Problems

1. Problems 10 20 30 40 50 Mental Health 10 20 30 40 50 Supports 10 20 30 40 50 Suicide 10 20 30 40 50 Keep Healthy 10 20 30 40 50

2. Problems faced by Students

3. What is the problem students most often worry about? 10 Problems

4. Students tell us they are often lonely or fearful of making friends or fitting in. 10 Problems

5. What is the problem students most often tell us about near the mid of the semester? 20 Problems

6. Worry that they can’t keep up with course work; followed closely by fears they may have chosen the wrong program. 20 Problems

7. What is the problem students most often worry about 3 months into the semester? 30 Problems

8. Students often have worries about money, jobs, credit card debt, buying groceries. 30 Problems

9. What problem do students often worry about towards the end of the semester? 40 Problems

10. Exams, final projects or reports. 40 Problems

11. What holiday can put the most stress on students? 50 Category 1

12. Christmas 50 Problems

13. Mental Health Concerns

14. What is the most frequent concern that can lead to mental health problems for students? 10 Mental Health Concerns

15. Anxiety 10 Mental Health Concerns

16. What is the main cause of anxiety for students? 20 Mental Health Concerns

17. Tests/Exams followed closely by due dates for assignments. 20 Mental Health Concerns

18. What is the 2nd most common mental health issue for students? 30 Mental Health Concerns

19. Depression 30 Mental Health Concerns

20. What is the leading contributing factor that may increase mental health problems for students in college? 40 Mental Health Concerns

21. Use of drugs and alcohol 40 Mental Health Concerns

22. What is another contributor to poor mental health in students? 50 Mental Health Concerns

23. Missing class followed closely by insufficient sleep 50 Mental Health Concerns

24. Supports at this College to help your friends and classmates

25. How might you advise a friend who is always late or missing class? 10 Supports

26. Inform her of the role student success staff can play to support her and help her to be academically successful. 10 Supports

27. What do you do if a friend says he wishes he could end it all? 20 Supports

28. Listen. Let him talk. Tell him you would like to show him where the counselling/advising area and offer to stay while he makes an appointment to discuss his concerns with staff. 20 Supports

29. What do you say to a friend who says she feels depressed because she and her partner broke up. 30 Supports

30. Listen. Hear her out. Offer to walk with her to the counselling service if she would like to talk the issue out with a trained staff person who may be able to give her perspective. 30 Supports

31. What would you advise a friend who has financial problems that are causing him to miss class, and fall behind in his studies? 40 Supports

32. You might suggest that he visit the Financial Aid Office. He might also talk with the Program Coordinator. The counselling staff may also have ideas to support him and help get him on track. 40 Supports

33. What might you tell a friend/classmate about how to overcome the anxiety she feels about a class presentation. She feels like she wants to throw and lock her door when she thinks about it. 50 Supports

34. Listen to her and let her know others are likely feeling anxious also. Offer to have her practice in front of you and maybe a few other friends. Let her know that the counselling/advising staff can offer support and ideas to help her prepare for and do the presentation. 50 Supports

35. Suicide

36. What should you say to a friend or classmate who says they are thinking about suicide? 10 Suicide

37. Ask him if he has a plan to harm himself. If he does, offer to walk with him to the counselling services. 10 Suicide

38. What if she tells you she is considering suicide or other self harm – after college hours, in the evening? 20 Suicide

39. Listen to her. Let her know she can see counselling services the next day. If it she is upset, she might consider visiting the crisis intervention centre for immediate assistance. If she is distraught, offer to connect her to a family member or call 911 and they’ll see she gets to crisis safely. 20 Suicide

40. What would you do if your friend said he was contemplating suicide but didn’t have a plan yet? 30 Suicide

41. Listen to him. Suggest he visit the counselling centre as soon as possible to talk over his concerns with trained staff. You might provide the help line information found on the handout – 24/7 live talk. 30 Suicide

42. Should you tell anyone if a friend told you he has a plan and intends to commit suicide but doesn’t want anyone to know? 40 Suicide

43. Yes Inform a staff person, preferably someone at the Counselling/Advising services asap. If you are fearful he will harm himself, call 911. They will ensure he receives the help he needs safely. 40 Suicide

44. What should you do if a friend harms himself? 50 Suicide

45. You might consider visiting staff at the counselling/advising centre to discuss your feelings with a trained professional. If your friend returns, offer support and listen to him. 50 Suicide

46. Keeping Good Mental Health

47. What would you say is the most important advice you could give a friend who appeared to have poor mental health? 10 Keeping Good Mental Health

48. Encourage her to use the services in the college so that the professionals can help her with any difficulties she may be having. 10 Keeping Good Mental Health

49. What could you tell a friend to do to increase her mental health and reduce depression 20 Keeping Good Mental Health

50. Regular exercise, even taking a walk in the outdoors, can help relieve symptoms of depression. Visit CMHA.ca for ideas 20 Keeping Good Mental Health