People can find support for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts at the BYU–Hawaii Counseling Service office. Students, staff and community members found out about the services at the center at a mental health awareness meeting on Jan. 14. They also discussed how to tell if people have anxiety or depression.
“Depression is the No. 1 emotional mental illness struggle that people have,” said Elder Randall Keyes, a licensed clinical social worker from Victoria, Canada.
Keyes is a staff member at Counseling Services. He said some common symptoms of depression are sadness, irritability, hopelessness, guilt for little or no reason, loss of interest in favorite activities, low energy and difficulty concentrating.
According to Keyes, depression can last days, weeks, or even months. Keyes invited the audience to “do something about it” by seeking help if any of these symptoms have been hindering their ability to function.
Keyes addressed other mental and emotional issues, particularly anxiety in its various forms. He explained how, in a family setting, anxiety can at times be a way to express love, such as when a mother or father worryingly calls and texts their son or daughter on a Friday night.
He mentioned panic disorder, a condition that causes an individual to be susceptible to panic attacks and intense anxiousness. Symptoms of panic disorder include cold fingers or toes, dry mouth, a “butterflies” in the stomach feeling, and an inability to relax.
Keyes described social anxiety as a general worry of appearing inarticulate, stupid, or weak in group settings.
Austen Thompson, a senior majoring in intercultural peacebuilding from California, organized the event along with members of the David O. McKay Center for Intercultural Understanding.
Thompson explained how mental health awareness relates to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. “I think it helps people see people as people, even seeing themselves [as someone with depression].”
That philosophy is at the core of peacebuilding. Thompson spoke about his struggles throughout his teenage years with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. After suffering a concussion while playing on the varsity water polo team in high school, he explained how his life spiraled downward. Eventually, he said he felt as if he “had no worth.”
At a mental health institute in Southern Utah, Thompson developed what he calls the “mental health triangle.” The first corner of this triangle is professional help; the second corner is a social support system of family and friends; the third corner is an understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He also said prescription drugs can be helpful in overcoming mental illness, helping “the lowest of lows” to happen less frequently.
Zachary Konecki, a senior from California majoring in history who is also obtaining the peacebuilding certificate, said, “If you have a vitamin imbalance, you just go eat more vitamins. So, I see depression the same way, and [...] it’s not something people should be embarrassed about. If you have a problem, then don’t feel bad about asking for help. There [are] people like me and Austen who you can talk to, and there’s the Counseling Services office. Counseling works.”
After Thompson’s remarks, Keyes answered anonymous questions written by the audience. Some of the questions were how to help a friend who may be considering suicide; how to overcome social anxiety; how to be friends to those who have issues but don’t take responsibility for their actions on yourself; and how to approach things that are difficult or fearsome.
Afterwards, Keyes encouraged people to come into the Counseling Services office free of charge to learn how to cope with and maintain their mental well-being.