Addressing Mental Health on Campus

Addressing Mental Health on Campus

Mental health refers to our cognitive, behavioral, and emotional wellbeing – it is all about how we think, feel, and behave. Mental health can affect daily life, relationships, and even physical health. Mental health also includes a person’s ability to enjoy life – to attain a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

It is not possible to reliably tell whether someone is developing a mental health problem; however, if certain signs appear in a short space of time, it may offer clues:

  • Withdrawing from people or activities they would normally enjoy.
  • Sleeping or eating too much or too little.
  • Feeling as if nothing matters.
  • Consistently low energy.
  • Using drugs more than normal (including alcohol and nicotine).
  • Displaying uncharacteristic emotions.
  • Confusion.
  • Not being able to complete standard tasks, such as getting to work or cooking a meal.
  • Persistent thoughts or memories that reappear regularly.
  • Thinking of harming one’s self or others.
  • Hearing voices.
  • Delusions.

Almost 1 in 5 Americans experiences mental health problems each year (18.5 percent). In the United States, in 2015, an estimated 9.8 million adults (over 18) had a serious mental disorder. That equates to 4.8 percent of all American adults.

A large proportion of the people who have a mental disorder have more than one.

In the U.S. and much of the developed world, mental disorders are one of the leading causes of disability.

Mental health is subject to some disorders such as anxiety, phobia, OCD, PTSD, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, etc.

To address mental health on Campus, Loyola will be holding a circle session on campus!

3:30-5:00pm | Tuesday, January 22
Regis Hall, Multi-Purpose Room
Co-Sponsored by Student Government of Loyola Chicago, and featuring the Wellness Center

Individuals will meet and gather in a circle. Circles are a restorative justice practice that foster open dialogue, honesty, and attentive listening. Circles are a way to build and sustain communities based on authenticity, honesty, and empathy. They may also be used to provide healing and closure after a difficult group experience.

Privacy is a crucial component of the OSCCR. All information shared through mediation or other conflict resolution services will be kept private, with two exceptions: 1) If there is mention of a serious violation of the Community Standards or law, a staff member would be required to act upon this information as appropriate and to ensure the safety of the community. 2) If a staff member becomes aware that someone may be in danger of serious, imminent harm, they would be required to address the situation as appropriate to ensure the safety of the community.

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