1 Presented at the FHSS Master Teaching Lunch March 16, 2016Helping Students with Mental Health Challenges Dr. Lisa M. Leavitt Ph.D. Counseling and Psychological Services Presented at the FHSS Master Teaching Lunch March 16, 2016

2 Counseling and Psychological Services 1500 WSC 801-422-3035This is us!

3 Some high risk factors for mental illness…family/personal history of medical illness perfectionism personal history of mental illness (especially past suicide attempts) poor familial relationships poor sleeping and eating habits poor exercise habits students struggling with same-gender attraction or gender identity issues 1st generation students multicultural students

4 Reported barriers to seeking treatment at CAPSStigma Parents Honor Code Ecclesiastical leaders Cost My problems aren’t as bad as others Communication/interpersonal style

5 Things to know about CAPS:Services provided by Ph.D. level therapists and doctoral level trainees (most by licensed therapists) Level of training Confidentiality maintained. We do NOT report to the Honor Code, parents, bishops, faculty, etc. without student consent. 10-15 sessions/year. Treatment and methods negotiated by student and counselor. Crisis/Walk-in hours. Between 8:00 and 5:00, a student can come in on a crisis basis and get help that same day. Wait times Emergency service available 24/7, 365 days a year. ( ask for counselor on duty). Faculty and staff available to consult or present on mental-health related problems across the campus. All services (other than prescriptions) are free.

6 The numbers… In 2015: Over 35,400 appointments, 4960 students seen in therapy. Over 1350 biofeedback appointments Over 6,700 individuals attended outreach/preventive presentations Roughly 1 in 3 students had some contact with CAPS counselors

7 Services Available: Depression AnxietyRelationships and Marital Problems Addictions Trauma/Abuse Eating Disorders Stress Management Homesickness Social Skills Self-Harm Family Problems Academic Performance Adjustment to College Life Decisions Medication Management

8 Group therapy offeringsInterpersonal Groups Depression Disordered Eating Generalized Anxiety Emotion Management OCD Sexual Concerns groups Trauma empowerment and recovery DBT – skills training (emotional control) Meditation Couples Premarital

9 Stress Management and Biofeedback ServicesRelaxation training Breathing Relaxation techniques Library resources Stress Management Education Managing college stress Test anxiety Stress busters Apps and programs Facebook Spiritual steps

10 Common student concerns we see at CAPS include:- Anxiety – 71% - Depression and other mood disorders – 69% Disordered eating Relationship concerns - Pornography issues - Same-gender attraction Religious concerns/crisis of faith

11 How do I know if a student is struggling with mental health issues?The reality is, you may not know. However, there are some signs to watch for with students in your class: Changes in behavior such as missing assignments, poor attendance, late to class. Change in appearance/hygiene. Writings that may be disclosing a struggle or suicidality. Seeking you out to talk about seemingly insignificant things or things not related to your class. Verbal cues - referencing mental health issues either directly or indirectly in class discussion or individual discussion with you.

12 Signs and symptoms of possible mental health issues include:Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness Irritability, restlessness Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable Fatigue and decreased energy Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions Extreme anxiety Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping Overeating, or appetite loss Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.  Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts.

13 When and how should I approach a student if I suspect a problem?Common concerns for professors: Should I wait for them to approach me? What is my role/responsibility in helping students with mental health problems? How will this impact the student/professor relationship? How should I respond to letters my students bring from the UAC? What if I feel the student is becoming too dependent on me for help?

14 When and how should I approach a student if I suspect a problem?Tips for talking to students about their struggles: Be direct! Talking to others about mental health issues can be anxiety provoking. Make sure you are focused on what is going on for the student and not with you. Do not underestimate the power of your connection to the student. Talk to the person about what you have observed and why you are concerned. Express your concern clearly-make observations, not judgments Be genuine

15 Examples of communicationDirect questions: “I’ve been noticing ________, how are you feeling?” or “I am just wondering how you are doing?” “Have you ever had a period in your life before now when you’ve felt this way? “What do you know about depression/anxiety?”, or do you think you might be experiencing some depression or anxiety?” “Do you think you might have an eating disorder?” “Has anyone in your family gone through this before?” Listen!!! Most people just want to be heard and validated: Reflect what you hear, “What I hear you saying is __________.” Empathy, “That must be really tough for you.” or “It sounds like you’re feeling really overwhelmed.” No judgments or assumptions

16 Making a referral Explain that depression/anxiety, etc. are medical conditions that are usually treated successfully. Suggest that the person see a mental health provider or his or her primary care physician. Again, be direct: “I’m concerned about you and I want to help, but I’m not trained or qualified to help you with this. BYU provides free services at CAPS and there are psychologists there that can help you with these things.” E\You might also explain that some signs and symptoms associated with depression or anxiety (or other mental illness) could be caused by other medical conditions that should be ruled out.

17 Getting him/her to CAPSOffer to help them make an initial appointment. Help prepare a list of questions to discuss with a physician or therapist. Offer to accompany him/her to the initial appointment(s). Walk them over to CAPS https://help.byu.edu/response-protocol

18 Other Questions Helping ADD/ADHD students.Helping students with anxiety. Helping LGBTQ students. Language Gay/straight versus LGBTQ or sexual and gender minorities. Homo/heterosexual. microaggressions

19 If you need anything… Dr. Russ Bailey- Lisa Leavitt, Ph.D. Lisa Leavitt, Ph.D.