Mental Health Quick Takes
Developed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, this video series and accompanying discussion guide addresses mental health topics critical to successfully navigating times of unique challenges and mental distress. The videos are led by Ross Szabo, mental health expert, and creator of the Behind Happy Faces program. Ross is known for his down-to-earth tone and practical approach to teaching mental health that has resonated with thousands of college students.
Like the Sigma Nu Talks series, the concept is fairly simple – watch and reflect on each video on your own, or gather together a group of Sigma Nus, watch one or more of the videos, and create a conversation using the included discussion guides. The videos are intended to be watched in sequential order:
1. Definition of Mental Health
2. Separating Causes of Stress
3. Coping/Motivation
4. Control What You Can Control
5. Reframing Stress
The series can be watched and discussed in numerous different settings:
- On your own
- Chapter meeting
- Candidate meeting
- Big Brother/Little Brother bonding
- Groups of LEAD participants of any phase (i.e. I, II, III, or IV)
- Retreats
Each discussion guide includes:
- Direct link to the video on YouTube (each video includes a transcript)
- Overview of the video topic
- Suggested audience
- Discussion questions
- Application ideas for participants to implement the concepts from the video
As with many of the Fraternity’s resources, the videos, discussion questions, and application ideas are intentionally designed to be flexible to be used in whatever way is most helpful for members and chapters. As a result of participating, you and your chapter will be better informed and prepared to embrace positive mental health despite anything outside of your control that may be thrown your way.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by simply dialing 988. The lifeline provides access to a national network of mental health professionals and volunteers available to provide free and confidential support to any person in a suicidal crisis or experiencing emotional distress. More information about this free service can be found at https://988lifeline.org/.
