College Mental Health

Transcription

1 College Mental Health National Conference of State Legislatures August 5, 2007 Joanna Locke, MD, MPH Program Director, The Jed Foundation

2 Our goal is to reduce the suicide rate and promote mental health among college students.

3 Scope of the Problem Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students: 1,000/year (3 per day) More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from all medical illnesses combined Almost 10% of students in a national survey reported seriously considering suicide; 1.5% reported making an attempt

4 Scope of the Problem Students with significant psychological problems are a growing concern Almost 50% of students in a national survey reported feeling so depressed that it was difficult to function Mental health problems affect academic performance

5 Stigma Almost half of all students in a national survey would encourage a friend to seek counseling for emotional issues, yet only 22% say they are likely to themselves if it were needed

6 Help-Seeking Friends Family 63% 69% Online Resources Off-campus counseling/private Therapists Religious Leader (chaplain, rabbi, etc.) School Counseling Faculty of Staff Member Resident Advisors Hotline 31% 28% 24% 21% 17% 12% 7% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Total Students, Summary of Top 2 Box responses

7 Unique Approach Medical Public Health Suicide is a medical issue: 90% had a diagnosable mental illness (depression) Responsibility lies with mental health professionals Focuses on treatment Suicide is a public health issue: Responsibility lies with entire college community Acknowledges impact on population as a whole Focuses on prevention

8 Public Health Approach Problem is one of the entire campus and community Prevention and treatment Effective prevention is comprehensive: Addresses multiple contributors At both individual and environmental levels Using multiple initiatives

9 Problem analysis Set long-range goals Consult the literature Select program strategies; translate these into specific activities; and plan for evaluation Implement program activities Evaluate whether goals were achieved Langford, 2001

10 Comprehensive Approach (TJF/EDC)

11 Identify Students At Risk Goal: To identify those students who may be at risk for suicide through the use of outreach efforts, screening, and other means (e.g. gatekeeper training)

12 Increase Help-Seeking Behaviors Goal: To educate students about mental health and wellness, encourage seeking appropriate treatment for emotional issues, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness

13 Provide Mental Health Services Goal: To accurately diagnose and appropriately treat students with emotional issues, including assessing for and managing suicide risk

14 Crisis Management Procedures Goal: To address the safety of distressed, distressing, or suicidal students, including around issues of emergency contact notification and medical leave/re-entry, using institutionalized processes

15 Restrict Access to Lethal Means Goal: To limit access to potential sites, weapons, and other agents that may facilitate dying by suicide

16 Develop Life Skills Goal: To promote the development of skills that will assist students as they face various challenges in both school and in life

17 Promote Social Networks Goal: To promote relationshipbuilding between students as well as a sense of community on campus

18 Our Programs Framework ULifeline Mental Health Campaign with mtvu CampusCare Student/Parent Outreach Legal Roundtable

19 Framework Document guides the process of creating campus-wide protocols that address: Safety for at-risk students Emergency contact notification Leave of absence/re-entry

20 Protocol Development Sufficient funds/resources Student diversity Mission/vision statement Development process Relevant stakeholders Ongoing dialogue with community entities

21 Protocol Development Plan for protocol review and revision Transparency Point person Crisis Checklist Practice

22 Campus Context Strategic planning process Supportive environment Case management committee/crisis intervention team Postvention Insurance

23 Summary

24 Contact Information Joanna Locke, MD, MPH Program Director, The Jed Foundation 583 Broadway, Suite 8B New York, NY