Ross Szabo, “Behind Happy Faces: Talking About Mental Health”
Whitley Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Ross teaches students about the complexities of mental health issues and empowers them to seek help or help their friends seek help. Most mental health challenges are highly treatable but too often remain hidden in silence, preventing people from achieving the recovery they are capable of.
Mental health challenges are the largest health problems facing colleges today. Twenty-five percent of college students experience a mental health disorder. Outside of diagnosable disorders students are dealing with lack of sleep, stress, and substance abuse. While 85 percent of colleges have reported drastic increases in the number of young people seeking mental health counseling, understanding and awareness about the issue are still lacking. During these difficult times, it is imperative for young people to express what they are going through, know that they are not alone, and feel comfortable while seeking help.
The program focuses specifically on how students can achieve positive mental health by learning about their coping mechanisms. Ross uses tasteful humor and insights to help participants understand common mental health conditions and individual differences. He also covers warning signs that students can look for in their friends and peers, as well as resources that can provide guidance in these sensitive situations.
Sponsored by the Department of Health Promotion