According to a NAMI 2020 study, 73% of students reported to have had a mental health crisis while at college. Today, we are joined by the Executive Director of Integrated Enrollment Services at the University of Houston, to discuss the pressing topic of mental health on college campuses. Dr. Patrick Lukingbeal fills us in on the positive generational changes he’s observed, with the normalization of mental health conversations among young people. The stigma around mental health issues is steadily disintegrating and more and more people are able to recognize and seek support for their struggles. We discuss the ways in which the pandemic has affected the prevalence of mental health issues among college students, and the astounding support systems in place in higher education facilities. As parents, it can be challenging sending your child off to college, especially if they have a history of mental health issues, and in this episode, we cover the ways in which you can continue to support your child on their journey! More than that, we delve into the importance of normalizing the need for students to take a break and how to help them reintegrate into their learning environment while they’re in recovery. Furthermore, you’re bound to hear some profound insights into Patrick’s Ph.D. topic: diversity and mental health! For all of this and so much more, tune in with us today!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Patrick Lukingbeal’s professional background and why he’s so passionate about educating others about mental health.
- The mental health concerns and support efforts on college campuses pre- and post-Covid.
- What college campuses are doing to address the prevalence of suicide.
- The positive and negative effects of parents legally not having access to students’ records.
- How to navigate parents’ lack of access and come to an agreement ahead of time.
- What’s contributing to the increase of involvement in mental health programs on campuses.
- How social media is creating awareness and normalizing mental health conversations.
- The benefits of the prevalence of resources available to young adults about mental health.
- Patrick’s findings when doing his Ph.D. on diversity and mental health correlations.
- The risk factors that might prevent someone from seeking help.
- What higher education facilities are doing right in terms of inclusivity.
- Why the need for students to take time off for their mental health should be normalized.
- The importance of providing students with a roadmap back into their course.
- The most common reason people don’t seek help.
- The positive effects of seeking support and treatment.
- The support systems available on campuses for students in recovery.
- What parents can do to support their child in college regarding mental health.
- The true role of college counseling centers: brief intervention.
- What gives Patrick hope about the new generation, in terms of resilience and normalizing mental health conversations.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dr. Patrick Lukingbeal on LinkedIn
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
UH Wellness
Cougars in Recovery
John Shiflet on LinkedIn
Mosaics of Mercy
