Stories

SCU student Hydeia Wysinger '25 hopes to promote mental health in adolescents by exploring the intersectionalities between psychology and public health.

By Shantala Jennings ’27

Due to COVID-19, issues with mental health have risen as a result of the traumatic experiences the public endured during the pandemic. The shift between in-person and digital socialization increased feelings of anxiety and depression, especially among youth. Having a strong desire to help individuals struggling with mental health has motivated junior Hydeia Wysinger to pursue a double major in psychology and public health while at Santa Clara University.

Hydeia intends to use her studies in psychology to better understand the mental processes behind teens' feelings, thoughts, and actions. She believes that adolescence is a fundamental stage in developing emotional and social behaviors, and understanding these factors will help shape an individual's mental well-being. Along with her studies in psychology, she is also planning to utilize her public health studies to learn more about the external factors influencing a patient's mental health. “With a comprehension of public health, I can identify the environmental and social factors that influence an individual's health,” she says. "Acknowledging these determinants may give me insight into what is preventing these individuals from receiving the healthcare they need."

The pandemic has brought up many fears, especially within religious communities. Coupled with the anxiety of catching the airborne disease, these communities harbor speculation surrounding the causes of the virus and whether or not it is divine intervention. Hydeia, who also has minors in religious studies and political science, recognizes that having compassion and a mutual understanding of different cultures is important to the healing process. She believes her minors will help her better comprehend the intersections between health, policy, and culture. “Health is extremely multidimensional," she explains. “It is important to understand all of the intersectionalities that a person has.” By understanding different religious traditions and political beliefs, she will be better positioned to connect with her future patients.

On campus, Hydeia is involved in multiple organizations outside of the classroom. As a peer health educator, she gets to learn about a variety of health-related topics and organizes wellness events to raise awareness of both physical and mental health among SCU students. In addition, she is the Director of Prospect for Delta Epsilon Mu, a coed pre-health fraternity, where she plans all recruiting activities aimed at encouraging undergraduate students who want to become professionals in public health to join the chapter.

After graduation, Hydeia plans to attend graduate school for counseling psychology with a specialization in child and adolescent mental health, in hopes of becoming a counseling psychologist. “I believe all of the opportunities I’ve had at SCU have impacted my current career goals because I've had the chance to work with a variety of people to strengthen communities, all while doing what I am passionate about," she expressed. “Having mentors in my life who are passionate about mental health work has inspired me to help the next generation develop healthy coping skills and healthy outlets to express their thoughts and feelings.”