Part 1
While most of our Back to School series addresses K-12 topics, this article focuses on the recent Mental Health College Guide for Students and Educators developed by NAMI and the JED Foundation. The guide is filled with so much information, from resources, to practical strategies, to collaboration practices for mental health and wellness for college students and educators! With the plethora of information contained in this guide we thought we would share its contents with you to give you a better idea of what it offers. Given that the guide is divided into two parts, this article will focus on students and the next article, part 2, will focus on educators.
On the home page the guide briefly identifies what is in the guide, specifically the importance of self-care, being proactive about mental health, mental health services and support, and stories from college students. There is even a link to sign up for their newsletter to learn more about mental health.
About The Guide
The student side of the guide is broken down into seven sections, with subsections in each. The first section contains more information about the guide, and has a specific section on mental health statistics. NAMI reports that 75% of lifetime mental health conditions start by age 24. Thus, the college years are critical years. The guide provides links to additional data about the prevalence of mental health conditions, including:
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
- 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
- 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14
There are also links to data on mental health and sexual orientation, gender identity, and race.
Staying Safe
The second section in the student guide includes information about staying safe, which includes information on substance use and alcohol use. Drugs and alcohol can play a big role on college campuses, as can prescription drugs. There are links to resources that help in identifying a problem and seeking help. This safety section also addresses sexual harassment and assault on college campuses. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), 26.4% of female undergraduate students and 6.8% of male students experience rape or sexual assault; and half of these assaults happen when either the perpetrator or the victim, or both, have been drinking alcohol. The guide provides links to what consent is and what it looks like, and what sexual assault is. There are also links to how to protect yourself and how to report a sexual assault.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
The third section focuses on taking care of your mental health, just as you do, or should, your physical health. This resource helps to create a plan to take care of your mental health. There are links to getting support when needed, how to get mental and physical care on campus, crisis planning, suicide prevention, and signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions.
Self-Advocacy, HIPPA And FERPA
For many college students this is the first time living away from their parents, and if you are 18 or older, your health records are protected by confidentiality laws. While these laws safeguard your information, they also prevent colleges from contacting your parents if you are facing a serious mental health issue. This section provides resources that address how to navigate these laws. Of particular note is this document that addresses student mental health and the law.
Relationships and Self-Care
Section five addresses the various types of relationships you may encounter in college, as well as dorm life and staying healthy in this new environment. College may be the first time you experience certain relationships, such as romantic, platonic, or professional. Even the best relationships can have moments of stress. Communication is key. Also key is staying healthy. There is a lot to juggle at college, so making sure that you are taking care of your mental and physical health is important.
Mental Health, Identity and Race
College may be the first time you are sharing and learning more about yourself and your identity, and learning more about others. Section six of this guide has many resources available that address inclusiveness, cultural competency, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more, as well as learning how to respond to prejudice, discrimination, and bias. These resources will help you feel more comfortable with your own identity and mental health, as well as give you the tools needed to navigate and welcome the new relationships you will be experiencing.
Resources
The last section of this guide contains many additional resources. Of particular note is the difference between calling 988 and 911. 988 is for those experiencing a mental health crisis, including thoughts of suicide and substance use problems. 911 is an emergency dispatch system for police, fire, and emergency medical services.
Summary
This guide is very informative and has many resources. Part 1 focused on students, and part 2 will focus on educators. While a few links were provided above, the guide has many, many links to various resources you may want to review as a student, parent, or interested party. Please check it out!
