NAFSA Region VII Conference 2015

Improving Mental Health Awareness Among International Students

Presenters

Annemarie EstradaDirector of Customer ServiceInternational Student Insurance

Darlene Schmurr-StewartDean of International Student ServicesTroy University

AgendaMental Illness - A Common Problem

Stigma and Myths

Advisor Roles and Boundaries

Warning Signs

Helping Students Seek Care

Insurance Concerns

Creating Awareness / Resources

Success Stories and Discussion

What is Mental Health/Illness?

Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Mental Illness - A Common Problem

Source: National Institutes of Health, 2013 Source: World Health Organization, 2002

450 million people affected

Almost 50% affected

Worldwide StigmaMental illness often goes undiagnosed and untreated among international students due to the negative connotations associated with the subject around the world.

Common Myths

“Counseling is for crazy people.”

“Everyone will know I saw a counselor.”

“I can handle my own health problems. If not, it means I’m weak.”

International Students are Not Seeking Care

Source: Hyun, Quinn, Madon, & Lusting, 2010

An Advisor’s Role and Boundaries

“International students who reported a more functional relationship with their advisors were

less likely to report having an emotional or stress-related problem in the past year and [to

report] using counseling services...”

Warning SignsChange in Appearance

Academic Problems

Social Isolation

Noticeable Changes in Mood

Unusual or Odd Behaviors

Drug/Alcohol Abuse

Threat of Harm to Themselves or Others

I am afraid

I cannot sleep

I am lonely

I am confused

My friends think I am strange

My parents have high expectations

My classes are difficult

My girlfriend dumped me

There is no one whounderstands me

I want to hide

Helping Students Seek CareOn-campus Assistance:

Mental Health Staff

Hours

Average Cost

No counseling center?

Relationships with other providers

Suggestions from other departments

Helplines

Insurance and Mental HealthWhat is Legally Required?

Nothing!

Mental health insurance coverage is not required by

the government for international students.

Questions to Consider:

1. Do the students’ insurance plans cover mental health?

2. Does the insurance company offer language support?

3. Do students realize that claims are confidential?

Increasing AwarenessGoal: Normalize and increase comfort in reaching out for support

Incorporate a wellness conversation into your daily interactions.

Use positive, easy-to-understand language, and let them know that it’s common!

Invite counselors and other providers to orientation.

Put out materials on the subject through various channels (i.e., newsletters, social, pamphlets).

How do we welcome our

international students?

Resources and AwarenessMental Health Awareness Video Resource:

www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/explained/mental-health-video.php

NAFSA provides the following publications:

Health and Wellness for International Students

Best Practices in Addressing Mental Health Issues Affecting Education Abroad Participants

www.nafsa.org/Find_Resources/

Resources - National Hotlines National Suicide Prevention

1-800-273-TALK

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

1-800-SAMHSA-7 or 1-877-726-4727

www.samhsa.gov

It Gets Better Project (LGBTQ)

1-866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or 1-888-843-4564

www.itgetsbetter.org/pages/get-help also includes state specific resources

https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/LGBTQ

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE

http://www.thehotline.org/

DiscussionWe know that doctor visits and health history is protected

by privacy laws but what is your role as an advisor in helping to maintain privacy?

DiscussionHow do you overcome mental health issues

and the stigma associated with it?

Thank you!