WPIC Partners With Pitt And Community Members To Bring Unique Depression Counseling To Students

Main Category: Depression
Also Included In: Medical Students / Training;  Psychology / Psychiatry;  Mental Health
Article Date: 29 Oct 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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According to national statistics, one out of four college students will experience some form of depression by the age of 24, and nearly half of all college students report feeling so depressed at some point in time that they have trouble functioning. To call attention to the symptoms of depression and to encourage those experiencing symptoms to seek assistance, the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC is partnering with University of Pittsburgh faculty, staff, students and community leaders to promote "Talk to Me," a network of on and off campus resources focused on helping students deal with depression.

With funding, guidance and support provided by WPIC, Pitt faculty, staff and student volunteers, including mental health peer educators from the University Counseling Center, will use creative ways to draw attention to the available resources for people suffering from depression. They will be scattered throughout campus wearing easily identifiable green T-shirts bearing the catchphrase "Talk to Me" each Tuesday in October and November, as well as providing educational materials about depression awareness, self-assessment and tips for taking care of your mental health.

"As part of our ongoing commitment to community mental health awareness and education, WPIC is focusing our efforts on this campaign during the next two months to ensure that vulnerable college students know that help is available to them," said Denise Macerelli, a representative of WPIC and a Talk to Me committee member. "Research has shown that rates of mental health-related concerns - including depression, anxiety, suicide and excessive use of alcohol and drugs - are on the rise across college campuses everywhere. The combination of academic performance, peer and social pressures create an environment fraught with potential for mental health problems. Understanding what to do, where to go and knowing that you are not alone can make all the difference. The message is simple and hopeful - depression can be treated."

The Talk to Me network is comprised of committee members from WPIC, the Pitt Division of Student Affairs and community partners at LEAD (Leading Education and Awareness for Depression), the re:solve Crisis Network and Contact Pittsburgh, all of which have come together to develop this unique public awareness campaign as part of Depression Awareness Month.

For more information or to participate in the Talk to Me awareness campaign, please call (412) 648-1047 or visit the University Counseling Center.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

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