Promoting Mental health Awareness & Well-Being
NEOMED strives to cultivate a caring community in which students, faculty and staff are encouraged to engage in healthy, help-seeking behavior for themselves and others.
The five signs of distress
Recognize. Respond. Reach out.
Personality change
Their personality changes. You may notice sudden or gradual changes in the way someone typically behaves. He or she may behave in ways that don’t seem to fit the person’s values, or the person may just seem different.
Agitation
Uncharacteristic anger, anxiety or agitation. You may notice the person has more frequent problems controlling his or her temper and seems irritable or unable to calm down. People in more extreme situations may be unable to sleep or may explode in anger at a minor problem.
Withdrawal
Withdrawn and isolated. Someone who used to be socially engaged may pull away from family and friends and stop taking part in activities he or she used to enjoy. In more severe cases, the person may start failing to make it to work or school. Not to be confused with the behavior of someone who is more introverted, this sign is marked by a change in someone’s typical sociability, as when someone pulls away from the social support he or she typically has.
Poor self-care
They stop taking care of themselves and may engage in risky behavior. You may notice a change in the person’s level of personal care or an act of poor judgment on his or her part. For instance, someone may let his or her personal hygiene deteriorate, or the person may start abusing alcohol or illicit substances or engaging in other self-destructive behavior that may alienate loved ones.
Hopelessness
They seem overcome with hopelessness and overwhelmed by their circumstances. Have you noticed someone who used to be optimistic and now can’t find anything to be hopeful about? That person may be suffering from extreme or prolonged grief, or feelings of worthlessness or guilt. People in this situation may say that the world would be better off without them, suggesting suicidal ideation.
Our Approach
Change the way we think about and view mental health
Promote mental health and wellness as a way of life for students, faculty and staff
Increase awareness of campus resources, educational opportunities and access to help
Continue to develop programs and policies to support mental health, and prevent substance abuse and suicide
Resources for Students
Mental health and wellness resources, on and off campus.
Resources for Faculty & Staff
Mental health and wellness resources, on and off campus.
Available in the Community
Mental health and wellness resources in Portage County.
