World Mental Health Day

The World Health Organization recognizes World Mental Health Day annually on Oct. 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world, increase efforts in support of mental health, and connect people with resources.
 
Set by the World Federation for Mental Health, the focus of the 2016 World Mental Health Day is psychological first aid and supporting people in distress. The goal is to get people talking about the impact of traumatic events on people's mental health and the steps people can take to support themselves and others during times of crisis. 
 
This is especially significant for our population in Southern Louisiana, after experiencing the devastating effects of the unprecedented flooding in our region in August. 
 
Immediately following the flooding, the Southeastern Counseling Center offered two weeks of disaster recovery support groups with licensed professional counselors. As people affected begin to adjust to this “new normal” in the months after the flood, the Counseling Center provides free individual counseling for all Southeastern students, faculty, staff and their families. 
 
Here are some suggestions from the team at the Counseling Center to consider about mental health after a disaster: 
 
  • Distress is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. Distress includes feeling anxious, angry, stressed, overwhelmed, tearful, and sometimes numb. Distress causes people to have difficulty sleeping and concentrating. You can expect to experience some of these symptoms after a disaster.
 
  • Severe distress can be a sign of Acute Distress Disorder. It is characterized by abnormal levels of anxiety and dissociative symptoms and is different than Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
 
  • Most people psychologically and emotionally recover within a few weeks after a disaster. This is called resilience. Resiliency is improved when we connect and help one another. By remaining calm, we help ourselves, so that we may be of service to others.
 
  • Children need help processing natural disasters. They are being surrounded by images and stories that may be difficult for their underdeveloped brains to comprehend. Please talk to your children and siblings by helping them understand why these events occurred and supporting their emotional needs.
 
Beyond the current natural disasters, people often experience personal crises, such as losing a loved one, stress on the job, or experiencing a serious physical illness. In addition, people who experience abuse and/or violence have an increased likelihood of developing mental health problems. The Counseling Center is a resource when members of our Southeastern Family experiences stressful traumatic events, whether as a community or on an individual level. 
 
Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to call the Counseling Center at (985) 549-3894 to schedule a complimentary and confidential appointment at the Counseling Center.