As you may be aware, rates of depression and mental health issues for college students have been on the rise nationally.  To respond to this concern, Connecticut College, along with 53 other colleges and universities accross the U.S., applied for and was awarded a $225,000 federal grant (SAMHSA) to do suicide prevention and raise awareness about depression and mental health issues in college students through May, 2009.  As a part of this, students will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop run by Student Counseling Servces staff, to learn about depression, suicide prevention, and how to get help for themselves or a friend in distress.

The National Mental Health Anti-Stigma Campaign (created by Grey Worldwide through the Ad Council) aims to reach young adults who have friends with mental health issues.  Go to http://www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov/, to learn more about mental health and what you can do to help in your firend's recovery. This site features television and radio spots that illustrate how friendship is critical to recovery, and includes print and interactive advertising.

If you have any questions about the Campus Suicide Prevention Grant or about Student Counseling Services, feel free to contact Janet Dee Spoltore,Ph.D., ABPP, at (860) 439-2692 or Lisa Miceli, Ph.D., at (860) 439-5233.

Suicide Help Lines 1-(800) 273-TALK (8255)
http://www.suicide-helplines.org/

ULifeline
http://www.ulifeline.com/

Last Modified: Friday, April 25, 2008 13:34