Psychological Health & Wellness

1. Psychological Health & Wellness University Counseling Services Jane Maxwell, M.S. Ed. 785-4014 jmaxwell@truman.edu

2. Definitions of Psychological Health • A general term for a state of emotional and psychological well-being that allows you to function in society and meet the demands of everyday life. (Mayo Clinic) • When a person makes good decisions, manages stress effectively, communicates well in relationships, is an effective parent, treats others properly, and takes care of themselves emotionally. (PsychologyInfo.com)

3. Emotional Wellness Emotional wellness is demonstrated by the overall comfort with and acceptance of one's full range of feelings. Positive emotions such as happiness, amusement, excitement, contentment and love contribute to our overall sense of well-being. It is striving to meet emotional needs constructively. It is maintaining good mental health, a positive attitude, high self-esteem, and a strong self-image. (globalserve.net)

4. Common Presenting Problems at UCS 2006/07 • Difficulty Studying • Excessive Worrying • Stress • Depression • Anxiety/Nervousness • Fear of Failure or Rejection • Eating Disorders/Body Image Concerns • Difficulty Sleeping

6. Other Attributes to Achieve Psychological Health • Maintaining Balance • Strong Support System • Manage Stress • Being Resilient / Letting Go • Having a Purpose • Optimism • Confidence

7. Other Attributes to Achieve Psychological Health Continued • Genuine Happiness • Being at Peace with Oneself • Ability to Relax • Having Healthy Self-Esteem • Problem Solving Skills • Good Communication Skills

8. Common Psychological Concerns • National statistics indicate that up to 32 – 50% of Americans will have a diagnosable mental illness during their lifetime • Anxiety Disorders (14.4 – 17.2% a year) • Substance abuse (8.8 – 11.3% a year) • Mood Disorders (4.3 – 11.3% a year)

9. Suicide Rates • Missouri • 704 completed suicides annually • 6,906 hospitalized attempts per year • Average of 19 serious attempts per day • Higher state suicide rate than national average • MO 13.4 vs. USA 11.4 • In 2003, suicide was the second leading cause of death of those age 15-24 & 25-34 • Colleges students • Suicide rate for college-attending young adults has been approximately 7.5 per 100,000 students per year. • Suicide rate for college students is approximately one half the rate of their non-attending peers.

10. Suicide Rates • Truman students • Truman has 6,000 students. Therefore statistically we can expect one suicide every two years. • Suicide is a “small number” phenomenon • Anytime a phenomenon occurs at the frequency of 1 per 12,500 per year, we can expect that the actual number of suicides might vary between 0 and 3 each year.

11. What can I do about Suicide? • For Health Issues we do CPR. • For Suicide Issues we do QPR • Question the person about suicide • Do they have thoughts? A plan? Don’t be scared to ask! • Persuade the person to get help. • Listen carefully. Then say “Come with me to find help.” • Refer for Help • University Counseling Services 785-4014 • 1-800-SUICIDE

12. Common Psychological Problems • Depression • Lost of interest in activities • Sad, hopeless, discouraged • Appetite changes; Sleep disturbances • Sense of worthlessness or guilt • Decreased energy • Thoughts of death, suicide • Can’t concentrate or make decisions • Inability to function

13. Common Psychological Problems • Anxiety Disorders • Typical symptoms include: • Physical symptoms (increased heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, chills or hot flashes, dizziness, trembling, muscle tension, etc.) • Thoughts/Fears of dying or going crazy • Difficulty concentrating/Mind going blank • Irritability • Sleep disturbance

14. Common Psychological Problems • Types of Anxiety Disorders • Phobias • Up to 15% of women and 11% of men are diagnosed with Social Phobia during lifetime • Panic Disorder • Generalize Anxiety Disorder • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

15. Other Psychological Disorders • Schizophrenia • Substance Abuse Disorders • Learning Disorders • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder • Eating Disorders (Anorexia and Bulimia) • Bipolar Disorder • Personality Disorders

16. 2006/07 National College Health Assessment • 659 Truman students completed the survey. • Within the last school year, Truman students reported experiencing: • Anorexia 3.0% • Anxiety Disorder 14.2% • Bulimia 2.6% • Depression 17.7% • Seasonal Affective Disorder 14.6% • Substance Abuse Problem 3.3%

17. 2006/07 NCHA Findings • Truman students reported that the following affected their academics: • Alcohol Use 7.5% • Concern for friend/family 21.9% • Death of friend/family 6.4% • Depression/Anxiety 19.5% • Drug Use 1.5%

18. 2006/07 NCHA Findings • Truman students reported that the following affected their academics: • Eating Disorder/Problem 1.2% • Relationship Difficulty 16.6% • Sleep Difficulties 31.7% • Stress 41.4% • Computer Use 19.6% • Depression/Anxiety 19.5%

19. 2006/07 NCHA Findings • Truman students reported the following during the last school year: • Feeling Overwhelmed 96.2% • Exhausted 93.9% • Very Sad 83.6% • Hopeless 66.7% • Difficult to Function 44.3% • Considered Suicide 9.9% • Attempted Suicide 1.1%

20. Facts About UCS 2006/07 • 433 students were seen for personal counseling • 73% were women, 27% were men • 66% reported a GPA of 3.0 or better • 13% identified as minority/international • 18.5% reported they had current thoughts of intentions of suicide during intake

21. What Causes Psychological Problems? • There appears to be many factors. These include: • Genetic components • Environmental components • Individual characteristics

22. So what can I do to be psychologically healthy? • Incorporate these aspects into your life. Acceptance Autonomy Maintaining Balance Strong Support System Manage Stress Being Resilient / Letting Go Having a Purpose Optimism Confidence Genuine Happiness Being at Peace with Oneself Ability to Relax Healthy Self-Esteem Problem Solving Skills Good Communication Skills

23. Some other things to help be Emotionally Healthy • Find positives in life instead of focusing on negatives • Let go of the past if possible & think of the future • Be respectful and responsible • Talk positively to yourself • Develop good friendships and support system • Remove yourself from people who bring you down • Accept that life is about choices and continual adjustment • Acknowledge your successes & accomplishments

24. Some things to not do.. • Consume excessive alcohol/drugs • Procrastinate • Over commit • Too much TV/Internet/Phone • Be around lots of negative people • Lie to yourself • Create impossible expectations for yourself

25. Coping With Studying • Plan your time to study • Work on one task at a time • Get assistance • Break down large projects • Reward yourself • Balance unpleasant tasks with pleasant ones

26. University Counseling Services • Free and confidential counseling to Truman students • 6 Full-time professional therapists • Offer individual, relationship and group counseling • Open 8-5 M-F • Plus on call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day (during academic year) 665-5621 • Willing to do presentations to any group over a wide variety of topics • Referral assistance

27. University Counseling Services (660) 785-4014 202 Patterson (located west of Grim Hall) http://ucs.truman.edu ucs@truman.edu/how was it THANK YOU!! ANY QUESTIONS?