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Many people who need help don’t seek it. There are endless reasons for each of us as to why we may, or may not reach out. Sometimes our fear of being judged or labeled overpowers us and prohibits the growth and skills we need to build to cope with our problems. This is stigma. Some other negative effects of stigma surrounding mental health are a lack of understanding of someone’s situation, bullying, physical violence and harassment. It is time to break our comfort zone and change the perception that asking for help is wrong or weak.

Talking openly about mental health helps to reduce stigma and create an environment where seeking help is supported and encouraged. To start this conversation, we posted a project on our events page from Fresh Check Day, called “The Elephant in the Room”. Participants wrote their personal “elephant in the room” on the link provided and submitted them anonymously. We are now displaying some of our submissions so others can read, and build awareness of what their peers are dealing with, and see that they are not alone.

Please take a moment to read what others have shared and continue sharing. It can be eye opening to see what our peers are struggling with behind the happy faces they put on! If you would like to talk about what you wrote or feel like you may need help, please reach out to our campus counselors. 

• Dean of Students Office - Counseling services, resource referral, general assistance
  • acc [dot] dos [at] arapahoe [dot] edu or 303.797.5730
• Colorado Crisis Services – 24/7/365 support for anyone in Colorado to connect with a mental health counselor
  • , 1.844.493.8255 Text “TALK” to 38255
• Campus Police
  • campus [dot] police [at] arapahoe [dot] edu or 303.797.5600
• Learn more about

Elephants in the Room