Mental Health Awareness Month - May

 

 

 

Mental Health Awareness Month was started in the United States in 1949 by the Mental Health America Organization (the National Association for Mental Health) to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses.

 

 The statistics of mental health issues that students face during their college years:

   

• 80% feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities as a student
• 30% of students reported that they had problems with school work due to a mental health issue
• 50% have struggled greatly from anxiety and as a result have struggled in school
• 40% of students fails to seek help
• 50% of students rated their mental health below average or poor 

From https://collegestats.org/resources/mental-health-guide/

Mental health issues are prevalent among young adults:

 

• 39% of students in college experience a significant mental health issue
• 50% of mental health issues begin by age of 14; 75% begin by age 24
• 2/3 of students with anxiety or depression don't seek treatment

 

7 Tips from Mental Health First Aid to help a friend in need:

 

1. CALMNESS - Comfort your friend in a time of need
2. HONESTY - Encourages your friend to trust you
3. NON-JUDGMENTAL ATTITUDE - Creates safe space for your friend
4. EMPATHY - Shows that you really care
5. RESOURCEFULNESS - Gives your friend ideas on where to get help
6. REASSURING - Makes your friend feel like things are going to be ok
7. ENCOURAGING - Helps your friend get help and support

From The National Council for Behavioral Health

 

• Headaches
• Low energy
• Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation and nausea
• Aches, pains, and tense muscles
• Insomnia