Mental Health Abroad Information Prepared by: Jill E. Blondin, PhD Director, Center for Global Education Kim Harvey-Livingston, MS, LPC Director, Student Services

MENTAL HEALTH AND DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES AT UT TYLER

Student Counseling Center Individual Counseling with Licensed Professionals – Abuse/ Interpersonal Violence – Anger Management – Anxiety and Panic – Career Indecision – Depression – Grief and Loss – Relationship Issues (parent, spouse, other) – Stress Management – Study and Test-Taking Strategies – Time Management

Confidentiality Not part of student’s academic record Will not confirm or deny attendance in counseling without signed release from student Same laws related to confidentiality apply as in the community Consultation Services Available Students, Faculty, and Staff Students, Faculty, and Staff

Disability Services Equal access to all programs on campus Accommodations, Consultation, Advocacy Encouraging as much independence and self-reliance as possible Appropriate verification required

Most Common Disabilities Served ADHD Anxiety Disorder Asperger's Disorder Auditory - Perceptual Back injury or disease Bi-Polar Cerebral Palsy chronic pain syndrome Crohn's Disease Deaf/ Hearing Impaired Depression Developmental Math Disorder Developmental Reading disorder Dyslexia Fibromyalgia Head injury Learning disability - other Low vision - moderate Memory Problems Multiple Sclerosis Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Schizoaffective Disorder Seizure Disorder Written language difficulty

Accommodations May Include: Program modifications Adjustments to testing situations E-text books Auxiliary aids and Services Adaptive Computer Lab (Jaws, Dragon Dictate, Magic, Kurzweil) Campus access (reserved parking, consultation with faculty, staff, and students regarding building and program access).

CHALLENGES OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES ABROAD

Mental Health Challenges Attitudes toward mental health can greatly vary between countries May not have access to mental health providers Medication issues – May not be able to get prescriptions filled – Some medications may be illegal in some countries Increased stress with change can exacerbate mental health issues

Disability Challenges Accessibility laws vary from country to country Historical sites are often not accessible for mobility issues Service animals require a great amount of paperwork to be allowed in some countries Electricity voltage may be different and could effect the ability to work medical devices Screening of medical devices and medications can be challenging at the airport Transportation can be challenging

Keys to managing

SPECIFIC AREAS OF CONCERN

CULTURE SHOCK & HOMESICKNESS

Culture Shock Different Stages of Culture Shock: – Honeymoon Stage – Frustration Stage – Understanding Stage – Acclimation Stage

Homesickness One of the most common adjustment problems Often referred to as “separation anxiety” Experienced within first few days or weeks or later on, often closer to holidays or winter Anticipation of traveling can trigger pre- departure homesickness and increase desire to back out of decision to study abroad Encourage students to talk about homesickness

Signs of Depression Not getting out of bed Staying in room alone Changes in eating habits Avoiding friends Crying, Sadness, or Irritability Suicidal thoughts Difficulty Concentrating Heavy alcohol use

Preparation Consult with mental health provider Research availability of services, insurance coverage, and medications Expect some normal adjustments (“culture shock”) Learn the vocabulary associated with your condition Develop contingency plans (open ticket, support system, share emergency plans)

ADHD Preparation Visit with doctor or other service provider Find out what academic functions will be a part of the program to address specific accommodation needs Check to see if medication is legal Make lists and have a buddy to keep on task

Medication Preparation Research prescriptions, TSA guidelines and rules about mailing and refills in the country Obtain a letter from your doctor on letterhead explaining your needs for medications Bring sufficient medications with you and be sure to pack extra quantities in your carry-on bag Keep medications in its original container and clearly labeled Know how to adjust medication schedules across time zones

Contacts If you have questions or need assistance, please contact our offices: – Center for Global Education (ADM 360) Student Services (UC 3170)