In recognition of this week as Medical Student Mental Health Week, here are some facts to consider:
- About 15 to 30 percent of medical students and residents suffer from depression;
- About 11 percent of all U.S. medical students have reported suicidal ideations within the past year; and
- Suicide is the leading cause of death in this population after accidental death.
Below is a list of events that will be held this week to address the issue of mental health among medical students:
- Monday at noon in the Sorrell Center, Room 2014 — Steven Wengel, M.D., professor and chairman of psychiatry, will discuss a variety of relaxation techniques designed to help students cope with the pressure of medical training.
- Tuesday at noon on the fourth floor of the Sorrell Center — Massage therapists from the Center for Healthy Living will offer free massages to medical students.
- Wednesday at noon in the Sorrell Center, Clinic Skills Laboratory — David Carver, Ph.D., of the UNMC Counseling and Student Development Center, and UNMC psychiatrist Howard Liu, M.D., will focus on the unique features and treatments of depression and anxiety in medical students.
- Thursday on the fourth floor of the Sorrell Center — Massage therapists from the Center for Healthy Living again will offer free massages to medical students.
Those who attend the speaking events will have the first opportunity to sign up for massage sessions.
Prizes will be raffled off during the first lunch event, including gift certificates for a massage or spa treatment. After Wednesday’s event, attendees will receive “De-stress Gift Bags,” which will include:
- Stress balls;
- Tea bags; and
- Bath salts.
Each bag also includes a depression screening form and information on how to seek personal or academic help at the Counseling and Student Development Center.