A version of this story appeared in the Nov 6-19, 2015 print issue under the headline: Ministry supports stressed students.
Student leaders in campus ministry at California State University East Bay visit the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland.
Hayward, Calif. — March 8, 2016
Depression, anxiety, panic attacks. These mental health issues predominate in the lives of many of today’s college students, says Eunice Park, campus minister at California State University East Bay. Academic success becomes more difficult and spiritual growth is challenged.
Park attributes these issues at her Hayward campus to several factors:
- First-generation college students from immigrant families unfamiliar with the stresses of college life;
- Students’ overdependence on technology instead of positive face-to-face interaction;
- A lack of personal resilience when confronted with difficulties and failures.
Additionally, for some of the Catholic students, a family piety that sees evil and demons as causes of emotional problems exacerbates the situation.