CSUN is using two new mental health assistance programs to help distressed students on campus.

While college presents a host of opportunities for students to enrich their lives, students can sometimes get overwhelmed while pursuing their degrees. According to a survey published in “Australian Psychologist,” more than 83 percent of college students feel some psychological distress, and more than 20 percent suffer from “serious” mental distress.

CSUN is addressing this with new training programs dubbed “Kognito” and “QPR,” which are being rolled out this academic year. Harold Hellenbrand, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, sent out a letter regarding the issue in September.

“As members of this campus community, we are all committed to not only the academic success of our students, but also their well-being,” Hellenbrand said in the letter. “Nationally, students are reporting increased levels of distress, putting them at risk for depression, substance abuse and a host of other mental health challenges.”

These challenges are the reason Kognito and QPR are being instituted. While QPR is about to hit the campus in February, Kognito’s already helping students, faculty and staff recognize those in distress. William Watkins, vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students, told the Daily Sundial’s Melissa Simon that these issues don’t just affect one CSUN student, but in essence, everyone on this campus. That’s the reason that these programs were put into place.

“We are also aware of how tragedies like Sandy Hook and Aurora destabilize us all, causing a range of reactions from stigmatization to fear,” Watkins said. “Despite these very human responses, as a caring university community, we must continue to educate ourselves about the kinds of disabling conditions that can be experienced by those around us, provide support where needed or possible, and encourage individuals who see something of concern to say something to those who can intervene.”

Read more: Faculty and Staff Train to Help Distressed Students [Daily Sundial]

Kognito, Mental Health, QPR