Changing the Conversation About Mental Health
Who
Are
We?
We are a national student-led mental
health advocacy, education, and
awareness group. Our goal is to reduce
the stigma surrounding mental illness
and also to bring awareness about ways
of increasing mental health
What
Do
We
Do?
Weekly meetings
Student mental health panels
Out of the Darkness Walk
Send Silence Packing
Guest Speakers
Volunteering in Community
Stress Less Week
Why
Do We
Do It?
18-24 years of age is when many illnesses
begin to show
1 in 4 Americans suffer with a mental
illness
1,100 college students commit suicide
every year
2/3 of college students who need help
don’t receive it
What Do We Do About This?
Help In
Any
Way
You Can
FACT OR MYTH?
Symptoms of anxiety and depression
inherently make those suffering from it
unwilling to talk about their problems, so
it is best to bring the friend straight to a
professional
FACT OR MYTH?
You shouldn’t explicitly bring up suicide
with a friend who seems really depressed,
because this could unintentionally turn
suicide into a viable option
FACT OR MYTH?
Suicide is most often an impulsive
decision, so it is hard to tell if people are
thinking about it
STEP 1:
Find a safe space
Know your friend
Public or private? Time of day?
STEP 2:
No Ambushing
One-on-one is best
If necessary, bring in professional or
their parents
STEP 3:
Be Prepared
Have resources available to give
Know how to contact emergency
numbers
STEP 4:
Take Care of Yourself
Have confidence in what you’re
doing
Have your own support network
STEP 5:
Use “I” Statements
Start with
Continue with
For example
I feel…
Emotion
I feel concerned
When…
Situation
When you can’t get out of bed
Because…
Why
Because I care about you
I’m wondering…
Suggestion
I’m wondering if it would help to talk to a
counselor
STILL NOT SURE HOW TO
START?
 What can I do to help?
 How can I help you?
 How long have you been feeling this way?
 Are you getting the care you need?
 Do you want me to walk with you to the counseling
center?
 Have you ever had thoughts about hurting yourself?
NOTE: THIS TAKES PRACTICE
That’s why we
ROLE PLAY