It’s 2014, and we still hold back when we talk about mental health. This shouldn’t come as a surprise; we Northwesterners are accustomed to “pulling it together,” “bearing with it” or doing whatever it takes to get through our midterms and job interviews with a smile. We can make even the most trying days look effortless but don’t necessarily know how or when to seek help when we need it. And though many of us have supportive communities on campus, the mental health climate at Northwestern needs work.

Since our freshman year we’ve witnessed the campus grieve the losses of multiple students. We’ve also seen the student body come together and petition for better mental health services and more nuanced methods of dealing with our collective stress (see here, here, and here for examples). In all cases, we’re reminded that students’ mental health is a sensitive and fragile issue, and it needs to be repeatedly addressed in order for there to be improvement. It should not take a suicide to get people talking. We ask that, in spite of the stigma, we not only give mental health more visibility on campus, but also address the problem head-on.

This is easier said than done. Currently, Counseling and Psychological Services provides up to 12 free, individual counseling sessions — as well as group therapies and workshops — yet many students feel intimidated by the thought of reaching out, let alone talking to a professional. Additionally, because students are often referred to private providers, therapy becomes prohibitively expensive. We are not alone in arguing that NU needs to funnel more financial resources into CAPS so they can expand their services. It’s time that we start offering more free alternatives, more non-judgmental spaces and more hours on the weekends.

NU Listens formed with the intent of alleviating some of these deficits. We provide a free, anonymous peer listening service to all students regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation or gender representation. We strive to give all NU students a space to share their insecurities, vent about their recent midterms or help a friend going through depression. At the end of the day, we are students helping students.

The road has not been as easy one, and it has taken three years to make this service a reality. Thankfully, we’re supported by a passionate group of students who are committed to changing the face of mental health services on campus. After 10 weeks of comprehensive training in active listening and issues like microaggressions and sexual assault, our team of listeners is ready to lend an ear. We are pleased and proud to announce that NU Listens is launching its support line on Friday, April 25 at 8 p.m. Students can call 847-467-5102, Friday-Sunday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. for free, confidential services. By no means are we filling all the gaps on campus, but we believe we’re moving in the right direction.

Finally, NU Listens would like to thank Dr. Dunkle for his mentorship and the CAPS staff for facilitating the training of the peer listeners. We are grateful for your support these last three years.

Respectfully,

Leah Grodinsky and Jennifer Siedjak, co-directors of NU Listens

Feel free to contact us at [email protected] with any comments or questions, or visit our Facebook page for more information. NU Listens currently offers services through our support line at 847-467-5102, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of the quarter.