Kappa Gamm The Role Of Mental Health In Schools

Introduction According to the World Health Organization, mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual can realize his or her own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to his or her community. By realizing that mental health is really more in connection to overall wellness, we can decrease the stigma. Concerns and questions about how chapters can address issues involving mental health continue to arise. At Kappa Kappa Gamma, we aren’t mental health experts. However, we understand that mental health is an issue both our chapters and our members face. Kappa values the safety and well-being of its members, so we provide resources to help educate and support our members

• Eighty percent feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. • Fifty percent have become so anxious that they struggle in school. According to the Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Pennsylvania State University, anxiety and depression are prevalent on college campuses. • Six percent of collegians in four-year colleges have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Nearly half did not tell anyone. • The suicide rate for teens and young adults 15–24 years of age has tripled since the 1950s, making it the second leading cause of death among college-age youth. In a 2016 survey of students by the American College Health Association, 52.7 percent of students surveyed reported feeling that things were hopeless, and 39.1 percent reported feeling so depressed that it was difficult to function during the past 12 months. The Basics Whether it be with the chapter, a friend, or even yourself, it can be difficult to approach the topic of mental health concerns. An understanding of the basics provides a solid foundation on which to begin. The following is an excerpt from “Focus on Mental Health” by Anna Trout, Montgomery County Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health, former Province

Avoid using terms associated with mental health disorders or concerns in a negative light. (e.g., “She is acting so bipolar.”) Seek immediate assistance if you think someone is in danger. You can call a crisis line or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you think your friend or family member is in need of community mental health services, you can find help in your area. Personal Health and Wellness According to the National Wellness Institute, wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence. Maintaining wellness is crucial to living a higher quality life. Wellness matters because everything we do and every emotion we feel relates to our well-being. In turn, our well-being directly affects our actions and emotions. Therefore, it is important for everyone to achieve their own version of wellness in order to reduce stress, reduce the risk of illness, and live a happier and more fulfilling life. Whether it's ordering a meal or checking your bank account, there's an app for everything. Keeping up with your health and fitness obligations is no exception. Apps are available to help with improving mental health and also find resources when needed, but should not take the place of a mental health professional. • BetterHelp is an app that provides convenient, discreet, and affordable access to