VAR
Give an example of how to use “V” in VAR.
“That makes sense.” or “That sounds difficult.” or “I’m sorry you are struggling right now.”
Name 3 confidential resources on campus.
Personal Counselor, Student Health Nurse, Campus Minister
Who can reduce stigma around on campus?
Me, you, faculty, staff, community members, Everyone
Who can experience stress?
Everyone!
(Men, women, athletes, commuters, any major, professors, professionals)
Give an example of how to use “A“ in VAR.
“that must have been difficult to share. Thank you for talking to me about it.”
What resource should you provide if the student is in immediate danger or has a plan and means to harm themself?
Call 911, contact HR and professional staff. Do not leave them alone.
What is a stigmatizing phrase for a person with depression?
“It’s not that hard to get up and go through your daily routine.”
List 3 psychological and 3 physical symptoms of stress.
Psychological - feeling overwhelmed, anxiety, racing thoughts, worry, problems with memory, making poor decisions, restlessness, irritability.
Physical - disrupted sleep, aches and pains, clenched jaw, headaches, tight muscles, stomach problems, dizziness, eye twitching.
Give three examples of how to use “R” on campus at Morningside for residents?
Counseling services (Bobbi); Student Health Service (Judy); ResLife (ProStaff, RA’s); Clubs on Campus (Student Government); Campus Ministry (Pastor Andy)
Give instructions on how to utilize (make an appointment, where to go) on campus personal counseling services with Bobbi.
In person,Virtually in dorm, Virtually in library study room, make an appt on MySide or Email to Bobbi
What are active ways to reduce stigma around campus?
Confront, Educate, Refer
(situations where stigmatizing phrases are used, educating people on mental health, referring people to chat with a professional such as Bobbi or Judi to answer questions)
Give three examples of ways to relieve stress
listening to music, exercising, resting, chatting with friends, talking to Bobbi, etc.
(Stress can be relieved in many ways that are specific to each individual, encourage students to try new ways and have a toolbox of resources that work for them.)
Reply to this statement using VAR “I don't know why but I have been feeling really down lately”
Use VAR
Ex:
“Its okay to feel down and not to know why, some days are better than others. It
takes a lot of courage to talk about feeling down, thanks for having that
courage. I think it would be great to chat with the personal counselor on
campus about how you have been feeling. I can help you make an appointment
if you are interested?”
What is the suicide hotline number?
1-800-273-TALK
Confront this stigmatizing phrase “Ugh this professor is so boring, I am going to kill myself if I have to listen to another lecture”
“Hey are you actually going to commit suicide? When you say things like this it is stigmatizing towards people who suffer from suicidal thoughts.”
What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is a response to a threat, situation, person, or interaction. Anxiety is a reaction to the stress; more long-term, and chronic
In both good times and bad, most people may feel stressed or anxious in some aspect of their lives. Anxiety is different and more serious than stress, which is adaptive and can be protective. Stress before a test or a big game helps our body and mind focus and perform. However, untreated anxiety or persistent stress can be disabling.
Reply to this statement using VAR “I don't know why but I have been feeling really down lately”
Use VAR
Example:
“Its okay to feel down and not to know why, some days are better than others. It
takes a lot of courage to talk about feeling down, thanks for having that
courage. I think it would be great to chat with the personal counselor on
campus about how you have been feeling. I can help you make an appointment
if you are interested?”
What is the suicide hotline number?
1-800-273-TALK
Confront this stigmatizing phrase “Ugh this professor is so boring, I am going to kill myself if I have to listen to another lecture”
You successfully confront stigmatizing phrase
Example:
“Hey are you actually going to commit suicide? When you say things like this it
is stigmatizing towards people who suffer from suicidal thoughts.”
Remember that your halls are diverse in multiple ways such as race, gender, religion, sexuality, and other personal preferences. It is important that we are conscious about what stigmatizing phrases or actions we do as role models on campus, and as an RA
What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
What is the difference between stress and anxiety?