Nothing to Hide Program Set to Raise Awareness on Mental Health Issues- Oct. 7

Did you know that young adults from the ages of 18-24 have the highest prevalence of diagnosable forms of mental illness represented-27 percent of the cases of mental illness across all age categories? It is estimated that an additional 4.29 million people in the United States would have graduated from college if they did not experience psychiatric disorders.

On Wednesday, October 7, from 11a.m-3 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge, Nazareth Student Center, the Counseling and Student Development Center will join with Peers on Wellness to sponsor the 8^th annual Nothing to Hide, a mental health awareness program, in response to the tremendous need for education and awareness on mental health issues.

The program will be both entertaining and inspiring, as it involves music by music therapy students, various speakers, art exhibits by art therapy students, and an opportunity to make a pledge to help break down stigma against mental illness on Marywood's own campus. In addition, there will be free food, giveaways, and interactive activities to promote self care and stress management. Literature will also be available about mental health issues and about the stigma college students face with mental health issues.

Students from the Counseling, Social Work, and Psy. D. programs have been instrumental in the planning and development of this year's program.

Please join Marywood University in raising awareness on mental health issues. The event is free and open to the public. If you would like more information about the Nothing to Hide program, please call Marywood University's Counseling and Student Development Center at 570-348-6245.

Additional information:

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students. Studies show that as many as 50 percent of people with untreated bipolar disorder attempt suicide at least once. Therefore, it is essential that parents and students alike are educated and aware of the signs and symptoms to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2004).
• Seventy-five percent of people with schizophrenia develop the disease between the ages of 15-25 (National Alliance on Mental Illness Rutgers, 2007). 
• Forty-four percent of American college students reported feeling symptoms of depression (National Mental Health Awareness Campaign (NMHAC, 2009).  
• An estimated five million young females suffer from eating disorders each year, and eating disorders are the deadliest mental illness, claiming more lives than any other illness (NMHAC, 2009).

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