Editor’s note: This column was submitted to the Texan by a member of the UT community.
Just like any other organization or collection of young people, fraternities and their members face mental health challenges. Mental health does not discriminate based on class, creed or background; no one is isolated from it. Fraternities and their members struggle with the issues that arise around mental health.
It is not a novel revelation that men who struggle with mental health have a hard time discussing it openly. While this issue exists in fraternities, it is not unique to Greek life at all. This year in Pi Kappa Alpha (commonly called PIKE) we are taking initiatives to help break down some of the societal stigma around men’s mental health. Members of the chapter have elected a team of brothers to help conduct routine check-ins and facilitate an environment for discussions in the future. Mental health should not be reactionary. Brothers of the chapter who care deeply about this subject have advocated for the need to have resources available to all.
Our fraternity has recognized the severity and urgency of the need to address mental health. PIKE has made increased efforts to promote mental wellness and help encourage young men to discuss their struggles. Young men specifically are told that it is manly and strong to bottle up these emotions and pretend you aren’t affected. It needs to be reiterated that nothing can be further from the truth. It is incredibly difficult to ask for help, but it is incredibly brave to admit when help is needed rather than suffering in silence.
The stereotype that guys who are in fraternities are all ‘macho men’ and ‘party animals’ is a harmful narrative. This perpetuates notions of needing to be tough and strong to be a man. Our culture often debates what it means to be masculine or feminine. Showing emotion and vulnerability isn’t a feminine trait. Being able to confront uncomfortable emotions is a vital skill, not a point of shame.
Mental health’s stigma and the culture around it is changing in fraternities. These notions and ways of thinking cannot be torn down overnight. Frank conversations about mental health and depression among men are the way to wear down those walls. Pi Kappa Alpha is prioritizing consistent and genuine discussion on topics that aren’t easy to talk about. Our hope is that by providing preventative resources and establishing a plan in the case of a mental health crisis, our fraternity can give our members the tools to promote their mental health. Though society and Greek life have come a long way, the stigma around mental health still hangs around.
Fraternities and Greek life in general should discuss difficult issues like mental health struggles and substance abuse, not shy away from them. The tight bonds and connections established in a fraternity have a great healing power when used well. In the future, I’d like to see more fraternities start programs to address mental health instead of waiting until after a tragedy strikes our community.
Benton is an architectural engineering junior and president of Texas Pi Kappa Alpha.
