For many of us, college is a very exciting time in our lives. A time of exploration, self discovery, and learning. We are living our own (okay, maybe with a roommate), away from the watchful eyes of our parents, making new friends and connections, attending classes, making our own decisions, rushing sororities and/or fraternities, and so on. Amid this new adventure comes a journey without a compass. From all nighters, 8 AMs, 20 page papers, group projects, presentations, meetings, managing time and money, mediating roommate conflicts, to finding the time to eat. Yet, many people do not want to talk about the everyday stressors that accompany college life. Mental illness among college students is more prevalent than many individuals realize. In reality, college students are at a greater risk for developing mental health conditions. According to the National Alliance of Mental on Mental Illness, around 75% of mental illnesses appear before an individual reaches the age of 24. 

​

     Project Flashlight developed this website to start a conversation about the  presence of mental illness among college students and to provide useful information of where to go for help. On our About Mental Illness page, you will see descriptions of different mental health conditions , their common symptoms, stigmas associated with mental illness as well as a self evaluation that allows individuals to personally assess  the status of their mental health. On our Research page, you will see various facts, figures, and statistics that reflect the prevalence of this graving and important issue. In our How to Get Help section, we have provided an overview of different resources and services around the Farmville and Longwood community and the contact information to national crisis hotlines. Finally, our Testimonies page features a video that reminds viewers that they do not struggle alone and that their mental wellbeing does not reflect their identities or who they are. 

.