1. Supporting People with Mental Health Concerns
Presented by Wendy Seegers, MA, LCSW
UW Oshkosh Counseling Center

2. Understanding Depression
The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem.
Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide.
The biggest risk factor is hopelessness.

3. Symptoms of Depression:
Mood: anxiety, apathy, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, or sadness
Sleep: early awakening, excess sleepiness, insomnia, or restless sleep
Whole body: excessive hunger, fatigue, loss of appetite, or restlessness
Behavioral: agitation, excessive crying, irritability, or social isolation
Cognitive: lack of concentration, slowness in activity, or thoughts of suicide
Weight: weight gain or weight loss
Also common: poor appetite or repeatedly going over thoughts

4. Addressing Concerns for Suicide
Q – Question P – Persuade R - Refer

5. Where to Refer: For Students refer to the Counseling Center:
Student Success Center, Suite 240, 750 Elmwood Ave. Oshkosh.  Phone: (920)
After Hours emergencies call 911.
For Employees, refer to the UW System EAP:
Employee Assistance Program through FEI Phone: (866) (24 hours a day/7 days a week) Online:  Username: SOWI
For Anyone in Crisis when other resources aren’t available:
Crisis Hotlines (920) or TALK (8255)

6. Understanding Anxiety
Symptoms include stress that's out of proportion to the impact of the event, inability to set aside worry, and restlessness.
Whole body: fatigue, restlessness, aggitation, or sweating
Cognitive: lack of concentration, racing thoughts, or unwanted thoughts
Behavioral: hypervigilance or irritability
Also common: excessive worry, fear, feeling of impending doom, insomnia, nausea, racing heart, rapid/shallow breathing, or trembling

7. Ways to help… If you are concerned about someone, tell them.
Use specific examples and I statements that explain your concern.
Listen.
Let them know you care and want to help.
Be supportive and encouraging.
You don’t need to have the answer or solve the problem. Just being present is helpful and important.
Be honest.
Look for hope.
Encourage seeking support from appropriate professionals.

8. Questions? For Students refer to the Counseling Center:
Student Success Center, Suite 240, 750 Elmwood Ave. Oshkosh.  Phone: (920)
Emergencies call 911.
For Employees, refer to the UW System EAP:
Employee Assistance Program through FEI Phone: (866) (24 hours a day/7 days a week) Online:  Username: SOWI