Mental Health Information

It is so important to know that there is help and there is hope! In any campus experience, you can find some rough times, but know you are not alone! Don’t be nervous about seeking help. Have courage to talk with someone about what you are experiencing. Have courage to get your friends the help they need! Sharing your journey is important. All of us are going through something, don't be afraid to share it. 

Interesting Statistics about Mental Health:

• Men are less likely to seek psychological help and are more likely to hold negative attitudes toward help seeking (Gonzalez, Alegria, & Prihoda, 2005).
• Student Athletes are at risk for a variety of physical and mental health problems, including depression (Etzel, Watson, Visek, & Maniar, 2006). Research suggests that 10% of student-athletes struggle with issues serious enough to need counseling (Ferrante, Etzel, & Lantz, 1996; Watson, 2006).
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Students have been suggested by some researchers to face greater risk of mental health concerns during college than their heterosexual counterparts. Although consistent, reliable, and accurate data about suicide and GLBT students are scarce (Muehrer, 1995), researchers have found higher rates of suicide among GLBT college students (Westefeld, Maples, Buford, & Taylor, 2001). These same researchers suggest that prejudice, loneliness, and isolation experienced by GLBT students may be the factors that put them at risk.
• International Students may be at greater risk of specific mental health stressors such as isolation, academic stress, and financial pressures (Mori, 2000). Additionally, international students may be less likely than domestic students to seek professional psychological help due to greater stigma (SPRC, 2004).
• Racial and Ethnic Minority Students are believed to be at risk for mental health difficulties due to stresses from factors including racism, isolation, and low SES (Davidson, Yakushka, & Sanford-Martens, 2004).
• A recent study, for example, found that, among college students who screened positive for depression or anxiety, between 37% and 84%, depending on the disorder, did not seek services (Eisenberg, Golberstein, & Gollust, 2007).

Tips For Good Mental Health:

• Utilize our free resources we have on campus!
• Take time for yourself
• Ask yourself if you enjoy what you are doing
• Talk with someone about what you are going through
• EAT CHEESECAKE (or occasionally indulge in that special treat!)
• Get a healthy amount of sleep
• Laugh and enjoy laughter!
• Exercise
• Play cards
• Read a non-academic book

When to Be Concerned:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lists the following as the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental problem in an adult. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• significant decline in work performance, poor work attendance, and/or lack of productivity
• social withdrawal from activities, friends, family
• substance (alcohol and drugs) abuse
• sleep disturbances (i.e., persistent nightmares, insomnia, hypersomnia, flashbacks)
• depression (poor mood, negativity, mood swings)
• appetite changes (i.e., significant weight gain or loss)
• continuous or frequent aggression
• continuous or frequent anger (for periods longer than six months)
• excessive worry and/or anxiety
• threats to self or others
• thoughts of death
• thoughts and/or talk of suicide
• destructive behaviors (i.e., criminal activity, stealing)
• sexually "acting out"
• lying and/or cheating
• many physical complaints, including being constantly tense and/or frequent aches and pains that cannot be traced to a physical cause or injury
• sudden feelings of panic, dizziness, increased heartbeat
• increased feelings of guilt, helplessness, and/or hopelessness
• decreased energy

If you or someone you know is showing any of these signs, please contact a medical provider.

Where to Seek Help

UND has a University Counseling Center (UCC) that offers personal counseling, career counseling, substance abuse services, national and individual testing, graduate student testing, consultation, and outreach programs. They are located in McCannel Hall and are available for walk-ins.  To make an appointment, call 701-777-2127.