According to the World Health Organization and The National Institute of Mental Health, "depression is one of the leading causes of disability, with approximately 121 million people suffering with depression worldwide."
Although the number of people suffering from depression continues to rise, more often than not those going through the pain usually do not seek help.
The office of Student Affairs and Wellness confirmed that this trend hasn't missed Otterbein.
This year alone, there was a significant increase in the number of attempted suicides, as well as a jump in the number of students with depression.
This Friday, CPB, WOBN and the office of Student Affairs and Wellness have joined forces to shine a light on this epidemic by organizing a benefit concert to help raise awareness among the campus about the effects of depression.
The concert will be taking place in the Campus Center this Friday, April 18th at 8 p.m. In correlation with these student organizations, they will also be working with a national organization called To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA).
TWLOHA started in 2006 to spread awareness of depression, self-mutilation and drug abuse through the sounds of music. The organization was first established around a 19-year-old girl going through a time of depression.
"We chose to work with The To Write Love On Her Arms organization because we felt that college students can really relate to it because of the issues that they deal with," said Becky Sorensen, a junior life science major and executive vice president of CPB.
Many musicians have teamed up with TWLOHA, to spread knowledge, including the band that is coming to play at Otterbein.
LifeInJersey, a rock group from Kansas City, will be performing and sharing testimonies during the concert about why they are involved with the organization.
"They were very interested in the cause. They are an excellent up-and-coming band and tend to remind people of the Foo Fighters," said Brad Burton, assistant director for the Center for Student Involvement.
Donations will be taken throughout the week, as well as during the concert, and merchandise from the organization and the band will be sold. All proceeds will go to the TWLOHA organization.
"We really feel that this is an important cause that should be addressed," said Sorensen,
She went on to say, "This concert will hopefully register with the campus, to let them know how serious depression is and that there are ways to get help if needed."
Along with the concert Friday night, WOBN will be doing live broadcasts from outside the Campus Center all day Friday.
Programming director of WOBN, sophomore business administration major Bryan Mravec, is very excited about the benefit concert. "We just want to help the cause and spread awareness throughout the campus," said Mravec.
Freshman English education major Jeremy Hirschfelt hopes that students will come and support this concert, "It takes a lot of courage for people to come out and get help. We just want to raise awareness so people know where to go to get help," he said.
If you or a friend is struggling with depression, there are many outlets on campus that can assist in recovery.
Counseling is available through Student Affairs. Each Otterbein student is allowed up to three free visits with the College's counselors. To set up an appointment, please call 614-823-1250. t&c;
