Our collegiate brothers need our support more than ever. Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, students are reporting issues with managing anxiety, depression, stress, and loneliness. The results of a 2021 survey of college students by Inside Higher Ed indicated that 65% of respondents rated their mental health fair or poor.

Additional statistics from the Human Power Project are also alarming:

25% of college students experience a mental health disorder each year

Suicide is the second leading cause of death on college campuses

42% of people with a substance use disorder have a co-occurring mental health disorder

76% of college students report feeling overwhelmed

While these findings are troubling there is hope to be found within the power of fraternity.

A recent mental health study from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville found that fraternity and sorority affiliated students report higher positive mental health scores and less depression or anxiety than their unaffiliated peers. But these outcomes are not achieved on their own. The researchers believe these differences are connected to the opportunities for growth and development, including personal and professional support as well as meaningful and impactful connections that fraternities and sororities provide.

For Sigma Nu's Day of Giving in 2021, the Sigma Nu Educational Foundations goal is to raise the funds necessary to support the programs and services that allow collegiate and alumni members to thrive, both in college and after graduation. These programs include the Behind Happy Faces program and TalkSpace, an online counseling program.

In 2020, Sigma Nu Fraternity partnered with the Human Power Project to create and offer the Behind Happy Faces program for all collegiate brothers. The program includes five (5) 15-to-25-minute lessons, with four (4) optional add-on lessons to help brothers understand mental health, learn coping skills, and how to talk to a brother who may be facing a mental health challenge. In addition, the program includes facilitator notes, brief videos, and accompanying PowerPoint decks.

Brother Ryan Meeks (Alabama) had a positive experience with the program.

These are just a few of the many ways our Fraternity is working every day to foster and grow positive mental health in our brotherhood, but these efforts require support to continue.

Over 90% of the Fraternity's programs are funded directly through dues and fees paid by collegiate brothers and chapters. If we are going to help shape and mold today's young men to be the ethical leaders of tomorrow, we need to support our collegiate brothers now.

Share how Sigma Nu made an impact in your life by posting a testimonial today! Use #SigmaNuIMPACT on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!

For questions about the Day of Giving or to give a gift of stock, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation by calling (540) 463-1030 or by emailing David Mainella at david.mainella@sigmanu.org