SHU Hosts College Student Mental Health Presentation

Experts talk to students about helping themselves and their friends

College is a time of major change for students: from moving to a new place on their own, to adapting to college-level courses, they may face situations that challenge their mental health. A recent presentation at Sacred Heart University offered advice for students feeling the toll of these changes.

The presentation, “Helping Friends & Helping Ourselves: A Heart to Heart on College Student Mental Health,” was part of The Human Journey Colloquia Series and was co-hosted by Jessica Samuolis, associate professor of psychology, and Karen Flanagan, director of the counseling center’s prevention, education and early intervention services. The presentation reviewed helpful resources and strategies for students to protect their emotional well-being and build resilience as they navigate the ups and downs of college life.

Samuolis began the presentation by sharing two definitions of mental health—one from the World Health Organization and the other from The Jed Foundation. She compared the two and examined their common themes of mental well-being, coping, realizing abilities and contributing to a community.

Samuolis also reviewed all the areas of wellness that mental health can impact and why paying attention to one’s mental health, much like paying attention to one’s physical health, is important.

Helping ourselves

Samuolis said there are different steps on the mental health continuum. She asked students to reflect on where they stand on the continuum: thriving, managing, struggling or experiencing distress.

“Just because you fall under ‘thriving’ does not mean that everything is perfect: it means that you are finding ways to cope and that you feel good overall,” she said. “It is critical for those who fall under ‘distress’ to reach out for help.”

Flanagan explained that students can build better emotional well-being with the intentional choices they make every day and outlined specific strategies that can boost our psychological immune system. The first is to create meaningful friendships and social supports because social connectedness is our number one protective mental health factor. She referenced the U.S. surgeon general’s 2023 publication, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” and shared a quote from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy.

The quote was: “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight—one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled and more productive lives.”

Flanagan said the second strategy for students is to keep challenging times in perspective and context. They should ask themselves, “Will this matter in five days, five weeks, five months or five years?” She also recommended that students recognize when they are catastrophizing a stressful situation, or wasting emotional energy on factors they cannot control.

The third strategy is to make self-care a daily priority, which can help keep students emotionally resilient by building capacity to handle the inevitable stressors of college life.

Helping friends

According to The Jed Foundation, 70% of college students turn to a friend first to discuss a problem. So, in many cases, a student is in the best position to help a fellow student.

Even if a friend has not asked for help, signs may suggest they are struggling. Indications may include changes in mood or personality, decreased productivity, fatigue, lack of or too much sleep, impulsive behaviors and talk of self-harm. These changes indicate the need for a conversation.

Flanagan said conversations about a person’s mental health should incorporate the V.A.R. model, from Active Minds, which stands for “validate their feelings,” “appreciate their courage” and “refer them to skills or support.” She said it is important to affirm a friend’s feelings and offer hope by using phrases like, “I’m always here for you,” “you aren’t alone” and “you can feel better.”

When helping a friend during an emotional crisis, it is important to stay aware, trust your instincts, reach out and ask the awkward questions, she said, adding, “Don’t ever underestimate your power to help or save a friend.”

SHU’s s.w.e.e.t peer educators Olivia George and Kayla Kutch also presented at the event as well as Jeff Labella, director of counseling.

Sacred Heart offers many mental health services for students through the Maureen Hamilton Wellness Center, including the counseling center, s.w.e.e.t. peer educators and the collegiate recovery program. Students should reach out if they need support for themselves or a friend.