Training at Greenville University Aims to Improve Mental Health Support for Students
Published: August 26, 2024
Author: Liz Dowell
“According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 'any mental illness' (AMI) and 'serious mental illness' (SMI) are two different things,” said Nolan Recker, Community Health Specialist with Chestnut Health Systems.
On August 22, all employees of Greenville University were invited to attend a campus-wide suicide prevention training. The university hosted Chestnut Health Systems to speak about mental health and how to recognize the signs of a struggling student.
AMI is defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that can vary in impact, from no impairment to mild, moderate, or severe impairment. In contrast, SMI is characterized by a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that results in significant functional impairment, substantially interfering with or limiting one or more major life activities.
Recognizing Symptoms: Anxiety and Depression
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is different from simply feeling anxious. Symptoms include feeling restless or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, headaches, difficulty controlling feelings of worry, and sleep problems.
These symptoms must persist for weeks and disrupt daily life for a diagnosis of GAD. Recker explained that while symptoms of anxiety or depression are common, it’s when they begin to disrupt daily life that they become concerning.
“When we're talking about symptoms, all of us have felt these things before. But just because you feel it doesn't necessarily mean that you have generalized anxiety disorder,” Recker said.
However, if you’ve been dealing with these symptoms for a month or more and they’ve become your “normal,” it might be time to talk to someone.
Social anxiety disorder has been on the rise since COVID-19. It’s an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can interfere with daily activities like going to work or attending school.
The rise of social media has exacerbated these issues, especially among young adults who feel constantly observed. They’re growing up in an era where their every move can be recorded and shared online, creating immense pressure to always present their best selves.
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a serious mood disorder that causes severe symptoms affecting how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. It’s important to understand that depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Our brains strive for a state of homeostasis—balance. When someone is clinically depressed, this balance is disrupted, negatively affecting their perception of reality.
There are various types of depression, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, perinatal depression, seasonal affective disorder, and depression with symptoms of psychosis.
Recker noted that it's common for people to have a mental illness that doesn’t disrupt day-to-day life—it’s just their “normal.” A student might be walking around with an undiagnosed mental illness, thinking that’s just how life is. The point of the training is to recognize students who are struggling with a serious mental illness and get them help.
At this point in the training, Isaac Barber, the Assistant Vice President for Student Life at Greenville University, addressed the importance of the Student Support Network and how to support the students returning to campus.
Understanding the Student Support Network
Barber emphasized that the Student Support Network is a system designed to help students overcome barriers to their success. This network involves reporting concerns, connecting with students, solving problems, and ensuring continuous follow-up to close the loop on any issues. The goal is to make sure that every student is supported, whether the challenge is related to mental health, academic performance, or other personal issues.
Key Steps in the Student Support Process
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Connecting: After a report is made, the next step is to determine the best way to connect with the student. The right person—whether it's a coach, an academic advisor, or a faculty member—needs to reach out to the student to offer support.
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Closing the Loop: One of the most important aspects of the Student Support Network is ensuring that every connection point in the process follows up. Whether it's to confirm that a student has received the help they need or to continue offering support, closing the loop is essential to maintaining a consistent support system.
Student Support Resources
Barber highlighted several resources available to students at Greenville University, particularly those related to mental health:
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Legacy Counseling and Consulting: Located in St. Louis, this service offers both in-person and telehealth counseling, with a diverse staff that can cater to students from various backgrounds, including international students who may require bilingual support.
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Jubilee House: This facility within walking distance of campus brings God's Jubilee by prayerfully engaging in healing relationships, informing people in need, and working for public justice and mercy.
Barber stressed the importance of faculty and staff being familiar with these resources so they can effectively guide students to the help they need. In cases of mental health crises, Barber outlined a specific protocol that the university follows, which includes contacting the Area Coordinator on call 24/7. The goal is to ensure that students receive the appropriate level of care, whether it involves immediate intervention or further assessment by professionals.
Commitment to Student Well-being
Barber concluded by reiterating the university’s commitment to supporting every student. He encouraged faculty and staff to be proactive in using the Student Support Network and reminded them of the importance of following up on every concern raised. The goal is not just to address issues as they arise but to create an environment where students feel supported throughout their academic journey.
In closing, Barber offered a prayer, asking for guidance and support for the students and the university community, emphasizing the shared responsibility in nurturing the well-being of all students at Greenville University.
