Syracuse Sun

Faculty Share Perspectives on Mental Health

Did you know 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year? If you’re working on a story for Mental Health Awareness Month, our Syracuse University faculty experts are available for interviews. Please see their names, background, and thoughts about this month’s recognition below. If you’d like to schedule an interview, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu. You also can use their comments as is and link to this webpage for reference.

Michiko Ueda-Ballmer, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Public Administration and International Affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and a senior research associate in the Center for Policy Research. Her expertise includes suicide prevention, and she is currently conducting multiple studies aimed at identifying and mitigating the barriers to mental health help-seeking. She writes: “As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s crucial to recognize that individuals with severe mental health conditions may not seek help or treatment, even among college students who typically exhibit lower levels of stigma associated with mental health treatment. Our recent survey of Syracuse University students suggests that approximately 33% are experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms, with about 13% reporting suicidal ideation. However, only slightly more than half of those with these serious conditions sought treatment, either on- or off-campus, in the past 12 months. Given that our students have full health insurance coverage and good access to care, the low rate could be attributed to perceived stigma; quite a few of our students responded that others would think less of someone who has received mental health treatment. Mental Health Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity to reach out to those struggling with mental health issues and assure them that seeking help is entirely acceptable.”

Tristan K. Martin, Ph.D., LMFT, is an assistant teaching professor at Syracuse University’s Falk College. He teaches courses in human sexuality, cultural diversity, and relationship therapy with LGBTQ clients. He writes: “Mental health is a conversation that we all should be having; this month gives us a moment to reflect on those around us who may need additional support. For example, the LGBTQ community experiences higher rates of mental health needs. This is driven from the compounded impact of minority stress, or external discrimination which leads to psychological distress. This year a record number of anti-lgbt bills (550) have been introduced across the nation. This disheartening statistic highlights the overt discrimination and resulting fear for many. As the need for support increases, therapists should increase their accessibility to this community through LGBTQ-affirming therapy, offering support and validation of their lived experiences.”

Kenneth Marfilius, L.C.S.W., D.S.W., is an associate teaching professor of social work at Syracuse University’s Falk College. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a mental health therapist, family advocacy officer in charge, and as manager of the alcohol and drug prevention and treatment program. He writes: “Addressing the mental health challenges and suicide risks within the military demands a multi-pronged and proactive strategy. This approach should include enhancing mental health services, bolstering support for families, and advocating for a sustainable work-life balance. Such a balance would help soldiers understand the significance and impact of their work on the lives of American civilians, underscoring its meaningfulness. Confronting systemic issues is a critical step towards fostering a healthier, more resilient, and operationally effective military force. By committing to these measures, we can offer robust support to our soldiers, contributing significantly to the establishment of a fortified and capable military entity.”