Mental Health University

Suicide and self-harm are among the most uncomfortable discussion topics- yet incredibly necessary as critical mental health topics. Statistics are alarming - particularly among college students where on average 1,100 college students commit suicide each year. In this episode we discuss the often avoided conversations around suicide and self-harm including the implications for students concerned about roommates and friends at risk and how to access help. 1:30 : Introduction 2:15 : College campus messaging  5:00 : Stigma around the word suicide  8:20 : Social awareness on jokes  12:00 : Suicidal thinking “ideation”  16:00 : Approaching & supporting friends  24:30 : Consulting a therapist as a concerned friend  27:00 : Continuing campus conversations   28:30 : Call to Action: Take charge of your mental health 36:00 : Recap & Tips

August hits and the college packing starts! How many trips have you made to Target, Bed-Bath & Beyond, let alone opened countless Amazon boxes? In the upcoming weeks car trunks will be packed with college “necessities.” In this episode we dial in on 5 words to pack in addition to all the physical stuff. These are simple, useful words to maintain a healthy, success oriented mindset during the semester. Too often once arrival excitement gives way to semester STRESS, the simple words are forgotten. Tune in and anchor these 5 Mindset words! Email us at: mentalhealthuniversitypodcast@gmail.com 1:12: Introduction 2:30: Top 5 items we packed for college 7:30: Adjustments to college 8:30: 5 Key Mindset items to pack 8:50: “Develop” 12:10: “Discover” 14:15: “Breathe” 19:30: “Assess” 21:10: “Help” 25:20: Recap 26:00 Wrap up

Social anxiety is one of the most common challenges among college students. An experience that shows up in many places and has great impact on a college experience. In this episode we dial in on the range of social anxiety experiences college students encounter, methods to learn to cope, and campus resources to check out. Email us your questions! mentalhealthuniversitypodcast@gmail.com 1:06: Introduction 3:15 : Social anxiety impacting college experience 4:55 : Impact of COVID-19 on social anxiety 7:35 : Keys on social participation & group work 10:00 : Public speaking 12:40 : Anticipating social anxiety 14:45 : Overthinking & Catastrophizing 16:00 : Anxiety & commuting students 17:35 : Avoidance habits 18:00 : Coping through alcohol/drugs 19:00 Group therapy as a treatment 25:00 : Personal insecurities 26:25 : Being receptive to feedback 29:15 : Closing

The tragic events in the Ukraine has college students concerned, anxious, and carrying significant stress. In this episode we highlight the impact of these events and how levels of anxiety and stress increase and often maintained when our mind are filled with uncertainty. Listen in for tips on how to recognize these moments and utilize coping strategies. Have a topic or question you would like us to address? Email Dr. Joel & Libby at: mentalhealthuniversitypodcast@gmail.com (We will not share your name when addressing your topic/question!) Episode Notes:  2:10: Introduction 3:08: Student conversations around the conflict 4:18: How college students are getting news = STRESS 6:05: Stress surrounding conflict 8:00: Comparison to Gulf War news 8:20 : Concerns about the future 10:05: Dealing with uncertain information 11:00: Similarities to the psychological impact of COVID-19 news 13:00: Focusing under stress 14:05: What fuels anxiety 15:30: You don’t have to keep your thoughts private 16:15: Discussing the conflict in class 18:50: The mental health crisis 20:00 Levels of stress 21:50: The added stress of the semester timing 22:20: Importance of self-care 25:20 Strategies to reduce anxiety before exams 26:45: Wrap-up

Dr. Joel & co-host Mia Fusillo dive into Emotional Intelligence skills, importance of prioritizing EI development as students and leaders, how to spot opportunities for development and risks of minimizing their importance.

Dr. Joel & co-host Mia Fusillo dig into self-esteem and highlight influencing factors, relationship with anxiety & depression, challenges of real self versus ideal self, and the risks of relying on social media for self-value.

Dr. Joel & co-host Mia Fusillo tackle the challenges of getting re-connected with good lifestyle habits, why it’s critical to start with simple steps now, understanding social anxiety, and defining closure in life experiences and relationships.

Dr. Joel & Co-host Mia Fusillo tackle how to best help friends struggling with mental health challenges, when to set boundaries to avoid being held emotionally hostage, and differences between empathy versus sympathy.

Dr. Joel & co-host Mia Fusillo review the movie “Angst” & discuss important takeaway insights, tips, and resources for kids experiencing anxiety. The film helps to raise awareness about anxiety among adolescents and highlights stories from some amazing, resilient kids and families.

In this episode Dr. Joel & Mia discuss challenges of anxiety, identify different types, signs to get help, how anxiety is connected to depression, lifestyle tips, & what to look for in accessing mental health resources.

Part 2 of 2: In this episode Dr. Joel & Mia discuss mental health stigma on college campuses, how to access therapy as a college student, trends of college mental health services, common student challenges, and advice on how to help friends on campus.

Part 1 of 2: In this episode Dr. Joel & Mia tackle the stigma connected to mental health treatment, the real experience of therapy and reasons why people go, why people steer away from the topic of “suicide,” and the wide range of benefits to participating in therapy.

Co-host MIa Fusillo introduces 2 seniors from New Providence High School (Caroline Hall, Paige Spoerl) who announce their college choices. The students discuss reasons for choosing their colleges, challenges about making a college choice amid the coronavirus restrictions, expectations for a fall semester, tips for staying productive and focused, and the pros & cons of taking a GAP year.

In this episode meet student intern & co-host Mia Fusillo. We take a deep dive into understanding students perspective on stressors, FOMO, online learning, tips for time management, prioritizing mental health, and developing career skills from home.

Take the short Quiz! Join Dr. Joel and learn about how students can minimize anxiety and stress over picking a college major. Tips & insights for parents, high school and college students. Learn what happens when the fantasy about college life meets reality and the common challenges that occur.

Psychologist & Master Coach Dr. Joel Ingersoll talks challenges and success tips for responding to a bad semester. Learn key strategies to implement NOW, before next semester starts!