NewHampshirePublicHealthAssociation

Mental Health on College Campuses

Ryan Walsh and UNH Health Services

Stats on College Aged Mental Health

• 18-24 is the average age of onset for many mental health disorders

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students

• 67% of students who have suicidal thoughts tell a friend before anyone else.

• Most college students who die by suicide are NOT receiving mental health treatment

Stats on College Aged Mental Health

• 18-24 is the average age of onset for many mental health disorders

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students

• 67% of students who have suicidal thoughts tell a friend before anyone else.

• Most college students who die by suicide are NOT receiving mental health treatment

What is there to do to help?

1. Increase awareness of mental health resources and services available to students

2. Reduce stigma and misconceptions around mental health and suicide that often deter individuals from seeking help

3. Empower peers to be gatekeepers by understanding warning signs of suicide or a mental health concern

4. Increase willingness to ask for help if experiencing emotional distress

Program Goals

1. Increase awareness of mental health resources and services available to students

2. Reduce stigma and misconceptions around mental health and suicide that often deter individuals from seeking help

3. Empower peers to be gatekeepers by understanding warning signs of suicide or a mental health concern

4. Increase willingness to ask for help if experiencing emotional distress

Program Goals

Taking the Jed ApproachUtilizing the Jed Model to steer goals and objectives

Taking the Jed ApproachUtilizing the Jed Model to steer goals and objectives

• 91% of students are MORE aware of available resources after FCD

• 79% of students are MORE comfortable talking about mental health and suicide after FCD

• 90% of students feel MORE prepared to help a friend after FCD

• 79% of students are MORE likely to seek help if experiencing distress after FCD

Figures based on Fall 2014 post-event survey data

Results

• 91% of students are MORE aware of available resources after FCD

• 79% of students are MORE comfortable talking about mental health and suicide after FCD

• 90% of students feel MORE prepared to help a friend after FCD

• 79% of students are MORE likely to seek help if experiencing distress after FCD

Figures based on Fall 2014 post-event survey data

Results

University of New Hampshire’s Fresh Check Day

October 29th 11-2 Granite State Room

University of New Hampshire’s Fresh Check Day

October 29th 11-2 Granite State Room