May is Mental Health Awareness Month, Stories Inspired by mental health from Tiger’s Roar | News

As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, the impactful work of Savannah State University’s student newsroom, The Tiger’s Roar, stands as a testament to the power of solutions journalism in addressing critical campus issues. We recently presented a newsroom report for the Solutions Journalism Network that details our efforts to illuminate and alleviate the mental health challenges faced by students, particularly within the unique context of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

For years, The Tiger’s Roar, supported by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, has served as a vital public service, reporting on the escalating concerns surrounding mental well-being. Recognizing the profound need for deeper investigation and actionable insights, the newsroom utilized a grant to delve into the specific stressors experienced by HBCU students, including issues of identity, academic pressure, social isolation, and discrimination.

This initiative, spearheaded by a dedicated team including department chair Dr. Juliana Trammel, Tiger’s Roar advisor Kareem McMichael, Tiger’s Roar Editor in Chief Ellen Hunter, Co-editor Grace Thomas, and PRSSA President Shani Green, underscores a proactive commitment to fostering a healthier campus environment.

The process began with thorough research into existing mental health resources at Savannah State University, gathering data on student population, staff, programs, utilization rates, and identifying gaps. Our team conducted interviews with administrators, counseling center staff, student affairs officers, and student leaders to gain a holistic understanding of the institution’s perspective and available support systems. This foundational work led to the identification of key story angles, ranging from access to services and the pervasive stigma surrounding help-seeking behavior to the impacts on marginalized student populations and resource challenges.

The findings from our initial survey painted a clear picture: while a significant majority (55.56%) of participants were “Very aware” of mental health issues, and 88.89% felt “informed,” a striking 55.56% admitted to struggling “Occasionally,” and 22.22% “Frequently.”

The survey also highlighted diverse topics of interest among students, including PTSD, financial stress, academic pressure, grief, self-care, anxiety, depression, gender disparities, body image issues, and discrimination. These insights directly informed the subsequent reporting, ensuring that the stories resonated with the lived experiences of the student body.

Early reporting from The Tiger’s Roar exemplified their solutions journalism approach. An article titled “How are you feeling, SSU?” bravely explored the academic pressures, feelings of being overwhelmed, and various coping mechanisms—both healthy and unhealthy—employed by students. It candidly addressed the stigma and perceived lack of sufficient resources, emphasizing the urgent need for better support systems and open dialogue.

Another piece, “SSU Counseling Center: Supporting Students’ Mental Health and Academic Success,” shone a spotlight on the university’s free and confidential counseling services, highlighting their commitment to holistic mental health care and encouraging students to utilize these vital resources.

Our newsroom’s commitment extended beyond reporting, actively promoting and participating in campus-wide mental health initiatives. In our report we talked about a mental health workshop hosted at the 75th annual Southern Regional Press Institute (SRPI), featuring experts who discussed the importance of daily routines, community resources, and confronting stigma.

Students at the workshop shared their experiences, finding comfort and utility in the open discussions. Furthermore, Savannah State University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), a key partner in this endeavor, hosted a “Dance De-Stress Class.” This event not only offered a physical outlet but also provided participants with valuable information about mental health resources on and off campus, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to student well-being.

Our report acknowledges the cultural stigma around seeking mental health help, particularly among Black college students, even as it highlights data showing a significant percentage of HBCU students report flourishing mental health. This nuanced understanding underscores the critical need for improved promotion and expansion of mental health resources at institutions like Savannah State University.

Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing this vital work. A health communications course, taught by Dr. Trammel in Fall 2025, will integrate solutions-based journalism reporting, ensuring the next generation of journalists is equipped to tackle such complex societal issues. The newsroom also plans to continue its mental health series, focusing on topics of interest derived from its comprehensive survey.

During Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond we want to serve as a powerful reminder that fostering mental well-being is an ongoing journey. Our work not only raises awareness but actively seeks and promotes solutions, empowering students to navigate their academic and personal lives with greater resilience and support.