Rensselaer Student Health Center To Raise Awareness About Depression
Rensselaer's Student Health Center is hosting a series of events Oct. 26-27 to raise awareness about depression and other mental health issues.
"Many college students experience depression, but too often they are reluctant to talk about it and ask for help for themselves or their friends," said Dr. Leslie Lawrence, medical director of the Student Health Center. "We need to break the silence. It is estimated that between 20 and 30 percent of college students are experiencing a mental illness. When students begin talking openly about depression and other mental illnesses, they will discover that they are not alone, and there is help available."
Ross Szabo, director of youth outreach for the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, will present "What Happy Faces Are Hiding: Talking About Depression" on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in Darrin Communications Center, Room 308. Students, staff, and faculty are invited to attend.
Ross Szabo, director of youth outreach for the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, will present "What Happy Faces Are Hiding: Talking About Depression" on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in Darrin Communications Center, Room 308. Students, staff, and faculty are invited to attend.
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Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 16, Szabo will share first-hand knowledge about mental illness. As part of his work with the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, Szabo is helping college students gain a better understanding of depression, including the warning signs students can look for in themselves, their friends and peers, and the resources available for students to get help.
"Every day people feel empty, lonely, sad, like there is no one to talk to and that no one can help. Unfortunately, most of these people don't seek help, partly because of stigma," Szabo said. "Millions of people are suffering from loneliness and it is time to let them know that they are not alone."
Students are encouraged to attend a walk-in depression screening on Oct. 26 or 27 between 1 and 4 p.m. at the RPI Playhouse. Screenings are free and confidential, take approximately 15 minutes, and are reviewed with a Counseling Center staff member.
Information about depression and other mental health issues will be available at the RPI Playhouse during the depression screenings and at resource tables in the Student Union from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 26 and 27.
Psychologists with specialized training in college health issues are available to Rensselaer students through the Counseling Center. For more information, contact the Counseling Center at 276-6479. A counselor can be reached after hours by calling Public Safety at 276-6611. |
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