Student Mental Health Training Intro
Will: Welcome to the mental health training program for college students. This program was developed
to help you in dealing with common issues that arise when another student is distressed or dealing with
a mental illness.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Alice: But why should we, as students, be interested in this topic?
Well, we are affected by mental health issues on campus in many ways. Students are not only
vulnerable to develop their own issues such as depression, anxiety, or inability to handle stress, but
these issues in other students can lead to stressful effects on the student community, negative effects
on educational and social activities, and even safety concerns.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Will: As students, we are not only likely to already know someone with a mental illness, but also be
affected by someone with a mental illness in a class, residence hall, or social group. Students are often
the first to notice that another student is in trouble and are in the best position to help direct that
student to appropriate resources.
_______________________________________________________________________
Alice: Students are also in a unique position to assist in improving the mental health of fellow college
students through:
-positive changes in the academic, living, and social environment on campus
-education of other students about mental illness
-stigma reduction
-advocating for appropriate policy changes
- as well as reducing barriers to seeking treatment.
________________________________________________________________________
Will: The development of mental illness in some students can be expected as the age range of the
traditional college student is similar to the age range in which many major mental illnesses first show
symptoms.
This is also a time of new challenges involving changes in our:
–
Environment (Float rather than speak words in italics: Less structure; shared living space;
geographical displacement)
–
Social sphere: (Float rather than speak words in italics: Loss of previous support network; New
relationships; Home sickness; Peer pressure)
–
Life Style: (Float rather than speak words in italics: Irregular sleep patterns, Less physical
activity; Poor eating habits; Increased access to alcohol and drugs)
–
And financial circumstances. (Float rather than speak words in italics: Increased financial
independence; Credit cards; Tuition & living cost)
________________________________________________________________________________
Alice: Surveys have revealed that mental illness is common in college students.
Nearly one in four of us have been diagnosed with a mental illness within the last year
The most frequently reported problems with mental health include anxiety, depression, panic attacks,
performance issues and attention deficit disorder.
Over half of students with mental health concerns report that these concerns negatively impact their
academic performance.
Finally, one in ten of all students report having seriously considered suicide and 1% of students report
having actually attempted suicide within the last 12 months.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Will: Stress may play a significant role in mental illness. Twenty-seven percent of students report being
unable to manage their stress level. Stress is not just academic but can include other significant life
events.
(Float rather than speak words in italics and start just as the first sentence begins):
-Academic Challenges
- Roommates Conflict
-The end of a personal relationship
-The death of someone close
-Physical illness in someone close
-Conflicts with parents
___________________________________________________________________________________
Alice: Even with the presence of mental health problems in college students many of us go untreated.
Lack of treatment is probably attributable in part to many students’ lack of knowledge about where to
obtain services. If we inform ourselves, we can help improve this situation through identification and
referral of students in need of mental health services.