mental health awareness (nafsa region vii - 2015)
TRANSCRIPT
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NAFSA Region VII Conference 2015
Improving Mental Health Awareness Among International Students
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Presenters
Annemarie EstradaDirector of Customer ServiceInternational Student Insurance
Darlene Schmurr-StewartDean of International Student ServicesTroy University
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AgendaMental Illness - A Common Problem
Stigma and Myths
Advisor Roles and Boundaries
Warning Signs
Helping Students Seek Care
Insurance Concerns
Creating Awareness / Resources
Success Stories and Discussion
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What is Mental Health/Illness?
Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Mental Illness - A Common Problem
Source: National Institutes of Health, 2013 Source: World Health Organization, 2002
450 million people affected
Almost 50% affected
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Worldwide StigmaMental illness often goes undiagnosed and untreated among international students due to the negative connotations associated with the subject around the world.
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Common Myths
“Counseling is for crazy people.”
“Everyone will know I saw a counselor.”
“I can handle my own health problems. If not, it means I’m weak.”
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International Students are Not Seeking Care
Source: Hyun, Quinn, Madon, & Lusting, 2010
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An Advisor’s Role and Boundaries
“International students who reported a more functional relationship with their advisors were
less likely to report having an emotional or stress-related problem in the past year and [to
report] using counseling services...”
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Warning SignsChange in Appearance
Academic Problems
Social Isolation
Noticeable Changes in Mood
Unusual or Odd Behaviors
Drug/Alcohol Abuse
Threat of Harm to Themselves or Others
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I am afraid
I cannot sleep
I am lonely
I am confused
My friends think I am strange
My parents have high expectations
My classes are difficult
My girlfriend dumped me
There is no one whounderstands me
I want to hide
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Helping Students Seek CareOn-campus Assistance:
Mental Health Staff
Hours
Average Cost
No counseling center?
Relationships with other providers
Suggestions from other departments
Helplines
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Insurance and Mental HealthWhat is Legally Required?
Nothing!
Mental health insurance coverage is not required by
the government for international students.
Questions to Consider:
1. Do the students’ insurance plans cover mental health?
2. Does the insurance company offer language support?
3. Do students realize that claims are confidential?
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Increasing AwarenessGoal: Normalize and increase comfort in reaching out for support
Incorporate a wellness conversation into your daily interactions.
Use positive, easy-to-understand language, and let them know that it’s common!
Invite counselors and other providers to orientation.
Put out materials on the subject through various channels (i.e., newsletters, social, pamphlets).
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How do we welcome our
international students?
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Resources and AwarenessMental Health Awareness Video Resource:
www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/explained/mental-health-video.php
NAFSA provides the following publications:
Health and Wellness for International Students
Best Practices in Addressing Mental Health Issues Affecting Education Abroad Participants
www.nafsa.org/Find_Resources/
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Resources - National Hotlines National Suicide Prevention
1-800-273-TALK
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
1-800-SAMHSA-7 or 1-877-726-4727
www.samhsa.gov
It Gets Better Project (LGBTQ)
1-866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or 1-888-843-4564
www.itgetsbetter.org/pages/get-help also includes state specific resources
https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/LGBTQ
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
http://www.thehotline.org/
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DiscussionWe know that doctor visits and health history is protected
by privacy laws but what is your role as an advisor in helping to maintain privacy?
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DiscussionHow do you overcome mental health issues
and the stigma associated with it?
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Thank you!