According to a recent issue of the New York Times, “the college campus can be a stressful place.” Richard Kadison, author of College of the Overwhelmed: The Campus Mental Health Crisis and What to Do About It, told the Times, “Each [college] student has a 50/50 chance of having some symptoms of depression or other [mental health] problems.”
The New York Times continues, “Some students find themselves emotionally at sea, struggling with problems from homesickness and relationship breakups to drug or alcohol abuse, severe depression or even thoughts of suicide.” InterVarsity staff and student leaders work to develop communities of faith where, in the context of prayer and trust, these issues can be discussed.
InterVarsity encourages students to acknowledge their vulnerability before God, and with the help of a supportive community, to seek help that others, including professionals, can offer. At a number of chapters across the country, issues such as the scriptural view of eating disorders and addictive behavior are addressed in the seminar format of a large group meeting. More personal issues are brought up as students and staff interact one-to-one.
Racial and cultural identity is important throughout InterVarsity. Nationally, as well as on the chapter level, InterVarsity encourages individuals to develop their ethnic identity and to work toward reconciliation across racial and ethnic lines as an expression of God’s love and grace. College life can be stressful. InterVarsity offers the strength of a community, with friendships and spiritual guidance to help students make their way through the difficult times.
