College Mental Health & Supporting Students in

Distress

Matthew T. Ouimet, NCC, LPC

Counseling Services

Overview

Introductions What is mental health? What causes mental health

conditions? College students and mental health Understanding the millennial student Your role as a faculty or staff member How to help Resources to help you

What is mental health?

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.”

- MentalHealth.Gov

What causes mental health conditions?

Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry

Environmental factors and life experiences, such as trauma or abuse

Family history of mental health problems

MentalHealth.Gov

College stressors that can impact mental health

Relationship breakups

Homesickness

Peer Pressure

Loneliness

Academic pressure

Future career stress

Financial issues

Lack of sleep

Taking on too much

Over-involved

Body image concerns

Drug and alcohol use

Poor diet and lack of exercise

Sexual identity

Hazing

Bullying

Veteran status

Death

Divorce

Mental Health Does Matter: Prevalence on College Campuses

Colleges across the country have reported large increases in enrollment [or at least

increasing access for students]. At the same time, college counseling centers have also observed an increase in the prevalence and severity of mental health issues experienced by students and an increase in the number of

students taking psychotropic medications.

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Mental Health Does Matter: Prevalence on College Campuses

75% of lifetime cases of mental health conditions begin by age 24.

1 out of 4 young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have a diagnosable mental illness. (8,500 X .25 = 2,125 undergrads at SCSU)

More than 11 % of college students have been diagnosed or treated for anxiety in the past year.

More than 10 % reported being diagnosed or treated for depression.

Mental Health Does Matter: Prevalence on College Campuses

More than 40 % of college students have felt more than an average amount of stress within the past 12 months.

More than 80 % of college students felt overwhelmed by all they had to do in the past year and…

45 % have felt things were hopeless.

Almost 73 % of students living with a mental health condition experienced a mental health crisis on campus.

Yet, 34.2 % reported that their college did not know about their crisis.

http://www2.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Find_Support/NAMI_on_Campus1/Learn_About_The_Issue/Learn_About_The_Issue.htm

Mental Health and Academic Success 64 percent of young adults who are no longer in college are not attending college because of a mental health related reason. Depression, bipolar disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder are the primary diagnoses of these young adults.

31 percent of college students have felt so depressed in the past year that it was difficult to function and more than 50 percent have felt overwhelming anxiety, making it hard to succeed academically. 

The Millennial College Student

Key Characteristics1. Special- Rewards for participation

2. Sheltered- Highly structured, limited chances to fall (learn, cope)

3. Team Orientated- Works well in groups, socially active

4. Confident- high level of optimism, tech savvy

5. Pressured- High expectations, expect constant feedback

6. Achieving- Will challenge methods for grading and testing

7. Conventional- Respect for cultural differences

Importance of Your Relationship with Your Students

1. Establish Rapport: You are on the “front lines”

2. Know the warning signs

3. Know when and how to refer

Warning Signs: Mental Health Conditions

Warning Signs: Mental Health Conditions

Warning Signs: Suicide

Suicide is a REAL risk

Signs are there…now what?

Trust your instincts

Use direct communication

Remember that you are not alone

Breathe

Talking with students: Some suggestions Speak with the student in a private setting when you will

not be rushed.

If you have initiated the contact express your concern in behavioral, nonjudgmental terms. Use “I” statements.

Be a good listener. Do not make judgments, evaluate or criticize the student even if the student asks for your opinion. Do not dismiss the seriousness of the problem.

Maintain clear boundaries and expectations in your role as a faculty/staff member.

Acknowledge the student’s state of distress & offer to help the student.

Be compassionate and give hope. Let the student know help is available and you will help them find it.

Talking with students: Some suggestions Give alternatives. Encourage the student to seek

assistance through Counseling Services or other appropriate resources. You can offer to walk the student to our office (EN B 219) to set up the appointment or make the call with the student.

In making referrals to someone who is reluctant, you can point out that getting help is a sign of strength and courage and that people seek help in a variety of ways (car repairs, medical concern, legal issues, etc).

Know and express your own limitations. You are not expected to be a professional counselor. You serve an important role as a link to resources for the student.

Call Counseling Services (392-5475) if you think the person is contemplating harming self or others if you are not sure what to do. Take all threats, hints and notes seriously.

In cases of immediate emergency please call 9-1-1.

Take care of you !!!

Campus Resources: Consult Others if Needed

It is often helpful to know on-campus resources before students are in distress

Counseling Services

Dean of Student Affairs/BIT

Academic Dean

DARC

Women’s Center

Judicial Affairs

Residence Life

Helping students in Distress Guidebook SCSU Home Page > Faculty/Staff > Resources

Additional Resources

QPR Training SCSU Student Handbook/Code of Conduct

SCSU Helping Students in Distress MentalHealth.gov Voices4Hope.net

Ulifeline.org National Institute of Mental Health

StrengthofUs.org

Online/Chat Resources for Students

TheTrevorProject.org CrisisChat.net IMALIVE.net

24 Hour Hotlines 1-800-273-TALK 211

Quick Review: When to Refer (Counseling)

In many cases of student distress, faculty and staff can provide adequate help through empathic listening, facilitating open discussion of problems, instilling hope, validating and normalizing concerns, conveying acceptance, giving reassurance, and offering basic advice.

In some cases, however, students need professional help to overcome problems and to resume effective functioning. The following signs indicate a student may need counseling:

• The student remains distressed following repeated attempts by you and others to be helpful.

• The student becomes increasingly isolated, unkempt, irritable, or disconnected.

• The student’s academic or social performance deteriorates.

• The student’s behavior reflects increased hopelessness or helplessness.

• You find yourself doing ongoing counseling rather than consultation or advising and feeling

yourself pulled in directions that make you uncomfortable.

• The student shows significant and marked changes in behavior and mood.

SCSU Faculty and Staff Guide of Helping Students in Distress

Note: Follow up on Referrals

Counseling Services is a confidential resource, therefore following up on a student you referred for services can be tricky.

Student can sign a release of information for us to communicate with you regarding attendance. If not, we are unable to confirm or deny the student has attended services.

Recommendation: Follow up with the student directly. It shows that you care and that you want the best for them.

Questions?

Matthew Ouimet, NCC, LPC

Phone:(203) 392-5482

Email: Ouimetm1@southernct.edu

Thank you for Attending!

Counseling Services

Engleman B-219

Phone:(203) 392-5475

Remember to tell students: Free and Confidential!