Talking about mental health is needed, encouraged; resources available to help

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 31% of adults reported symptoms of depression or anxiety in 2021, up from 11% in 2019. During the same window, calls to national mental health helplines increased by 27%, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The demand for immediate support around the clock from experienced mental health professionals has never been higher. It’s also important for individuals to know that it’s OK to talk about mental health.

There are many resources available to help with those conversations, including:

SupportLinc

SupportLinc’s monthly feature for May is “It’s Okay to Talk About Mental Health,” which is useful information to use at any time. The “Start the Conversation” flash course is shared in the feature along with other helpful information for those in need. 

“SupportLinc’s services offer individuals a multitude of avenues to receive confidential, professional counseling,” says Candace Shaffer, senior director of benefits in Human Resources. “Having SupportLinc in place to cater to any and all behavioral health needs of our population is essential to overall health and wellness. Via SupportLinc Care Advocates, those in need will be referred to counselors who match both their clinical and cultural needs and who will help start and/or continue the needed conversations.”

Mental Health America’s (MHA) IDONTMIND campaign

Created in 2017, IDONTMIND awareness campaign is designed to remove the stigma around mental health, encourage open and honest conversation about mental health and help individuals understand their minds in new ways. The two-day, 2021 Our Future in Mind Summit through IDONTMIND and Mental Health America can be viewed online.

• Preparing to Share: Talking About Hard Topics (article and worksheet)
• Time To Talk: Tips for Talking About Your Mental Health
• How to Talk to Your Parents About Mental Health
• I’m Afraid to Talk to Anyone About My Mental Health
• Who Can I Talk To About My Mental Health?

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Review the “Mental Health Resources” webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including EAP resources for all Purdue campuses and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct students to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry services are also available to Purdue students who are covered on a Purdue health plan. Mental health visits through LiveHealth Online are covered at 100% on the Purdue student health plan.  

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers locally and across the country.
• WellTrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app.