Raising awareness on depression, mental health, screenings continues in October

October is recognized as Depression and Mental Health Awareness and Screening Month as a way to continue to raise awareness about depression, mental health and the importance of mental health screenings.

Considering the prevalence of mental health conditions and concerns, sharing information and resources as often as possible is important. For instance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health Releases reports that mental health conditions among adults increased by 19% from 2008 to 2020, including nearly 21 million adults who have depression.

There are a variety of resources available on depression, mental health and screenings. 

Depression

Below is a sampling of educational information:

• Depression – tip sheet, SupportLinc
• Depression is more than just a rough patch – flyer, Magellan Healthcare
• How Much Do You Know About Depression? – quiz, SupportLinc
• Is it another bad day – or depression? – article, SupportLinc
• No one is immune to depression – poster, Magellan Healthcare
• Stop depression in its tracks – flyer, Magellan Healthcare
• Understanding Depression – flash course, SupportLinc

Mental Health

Purdue, surrounding communities, and local and national organizations all share resources on mental health, including:

• Building Better Mental Health – flash course, SupportLinc
• How are you, really? – October monthly feature, SupportLinc
• Mental Health America (MHA) – website, MHA
• Mind Your Mental Health – webpage, Magellan Healthcare
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – website, NAMI
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) – website, NIH
• Social Media and Mental Health – article, SupportLinc
• Signs of Emotional Health Concerns – tip sheet, SupportLinc

Mental health screenings

Screening tools available include:

• Mental health screenings can be done during an annual physical, which some primary care providers do automatically. Note: Healthy Boiler incentive dollars can be earned by completing an annual physical, and additional incentive dollars can be earned by having a mental health screening.
• Mental Health Self-Screening Tools provided by Magellan Healthcare
• Online screening options offered by Mental Health America (MHA)
• PHQ-9 Depression Screening offered by SupportLinc /MyHealtheVet

Webinar: ‘Depression Is Real. Recovery Is Possible’

A free webinar titled “Depression Is Real. Recovery Is Possible,” courtesy of Magellan Healthcare, takes place 2-3 p.m. ET Oct. 25 as part of National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. Attendees will hear from a variety of perspectives, including an individual who has lived with depression since childhood as well as providers who will share their knowledge and professional experience with depression. Register here.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Faculty and staff can review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources, which support the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program, 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 them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) — medical plan provider for students and graduate students — offers 292 unique mental health providers serving at various locations that are in-network with UHCSR within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance 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 in many areas, locally and across the country.
• WellTrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app for students