Improving Mental Health

Awareness Among
International Students
NAFSA Region VII Conference 2015
Presenters

Annemarie Estrada Darlene Schmurr-Stewart

Director of Customer Service Dean of International Student Services
International Student Insurance Troy University
Agenda
Mental Illness - A Common Problem

Stigma and Myths

Advisor Roles and Boundaries

Warning Signs

Helping Students Seek Care

Insurance Concerns

Creating Awareness / Resources

Success Stories and Discussion

What is Mental Health/Illness?

Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or

her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work
productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her
community.”
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mental Illness - A Common Problem

450 million people affected

Almost 50% affected

Source: National Institutes of Health, 2013 Source: World Health Organization, 2002
Worldwide Stigma
Mental illness
often goes
undiagnosed and
untreated among
international
students due to
the negative
connotations
associated with
the subject
around the
world.
Common Myths

“Counseling is for crazy people.”

“Everyone will know I saw a counselor.”

“I can handle my own health problems. If not, it

means I’m weak.”
International Students are Not Seeking Care

Source: Hyun, Quinn, Madon, & Lusting, 2010

An Advisor’s Role and Boundaries
“International students who reported a more
functional relationship with their advisors were less
likely to report having an emotional or stress-related
problem in the past year and [to report] using
counseling services...”
Warning Signs
Change in Appearance

Academic Problems

Social Isolation

Noticeable Changes in Mood

Unusual or Odd Behaviors

Drug/Alcohol Abuse

Threat of Harm to Themselves or Others

 I am afraid My friends think I
am strange

I cannot sleep My parents have high

expectations

I am lonely
My classes are difficult

I am confused
My girlfriend dumped me

I want to hide
There is no one who
understands me
Helping Students Seek Care
On-campus Assistance:

Mental Health Staff

Hours

Average Cost

No counseling center?

Relationships with other providers

Suggestions from other departments

Helplines
Insurance and Mental Health
What is Legally Required?
Nothing!
Mental health insurance
coverage is not required by the
government for international
students.
Questions to Consider:
1. Do the students’ insurance
plans cover mental health?
2. Does the insurance
company offer language
support?
3. Do students realize that
claims are confidential?
Increasing Awareness
Goal: Normalize and increase comfort in reaching out for support

Incorporate a wellness conversation into your daily interactions.

Use positive, easy-to-understand language, and let them know that it’s common!

Invite counselors and other providers to orientation.

Put out materials on the subject through various channels (i.e., newsletters, social, pamphlets).
 How do we
welcome our
international students?
Resources and Awareness
NAFSA provides the following Mental Health Awareness Video Resource:
publications:

Health and Wellness for

International Students

Best Practices in Addressing Mental

Health Issues Affecting Education
Abroad Participants www.internationalstudentinsur
ance.com/explained/mental-
www.nafsa.org/Find_Resources/ health-video.php
Resources - National Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention It Gets Better Project (LGBTQ)

1-800-273-TALK 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or 1-888-

843-4564
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
www.itgetsbetter.org/pages/get-help also
includes state specific resources

https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/LGBTQ
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA)

1-800-SAMHSA-7 or 1-877-726-4727
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
www.samhsa.gov
1-800-799-SAFE

http://www.thehotline.org/
Discussion

We know that doctor visits and health history is protected

by privacy laws but what is your role as an advisor in
helping to maintain privacy?
Discussion
How do you overcome mental health issues and
the stigma associated with it?
Thank you!