Let’s Talk: Therapy, Recovery Programs, and Why They Need to Be Destigmatized

This article is part of our Fall 2020 print issue. See the full, digital version of the issue here.

Our brain is just as important as our body. Wouldn’t it be great if our Apple Watches and Fitbits counted how many minutes we spent exercising our mental health? For each minute we spent meditating, attending recovery programs, or talking to someone about our feelings, we would be one step closer to achieving our daily goal for the day. 

The word “therapy” originates from the Latin word “therapīa”, translating to “curing” or “healing.” But oftentimes, when someone mentions attending therapy, it’s met with the immediate assumption that they struggle with mental illness. How did a delicate Latin word evolve into a heavy, stigmatized part of today’s culture? Is The Sopranos to blame? Society? Both? 

Marie Shaw, director of Elon Counseling Services, and Callie Kelly, coordinator for both Student Wellness and Collegiate Recovery Community programs, share how Elon plays an active role in encouraging students to receive the help they need, despite the stigma surrounding therapy and recovery. 

“Mental health is a part of everyone’s overall well-being, and one’s mental health is fluid and falls on a continuum,” says Shaw. “Therapy may be beneficial across the continuum, ranging from people who have a diagnosed mental health disorder and may not be functioning well because of it to those who may be functioning fairly well but are seeking personal growth and support.” 

The benefits of therapy are endless, including having someone to confide in, learning new coping strategies, and being guided on how to make personal changes. “Therapy provides a safe space to process your concerns and collaborate with a clinician to create adaptive changes in your life,” says Shaw. 

Recognizing your desire to better your mental and emotional well-being is the first step in actually doing so. Elon offers several enriching programs that support students in taking the next steps toward achieving their goals. While therapy is not synonymous with recovery, in addition to counseling opportunities, Elon offers programs for substance use recovery, one of which is the newly established Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC).

A CRC is defined by the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) as “a college or university-provided, supportive environment within the campus culture that reinforces the decision to engage in a lifestyle of recovery from substance use.”

“We’re cultivating a campus culture that embraces holistic wellness and recognizes the critical need in providing students with a spectrum of support services like collegiate recovery,” says Kelly. Similar to Shaw’s comment on the continuum of mental health in therapy, Kelly explains that “the word ‘recovery’ is fluidly defined. It’s about empowerment that looks and sounds different for each individual program.”

Therapy and recovery programs may differ in structure, but they are similar in that they are both heavily stigmatized. Destigmatization starts with an open mind and a conversation. “The more we, as a society, can openly talk about mental health and well-being is a start to destigmatizing mental health,” says Shaw. 

“Substance use disorders and recovery are complex public health issues that impact us all. If we are going to normalize seeking treatment and support services, we can’t be afraid to have these conversations. You have to educate yourself and then educate others,” says Kelly.

When talking to friends or peers about their mental well-being or substance use, it is important to have an open mind and be informed. If you are not sure where to start, consider taking a Mental Health First Aid training course offered through Campus Recreation and Wellness. This course teaches participants how to assist someone experiencing a mental health- or substance use-related crisis.

If you are looking to support students in recovery, Kelly recommends attending a recovery messaging training, a key component of the CRC program. Ally training provides education, addresses stigmas, and equips participants with the skills to be an effective advocate for holistic mental well-being. “Our goal is to create a campus community where students in recovery feel valued, accepted, and supported,” says Kelly. 

The road to strong mental health and recovery from substance use does not need to be walked alone. “That’s the goal of our collegiate recovery program,” says Kelly. The CRC aims to bring students together to ensure that they are not alone in their recovery journey or desire for a substance-free college experience. 

“Having a supportive CRC on campus serves a safe haven and offers social and networking opportunities, all of which are vital to their academic success,” says Kelly. 

Prioritizing your mental well-being is essential. As rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse continue to increase during the pandemic, Elon offers a variety of online resources to support your mental health. If you are interested in learning more about the programs Elon has to offer, consult the resources listed below. Taking care of yourself—whether that be attending a therapy session or joining a CRC—should be at the top of your daily to-do list. You deserve it. 

Resources

Elon Crisis Counselor: (336) 278-5555 will help connect you to a 24/7 counselor

Student Care and Outreach: (336) 278-7200

Campus Recreation and Wellness: (336) 278-7529 

Collegiate Recovery Community: (336) 278-5013 / collegiaterecovery.org

Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students: (336) 278-5013

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800 273-8255

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Hotline: 1-800-662-4357