May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Nearly 20% of Americans have a diagnosable mental condition. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is committed to the health and well-being of our members and, in May, joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Together, we can get the appropriate support to those affected by mental illness, so no one feels alone.

Help us spread the word through awareness, support, and advocacy activities. Below are a variety of different ways brothers can get involved to promote and learn more about mental health awareness. 

QPR

QPR stands for Questions, Persuade, and Refer – the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. SAE provides the QPR Gatekeeper training to all collegiate active members and one alumni advisor per chapter/colony. To register for this training, log into MySAE and visit the Events section through the month of May.

Brothers who have already taken this training showed significant growth in their knowledge and understanding of suicide prevention. They also showed significant growth in their confidence and competence to carry out the QPR intervention. Here are a few impressive statistics from our brothers who have already completed QPR Training:

• 100% of SAE participants believe this training will help them in helping someone who is suicidal.
• Upon completion, 94% of brothers who took the training had a high knowledge of facts concerning suicide prevention at the end.
• Upon completion, 88% of brothers who took the training had a high knowledge of how to ask someone about suicide.
• Upon completion, 88% of brothers who took the training had a high knowledge of how to persuade someone to get help.
• Upon completion, 91% of brothers who took the training felt confident in their ability to help a suicidal person.

Online Learning

SAE provides a module on mental health through our online learning platform, which you can access through MySAE.

Campus Resources

Many colleges and universities provide a wealth of mental health resources and education. Many of these are often free or low-cost to students and are great collaborations for educational programming.

Find your Counseling Center on campus and reach out to them about virtual programming and resources available to students. Most campus Counseling Centers will offer support groups, individual counseling, and educational programs or resources they could present to your chapter/colony

Movember Opportunities in May

Movember is hosting virtual events this month to celebrate and promote Mental Health Awareness Month.

• Tuesday, May 11, at 5:30 pm CT a community workout with Kenny Santucci, a Mo Bro, mental health advocate, and one of New York City’s top trainers. The workout is hosted via Zoom and good for all fitness levels (and don’t worry – your camera won’t be on). Physical activity plays an important role in mental health and Movember wants to get everyone up and moving. You can sign up here.
• May 20th and 21st, Movember is hosting virtual panel discussions about the challenges to mental health and wellbeing for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. These will be safe spaces for healthy dialogues with experts and people who have lived experience or work in the mental health space. Join them on Facebook Live for these important conversations.
• Applications to become a Movember Student Ambassador are open. You can apply here.

Get Support

People often don’t get the mental health services they need because they don’t know where to start.

Talk to your primary care physician or use these resources to find help for yourself, your brothers, your friends, or your family.

Emergency Medical Services—911

If a situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat

If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)

Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.