In May we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. With this nationally recognized month, we promote the importance of taking care of one’s emotional well-being and challenge the stigmas associated with mental health. This year at the University of Oregon, we continue to engage in the theme of “Mental Health is Health.”
We want to emphasize the challenges students, faculty members, and staff face regarding their mental health, especially within the context of the current global and local climates.
According to a trend analysis of the Healthy Minds Study (2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023), UO students are reporting they are experiencing increasing mental health challenges, especially depression and anxiety. Among those students who reported being affected by problems related to depression for instance, we note a 9 percent increase between 2017 and 2023, from 73 percent to 84 percent. And approximately half of UO students surveyed in 2023 were determined to be at risk for moderate to severe depression and/or anxiety.
Fortunately, UO students are showing increasing self-efficacy to seek help for their mental health concerns, and in 2023, nearly 80 percent of students reported that they are aware of how to access resources if they need professional support.
This May we have created events tailored to increasing awareness of campus mental health resources, decreasing the stigma associated with mental health, as well as emphasizing taking care of oneself and each other during and beyond this year’s national Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Awareness Month Bingo
We encourage all students, faculty members, and staff to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month Bingo to help you engage in self and collective care. Bingo cards can be found at the Navigation station in University Health Services on the first floor. Sign up online to participate in the game for the chance to win prizes.
Healthy Minds Study
Note that the 2025 Healthy Minds Study will be open in April 28–May 16 to randomly selected students. If you have received an email requesting your participation, please take the time to answer the survey and help the UO continue to understand the mental health of our students, in order for us to raise awareness about and continuously improve our programs and services.
Follow our Instagram accounts to stay connected about wellness topics. Counseling Services: @uocounselingservices; University Health Services: @healthyuo; and the Duck Nest: @uo_ducknest.