists in her congregation have offered to help struggling students cope.

"Our understanding of mental health and the crises students are under has been increasing, and I think, during this time of COVID, it has only complicated the matter," Nguyen said. "There is an aspect to COVID that’s taking away community that’s really important for students. When that community is removed, everything is more complicated, and working through problems and issues and finding help all feels like it has one more barrier to it."

"I am certain, for all of us moving forward, we need a lot more than just one day," she said. "This needs to be integrated in this campus and campuses across the country."

UNC-Chapel Hill students agreed that mental health needs to be addressed regularly.

"The one day is definitely a good symbol, but you should talk about your mental health every single day, especially when you’re not doing well," Rolf said.