UNH Counseling Center

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

2012-02-28T08:39:00.001-05:00

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: February 26^th through March 3^rd

The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) has designated February 26^th through March 3^rd as this year’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The theme for 2012 is “Everybody Knows Somebody”, a sobering truth based on the fact that an estimated 24 million American women and men suffer from eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders website). This number increases exponentially when you include individuals who struggle with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating or exercise behaviors. For example, a survey of over 25,000 American adults found that 63% of women and 48% of men were self-conscious about their weight (Frederick, Peplau, & Lever, 2006). College students have been identified as high-risk group, with most eating disorders emerging during adolescence or young adulthood. Despite the fact that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, funding for eating disorder research is comparably limited and many myths continue to exist about these disorders (NEDA website). These misunderstandings contribute to the secrecy and stigma surrounding eating disorders making it difficult for individuals to get help.

One common myth is that there is a “type” of person who develops eating disorders; typically people think of white, middle to upper class females. However, eating disorders can affect people of all ethnicities, backgrounds and genders. Although exact statistics do not exist due to underreporting, most experts agree that eating disorders are equally prevalent across ethnicities and class. Furthermore, a study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health found that 25% of those with eating disorders are men, as compared to the previously believed 10-15% (National Association for Males with Eating Disorders). These misunderstandings make it even more difficult for those who don’t fit the eating disorder “stereotype” to seek treatment.

The purpose of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is in part to educate the public about eating disorders so as to reduce stigma. Ultimately, NEDA aims to prevent eating disorder and body image issues while also improving access to treatment for those afflicted. In order to accomplish this goal, NEDA has assisted groups across all 50 states in organizing events for the week of February 26^th through March 3^rd, including movie screenings, panel discussions, art exhibits, fundraising walks, fashion shows, yoga practices and so much more! This week, UNH is sponsoring Eating Concerns Awareness Week events. Be sure to check out the following:

· LIFE SIZE BARBIE!

Monday 2/27 through Friday 3/2 in the Dimond Library

She stands about six feet tall with a 39” bust, 18” waist, and 33” hips. Decide for yourself if Barbie represents the average woman.

· AWARENESS TABLES

Tuesday 2/28 from 6-8pm in the Campus Recreation Lobby

Wednesday 2/29 & Thursday 3/1 from 11am-1pm in the MUB (Food Court)

Eating Concerns Mentors (ECMs) will be available to answer questions, provide information and share resources available at UNH. ECMs are trained student volunteers committed to helping their peers at UNH with eating concerns.

· GET SOCIAL!

All week we will be posting and tweeting information, photos, videos and anything else to inspire YOU to join the fight against eating concerns!

Don’t have time to make it to an event? Try one of these quick, image-boosting activities this week in the spirit of body acceptance and eating disorder prevention.

1. Refuse to listen to negative thoughts. You can try changing these thoughts into more compassionate statements. For example, instead of lamenting on your “big” legs, focus on what your arms allow you to do (dance, hike, run, walk, etc.!).

2. Do something relaxing and positive for your body. Take a few deep breaths, put on some soothing lotion, practice yoga or lounge in a warm bath to center and calm yourself.

3. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Studies have actually shown that when we make our mouths smile, we feel happier!

4. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable. This could be your favorite, old sweats or a brand new pair of fancy shoes. Just be sure that whatever you choose, it is because it makes YOU feel good.

5. Get rid of (or donate) one thing that’s holding back your body image. This could be your scale, a weight/shape/size obsessed, guilt-inducing magazine or an old piece of clothing several sizes too small.

For more information about eating concerns resources on the UNH campus, visit: http://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/eating-concerns_resources.html

For further reading about eating disorders, check out the websites listed below. They provide a wealth of information as well as links to other sites and various resources. You might also be interested in the following books:

-Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too by Jenni Schaefer & Thom Rutledge

-8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder: Effective Strategies from Therapeutic Practice and Personal Experience by Carolyn Costin & Gwen Schubert Grabb

-Surviving an Eating Disorder: Strategies for Families and Friends by Michele Siegel, Judith Brisman & Margot Weinshel

-The Invisible Man: A Self Help Guide For Men With Eating Disorders, Compulsive Exercise and Bigorexia (John F Morgan)

References:

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders - http://www.anad.org

Frederick, D. A., Peplau, L. A., & Lever, J.. (2006). The swimsuit issue: Correlates of body image in a sample of 52,677 heterosexual adults. Body Image, 3, 413-419.

NEDA - http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

National Association for Males with Eating Disorders (NAMED) - http://namedinc.org

In health,

UNHCC

Children of Parents with Alcoholism

2012-02-27T09:05:00.000-05:00

This year, February 12-February 18 was Children of Alcoholics (COA) Week. In 1983, Dr. Jan Woititz wrote a book describing the common elements of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA), individuals who were raised in families that were affected by alcoholism. Dr. Woititz indicated that these qualities also occur in families in which other compulsions including other drug abuse, eating disorder symptoms, and gambling.

Here are some common traits of ACOA identified by both Dr. Woitiz and children of ACOA themselves:

-trouble finishing a project

-problems with maintaining interpersonal relationships

-difficulty asserting themselves with authority

-very scared of being criticized

-rigidly follow one manner of doing something

-difficulties with self-esteem and being self-compassionate

-often looking for approval and praise

-alternating between irresponsible and responsible behaviors

-struggle with having “fun”

-very anxious about the possibility of being abandoned

-trouble expressing feelings

-co-dependency: focused more on others than self and/or enter relationships to “save” the other person

-seek excitement

If you identify with at least some of these characteristics, here are some resources that could be helpful:

Al-Anon: www.al-anon.alateen.org – groups around the world for people who are ACOA to come together and share experiences and strategies

COA week: http://www.coaweek.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous: www.coda.org

National Association for Children of Alcoholics: http://www.nacoa.org/

Dr. Woititz website: http://www.drjan.com/

As these qualities can negatively affect how you view yourself and how you relate to others, counseling can also be helpful. For more information about UNHCC services, please visit unhcc.unh.edu . To make a first appointment, please come to UNHCC (Smith Hall, Room 301) during open hours (Monday-Friday 8-5PM during academic year) or call 603-862-2090. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 603-862-2090 or 911.

In health,

UNHCC

Diversity Campus Events this week

2012-02-21T06:09:00.000-05:00

From OSMA website:

OMSA Say What: A Conversation on the movie “The Help”

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

12:40PM – 2:00PM

MUB 327 OMSA

The film adaptation of the novel The Help has been praised as a brilliant work of triumph against adversity but also critiqued for what some say is an inaccurate depiction of the life of black domestic servants in the civil rights era. Written by Kathryn Stockett, a 42-year-old white woman, "The Help" is the story of African-American maids working in white households during the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi. When a young white woman wants to write their story, she finds resistance at first. And then Minny, one of the maids, decides that she'll help despite the dangers.

Both the film and the book have met with controversy, from criticism that a white woman doesn't have the right to tell the story of black maids in the racist South, to complaints that the film portrays a violent era through rose-colored glasses.

If you read the book or saw the movie, what did you think of the story's portrayal of the maids and of the South in the 1960s?

Join us for a discussion tomorrow at 12:40 in OMSA!

NSBE Black History Celebration

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

6:00PM-7:00PM

MUB 233

Come learn about the contributions made in the scientific world by black scientists. Free food and interactive gaming.

Current Issues Lecture Series: What Makes A Family? with Zach Wahls

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
7:00 PM

MUB Strafford Room

As seen on You Tube and Ellen, Zach tries to answer the very title of his talk when he testified before the Iowa House Judiciary Committtee in January, 2011 as the son of two lesbian mothers.'

All Events are Free and SIC 'em Sponsored! For more info, contact Dave Zamansky at david.zamansky@unh.edu or 862-2600

Korean New Year Celebration
Thursday, February 23^rd
7:00pm-9:00pm
MUB Strafford Room

KCC is having the first meeting of the semester this Thursday to celebrate the Korean New Year. This year we are having our event in Strafford Room!! There will be a brief presentation about Korean New Year, and traditional Korean food will be served. You have to get a free ticket at the MUB ticket office to get in. Tickets are limited so go get your ticket before they run out!

Drag Ball
Friday, February 24^th
8:00pm-12:00am
MUB Granite State Room

It's time for the 12th annual Drag Ball. This is a highlight event of the Spring Semester hosted by the UNH Alliance! This year's theme is Leather and Lace, so lace up your boots and strut your stuff! Everyone will dance the night away with DJ Complex! Prizes will be awarded for the best Drag. Dressing up in Drag is encouraged but not required! Just come out, have fun and be yourself!

Black History Month: Heroes in Our Midst

2012-02-01T06:18:00.004-05:00

Harriet Tubman. Thurgood Marshall. Martin Luther King, Jr. Those names are part of many a reputable history textbook, and they inspire pride and hope in those who know their stories and what they gave to help ensure that African Americans could more fairly engage in the pursuit of happiness, just as those in mainstream American could. And every year during the month of February, we become reacquainted with theirs and others’ stories. This month, and the other 11 months in the year, I have the privilege of honoring two individuals who, along with others in their cohort, helped to eventually end the legal segregation of African Americans. It was 1963 and two sophomores at then-named Elizabeth City State College were planning to do something many of their relatives, their community nor their university wanted them to do: participate in a series of non-violent protests against the law which made it illegal to use the same restrooms Whites used, to use the same fountains Whites used, to not receive the same protection under the law, which exposed African Americans to every sort of danger to life and property. My mother, a native of New York, was unaccustomed to the overt systemic racism that was segregation. She, however, was faced with it whenever she had to ride the ferry that took her across the Chesapeake Bay toward school; alone, she stepped off the bus and into a section of the ferry for “Coloreds Only”. My father faced with this daily, being a native of South Carolina. He knew what happened if you attempted to change the existing system in any way; while in college, he had been threatened and chased by Klan members for daring to come into downtown areas they had claimed as their own.

My mother had the awe-inspiring experience to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak at Cornerstone Baptist Church (less than two blocks from her grandmother’s house) and impart encouraging words before the students planned to sit-in. My father was unable to attend, because as a football player for the school, his role was to help provide watch over the campus as other students were coordinating protest locations or attending the church rally. The coordinators of the sit-ins adhered to the rules previously established for these non-violent protests. They used similar rules that those protesting in Nashville, TN used three years before them. The rules included sitting straight up and facing the counter, having a friendly countenance while at the counter at all times, not striking or cursing back if attacked and not blocking entrances into the establishment (Cuzzens, 1998). Students marched from the campus to downtown with males marching alongside the females on either side of the line. They entered the Noxzema News Stand (then a popular place to purchase sundry items and eat in downtown Elizabeth City, NC) and sat at the counter, requesting service; other students stood behind their seats. Students occupied the pavement outside, taking care not to block the entryway into the store. Once denied service multiple times, they continued to sit until they were arrested, my parents included. And once arrested, they sang freedom songs behind bars until hours later, when they were released. Those arrested were legally represented by lawyers from the Southern Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Was danger a part of their push for social justice? Absolutely. But, even with these things, they continued on undeterred. As my father said to me, “We knew from the start of it all that it was not just our lives, but it was the goodness of it all, the thought that we were doing something for mankind and being told by a powerful force (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) that we were right and that we would overcome made all the difference in the world. I remember when we had to practice marching, our group was told that ‘every step moved us closer to equality’ and that statement made me think how far we ‘d come….it was a badge of honor that we were in jail.” My mother added, “No, I never did think of the danger, just that we didn’t need this continue on in the world. And look at what the end result was. Now that I look back I do think, ‘Wow, this is what we did.” After this protest and others like it across primarily Southern cities and states like it, and after Dr. King, Jr.’s famous speech in August 1963 in Washington, D.C., the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed. Three years later, as a married couple, my parents returned to Elizabeth City and stayed at the then-Virginia Dare Hotel, a hotel that catered only to Whites while they were undergraduates.

So, this Black History Month, I celebrate my parents and what they were called to do as college students years ago. Their courage and unwillingness to accept anything less than full equality undoubtedly helped change the course of U.S. history. My parents, unsung heroes in our midst. This month, I encourage each one of you to remember someone, known or unknown to you, who helped advance the cause of civil rights. And to remember we all have a positive role to play in making our world a just and fairer one.

-Dr. Sonya Shropshire

Reference

Cuzzens, L. (1998, May 25). Civil rights movement 1955-1965: Sit-ins. African American History. Retrieved January 16, 2012, from, http://www.watson.org/~lisa/blackhistory/civilrights-55-65/sit-ins.html.

MLK Celebration 2012

2012-01-30T08:13:00.000-05:00

From the UNH Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA):

Conversation with Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt (Part of the 2012 MLK Celebration)
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
12:10 PM - 2:00 PM
Memorial Union Building - Strafford Room
True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. True compassion enables one to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. -Martin Luther King, Jr.

On the afternoon of the commemorative address, our MLK speaker Rev. McNatt will be featured in an exploration of the complex public issue of wealth in a time of high unemployment and reductions in public flunding for support systems. We'll examine conflicting values and conflicting information to ask how an oil company in 2008 made the biggest profit on record while the average citizen's retirement and investment money was being cut by one-third or in half.
     How does a small minority exert influence over the political arena to shape the way America does business? How may we find common ground and re-envision, in the spirit of equity, access and inclusion, our nation's economic system? For more info, contact Sylvia Foster via sfoster@unh.edu or 603- 862-1058. To be aware on all of the 2012 MLK Celebration events planned - please visit http://www.unh.edu/inclusive/mlk-celebration-2012

MLK Commemorative Address- “The Politics of Wealth and Social Justice” with Reverend Rosemary Bray McNatt
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Johnson Theatre, UNH

Reverend Rosemary Bray McNatt is a former editor of the New York Times Review of Books and a columnist for Belief.net. She is the author of "Afraid of the Dark" and a children's book on the life of Martin Luther King. The 2012 UNH MLK Celebration will turn its lens from the poor and the disenfranchised in our society and direct it instead, to focus on the wealthy. How does this small minority control the politcal arena that is often toxic to the poor and working class? A recent study by Princeton political scientst Larry Bartels found that senators ignored the views of their least advantaged constituents. What happened to the idea of everyone giving their fair share to the common good? Join us for our 22nd annual series of inspiring programs and events. Welcome to all! For more info, contact Sylvia Foster via sfoster@unh.edu or 603-862-1058

MLK Celebration: Community Call to Action – Looking at Economic Justice Through the Lens of World Faith Traditions
Thursday, February 02, 2012
12:40 PM - 2:00 PM
MUB Strafford Room

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Join us in kicking off a new feature of the MLK Celebration: a Community Call to Action. We’ll be making connections in honor of MLK’s vision. In 1970, CEOs, on average in the U.S., earned $25 for every dollar that their employees earned. In 2000, that figure increased to $90, and in 2004, it soared to $500 to an employee’s one dollar. Our discussions will not be against the idea of making money; instead, they will be directed at disparities and what our faith communities are doing to address them.
    In the spirit of direct democracy, we'll examine the problems and connect with solutions as told by representatives of four different faith traditions. We’ll hear about the roles each may play in the future of economic justice. Join lively roundtable discussions to explore community action for the common good. For more info on all of the 2012 MLK Celebration events planned please go the web site http://www.unh.edu/inclusive/mlk-celebration-2012

Lunar New Year Events

2012-01-30T08:11:00.001-05:00

From the UNH Office of Multicultural Student Affairs:

Chinese New Year Gala

Tuesday, January 31, 2012
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Johnson Theater

Confucius Institute (CI-UNH) worked hard during the holiday to invite 18 performers from The Wenqin Performing Arts Group of Zhejiang University. The group will arrive in Durham on January 31 from Hangzhou, China. They will bring us 12 fantastic programs to add to our celebration. Zhejiang University is one of the top three universities in China. Wenqin Performing Group is the only privately funded student performing group in Chinese universities. The group has performed in many countries with high praise. In addition to the 12 programs from this group, we will have our own White Haired Girl in ballet and two martial arts programs from our beloved Mr. Dai Haibin of Chengdu University. Due to limited seating at Johnson Theatre, tickets are required. Please email Yige Wang at Yige@Comcast.net to reserve your tickets early. Please follow the link below for driving direction and parking info:

http://www.unh.edu/pcac/directions.

UAC Presents: Lunar New Year
Friday, February 3^rd, 2012
7:00pm- 10:00pm
Granite State Room –MUB

No, we are not crazy/super late. Lunar New Year, an event which holds roots in almost every Asian culture, is here. The United Asian Coalition is here to welcome in the Year of the Dragon (and the new semester ^.^) with everyone! Come enjoy free catered food, martial arts, dragon dancing, raffles, and a beautiful presentation of what the new year really means to us. So get your free ticket at the MUB, and come relive New Years!

Health Education Spring 2012 programs

2012-01-25T22:23:00.001-05:00

There are a number of programs and services offered by Health Education this Spring:

Registration is required for all. To register please visit:
http://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/

Good Eats Cooking Class

Due to popularity, we will be offering 3 sessions of the Good Eats Cooking Class

Session One | 4 weeks starting February 6 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Session Two | 4 weeks starting March 19 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Session Three | 3 weeks starting April 16 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (ethnic foods)

Open to UNH students.

Support Group for Students in Recovery

10 week group that starts on 2/13/2012 | 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.

Open to UNH students

Being Fierce and Fabulous: Empowerment Group for Women

9 week group that starts on 2/17/2012 | 12 noon – 2:00 p.m.

Open to UNH students

Living Well: Chronic Illness Support Group

9 week group that starts on 2/20/2012 | 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.

Open to UNH students

YUMEE! Your Ultimate Mindful Eating Experience

6 week group that starts on 2/24/2012 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Open to UNH students

Stories of Recovery and Resilience: A Digital Story Telling Workshop

Workshop starts on 2/10/2012

Students will work individually to create a multimedia presentation of their personal journeys of recovery using Photo Story software.

Open to UNH students

Welcome Back: Coping with Change

2012-01-25T22:10:00.002-05:00

If you are new to UNH, welcome and if you are returning to UNH for another semester, welcome back! Either way, a new semester means change – new weather, new courses, a new schedule, maybe a new organization or job, perhaps new friends or a new place to live?

Change can feel be really refreshing and even exciting, but it can also be quite stressful. Here are some healthy ways to handle stress. Some of these strategies may be familiar to you while others may be new; some may be easier than others to accomplish:

-Receive enough rest (i.e., 6 to 9 hours of nightly sleep)
and physical activity

-Eat regularly: Nutrition counseling is available at Health Education.

For more information, please visit:

www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/nutrition.html

- Use mindfulness strategies such as deep, relaxed breathing,
and guided imagery.

For more information:
www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/meditation-cd_tracks.html

-Attend a yoga meeting at the MUB
For more information: www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/yoga.html

-Make time to interact with people whom you care about

-Monitor your substance intake; for information about substance use
education and counseling:
www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/alcohol.html

-Engage in a fun activity

                -Express your thoughts and feelings in a variety of ways
                 (talking, drawing, painting, journaling, blogging,'
                 dancing, making music)

If your feelings, thoughts, and/or behaviors are overwhelming you more days than not, consider making an appointment at the UNH Counseling Center by either visiting in person during open hours (generally Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM)or calling 603-862-2090. More information about UNHCC services is available on our website at unhcc.unh.edu.

If you are having suicidal thoughts and/or thoughts about hurting yourself or others, please contact the UNHCC immediately at 603-862-2090 or call 911.

In health,

UNHCC

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Reflections and Events

2012-01-10T17:39:00.001-05:00

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

On January 16^th we honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Dr. King’s tragically short 39 years; he changed the course of humanity with his use of nonviolent resistance. Not only was Dr. King instrumental in our domestic civil rights movement, he was a world leader in social justice and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Dr. King considered a career in academics but instead took the path of leadership in social justice work. Given his conviction, intelligence, energy, and oratory skills, he was an exceptionally influential leader. He led the Montgomery Improvement Association, was the primary spokesperson for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, was the President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, was the cochairman of Clergy and Laymen Concerned about Vietnam and he formed the Poor Peoples Campaign. Dr. King had the vision and gift for bringing groups of people together to focus on a common goal. He worked with labor unions, peace organizations, Southern reform organizations, and religious groups to find common threads that created unity and a voice that could no longer be ignored. He taught us that we must work together to move mountains and helped us understand that no one is free until we are all free.

Dr. King’s words and message are as relevant today as they were fifty years ago. We face continued discrimination and oppression that deny people the opportunity to flourish and live their dreams. We have severe economic problems that have left many people unemployed or underemployed and unable to dig out from under a mountain of debt. We have extreme disparity in our educational system where some students are provided clean, well-equipped learning environments while others face decrepit buildings that lack basic equipment needed for teaching. Unlike Dr. King’s use of religion to foster love and communion, religion today is often used to separate, vilify, and silence people. In recent months, as the world has watched the Occupy Wall Street protests, some have speculated as to whether or not Dr. King would have supported the movement. President Obama suggested that Dr. King would have given his support saying, “If he were alive today, I believe he would remind us that the unemployed worker can rightly challenge the excesses of Wall Street without demonizing all who work there. Those with power and privilege will often decry any call for change as divisive. They’ll say any challenge to the existing arrangements are unwise and destabilizing. Dr. King understood that peace without justice was no peace at all.”

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgment. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?"

Martin Luther King, Jr.

People often express concerns that if they can’t engage in social justice work in some monumental way, then their efforts are pointless. All efforts, no matter how great or small, make a difference. It is the collective efforts of many that will change our world. Social justice work can take many forms and the UNH community offers many opportunities to get involved.

One way you can participate in social justice work is to attend the 2012 campus events commemorating Dr. King and his work. Several events are scheduled including the 22^nd Annual MLK Commemorative Address given by Rev. Rosemary McNatt on Wednesday 2/1 from 7:00- 8:30 pm. Rev. McNatt will be speaking on the politics of wealth and social justice. There will also be a community call to action on Thursday, 2/2 from 12:40- 2:00 pm. This event will focus on examining social justice through the lens of world faith traditions. For a complete list of campus events and further information, please access the 2012 MLK Celebration webpage at: http://www.unh.edu/inclusive/mlk-celebration-2012.

May 2012 be a year of activism for a better world for us all.

Kathryn Haendiges, Psy.D.

References

1. http://www.thekingcenter.org/history/about-dr-king/

2. Boyer, D (2011, October 16) Obama: MLK would have backed ‘Occupy’ protests. The Washington Times. Retrieved from http://washingtontimes.com/news/2011/oct/16/obama-king-would-have-backed-occupy-wall-street/

3. http://www.mlkcelebration.com/mlk-the-man/famous-quotes/

World AIDS Day UNH Event

2011-11-30T20:54:00.000-05:00

From the UNH Calendar: World AIDS Day Event

	To commemorate World AIDS Day, UNH will host the AIDS Memorial Quilt
Location:	Strafford Room, MUB
	Thursday, December 01, 2011 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Calendars:	Health Services,Healthy UNH,Public,Student Events and Programs
Contact:	Health Services 862-3823
Title Url:	http://www.unh.edu/health-services/

To commemorate World AIDS Day, UNH will host the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Sponsored by Health Services

World AIDS Day Reflection

2011-11-30T20:52:00.001-05:00

World AIDS Day December 1, 2011

Getting to Zero: Zero New HIV infections. Zero Discrimination. Zero AIDS-related Deaths.

It is now 30 years since what is considered the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in the United States. There are some ways in which we, as a nation, have come far since 1981. There are treatments that lengthen significantly the lives of many with HIV/AIDS, making it more of a chronic condition. There is also an increased understanding about the intersections of the AIDS epidemic and other issues such as poverty, stigmatization, and drug/alcohol abuse. Insight into this syndemic, in which multiple factors interact in ways that cause more of an effect than can be understood by viewing them separately, provides a better framework for prevention and treatment.

Even with these improvements, there are still 33.3 million people in the world living with HIV as of 2009 World Health Organization (WHO) statistics. These include men and women in virtually equal proportions, as well as children. The incidence of people newly infected with HIV in 2009 was 2.6 million. AIDS-related deaths in 2009 were 1.8 million. These statistics both represent significant decreases from earlier incidences of infection and deaths, in 1999 and 2004 respectively. (1) Some of the biggest barriers in fighting this disease remain ignorance and fear. Too often HIV/AIDS have been seen as the problem of “the other.” This not only burdens further those individuals so stigmatized, it also inculcates a false sense of security in those who hold this view. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that 31% of new cases of HIV in the U.S. are transmitted through heterosexual sexual activity (2) and estimate that 1 in 5 persons is unaware of his/her HIV infection. (3) All youth and adults need to be well-informed about HIV, what it is and what it is not. Each needs to know how to make choices that reduce his/her risk of infection. Through knowledge, we can reduce fear and empower individuals for the work of getting to zero.

Paul Cody, Ph.D.

References

1. http://www.who.int/hiv/data/fast_facts/en/index.html

2. http://www.everydayhealth.com/college-health/sex-college-students-and-hiv.aspx

3. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/us.htm

Resources

UNH Health Services HIV Counseling/Testing

http://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/hiv.html

CDC Basic Information About HIV and AIDS

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/basic/

Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) - Serving all people.

HIV/AIDS Basics http://www.gmhc.org/learn/hivaids-basics

Gender Identities Awareness Week

2011-11-14T07:58:00.000-05:00

Gender Identities Awareness (GIA) Week @ UNH

From the Office of Multicultural Affairs list-serv:

GIA is a week of events dedicated to promoting an understanding of transgender, transsexual and genderqueer issues at UNH and beyond. Founded in 2010 and principally sponsored by TransGender-UNH, the week features film screenings, workshops, speakers, open mikes and other events to bring together UNH students, faculty, staff and community members to have substantive discussions about gender identity/expression, gender diversity, social justice and cultural transformation. In addition to fostering dialogue and providing education, GIA hopes to stimulate positive changes on campus and in the community, promote activism and provide fun and social opportunities for trans and allied people. All are welcome and all events are free and open to the community.

GIA Version 2.0: 2011

Monday, November 14, 2011

Film Screening : Almost Myself : 2:00-4:00 PM in MUB Theatre I

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Transgender Day of Remembrance Speak-Out, Candlelight Vigil and Reception: 7:00-9:00 PM in MUB Theatre I, Union Oval and OMSA

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Transgender Activism – A Community Dialogue: 2:00-3:30 in MUB Strafford Room

Keynote Presentation: Trans Masculinities Panel, Followed By An ElectroQueer Performance by Nicky Click: 7:00-10:00 PM in MUB Strafford Room

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Film Screening: Riot Acts: 1:00-2:30 PM in MUB Theatre II

Gender Jam: A Night of Gender Euphoric Poetry, Spoken Word and Music: 7:00-9:00 PM at Breaking New Grounds (50 Main Street, Durham)

Friday, November 18, 2011

Lunch with the Transgender Policy and Climate Committee (T-PACC): 11:30-1:30 in MUB 338/340

Commemorating Veterans Day

2011-11-10T20:05:00.000-05:00

By a guest author:

The history behind Veteran’s Day dates all the way back to the end of World War I, which officially ceased when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting had stopped seven months earlier when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson established November 11 as Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The purpose of Veterans Day is a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Approximately 600 veterans, active duty soldiers, reservists, and military dependents currently attend UNH. That amounts to approximately 1 in 25 students who are intimately connected to military service. Given that the average class size is at least 25 students, you probably know one or more of these 600 veteran members of our UNH community. Let this national holiday be a reminder to us to find the time and forum to express our gratitude for all those who have served and are serving, especially those closest to us. If you know someone whose family member has served, tell them thank you. If you know someone who lost their life to service, take a moment to honor their memory and thank them in your thoughts. Gratitude is one of the most practical gifts you can give, it takes virtually no time and doesn't cost a thing. Gratitude works both ways. You will feel good for expressing it and they will feel good in receiving it. Whatever your political, social, or moral stance on war or the military, may you be able to connect through gratitude to those who have dedicated themselves to serving others.

We at the Counseling Center would like to express our support for our veteran community by reminding you that we are here to work with you if you are experiencing any mental health difficulties. These might include transitioning to civilian life, dealing with traumatic memories, grief, or anything else that you would like to work through. Here is link to our web page for veterans (http://www.unhcc.unh.edu/veterans) which has some helpful information about our services as well as signs that someone might benefit from counseling.

Here are some other links that might be helpful this Veteran’s Day:
UNH Veterans Services
http://www.unh.edu/veterans/

Student Veterans Organization
http://www.unh.edu/svo/index.html

SVO Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/UNHVeterans

American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month/Native American Heritage Day - Reflection and Event

2011-11-03T06:42:00.002-04:00

Thank you to the guest author:

American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month - November

Native American Heritage Day - November 25, 2011

The first American Indian Day, designated to recognize indigenous people's contributions to this country, occurred nearly 100 years ago. Since that time, many states have designated a day to recognize Native Americans. Since 1990, November has been designated by the U.S. president as Native American Heritage Month.

Let this national holiday be a reminder to us that we are a diverse nation, and we have much to learn about each other. We have an opportunity to learn about the cultures and values of tribes who lived here for centuries before colonization. We can seek out information about the accomplishments of Native Americans that were not highlighted or were framed with bias in our formal education. We can take the time to become more aware of the inequities faced by Native Americans, who endure higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and health issues among other disparities. This month consider getting involved in activities that will increase your awareness and understanding of indigenous people of this country.

The University of New Hampshire Native American Cultural Association and the New Hampshire Intertribal Council are hosting an intertribal event on Saturday, November 5th in the MUB. For more information on this and other upcoming events, see the website: http://www.unh.edu/naca/powwow.html

Additional resources for education and appreciation of contributions by Native Americans:

Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

http://www.nmai.si.edu/

Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum

http://indianmuseum.org/

ABC News documentary on the Pine Ridge Reservation

Children of the Plains

http://abc.go.com/watch/2020/SH559026/VD55148316/2020-1014-children-of-the-plains

Census Data

http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb11-ff22.html

Obituary of Elouise Cobell, Native American activist who died October 2011:

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-elouise-cobell-20111018,0,6784751.story

For more information about Native American Heritage Month, go to:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/10/29/presidential-proclamation-national-native-american-heritage-month

http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/

National Coming Out Day Reflection

2011-10-10T23:04:00.000-04:00

Thank you to UNH Counseling Center Staff Psychologist Paul Cody, Ph.D. for this reflection:

National Coming Out Day - October 11, 2011

In the early 20th century the phrase “coming out” was used by LGBTQ people to indicate coming out into the LGBTQ subculture, like a debutante (a rich young woman) would have a coming out party in high society. Depending upon what part of the country one lived in, one could be coming out into a very vital LGBTQ community, e.g. the LGBTQ community within Harlem. It was after the Stonewall Riots that coming out was seen more as an exit from the oppression of hiding. The expression probably wast conflated with that of having a "skeleton in the closet” into "coming out of the closet."

National Coming Out Day in 2011 is an important event for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning community for several reasons. Coming out does pose some risks in terms of possible negative consequences, such as the possible loss of some friendships/relationships or of membership in some organizations. Still, psychological evidence indicates that not being out can exact a toll on individuals because they have to monitor their actions so others do not perceive them as being a member of the LGBTQ community. This ongoing effort can reinforce a sense of shame about being LGBTQ. Coming out to people to whom one is close allows one to feel more known and accepted for who one is. Additionally, surveys have repeatedly indicated that the single factor most correlated with individuals changing their views of the LGBTQ community is that they know someone who is LGBTQ. In this way, coming out is a type of political activism. Don't come out in an unexamined, rash, or precipitous manner. Instead, think about whether coming out would be beneficial for you personally and for your relationships. Then take whatever step is best for you.

Paul Cody, Ph.D.

For more on this subject, go to:

The Self-Discovery of Being Queer

http://www.unhcc.unh.edu/resources/glbt_queer.html

UNH LGBTQA Coming Out Week

http://www.unh.edu/omsa/october_2011.html

National Coming Out Day, Human Rights Campaign

http://www.hrc.org/ncod/National Coming Out Day - October 11, 2011

Event: UNH LGBTQA Coming Out Week October 11-15

2011-10-10T22:58:00.000-04:00

From the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA):

JOIN US FOR LGBTQA COMING OUT WEEK EVENTS ALL NEXT WEEK!!!

What is UNH LGBTQA Coming Out Week?
October 11 - 15, 2011
National Coming Out Day is internationally celebrated every October 11th, as a day to "come out" and increase visibility of people that identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer......, and allies. The first National Coming Out Day was held on October 11, 1988. This date was chosen for the annual event in commemoration of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It also marks the anniversary of the first visit of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to Washington D.C. Many communities and college campuses sponsor activities such as dances, film festivals, workshops, literature booths, and rallies on National Coming Out Day. Join us for the following events and gatherings as we celebrate National Coming Out Week at UNH!

LIST OF EVENTS @ UNH:

UNH LGBTQA Coming Out Week

“A week of events celebrating diversity, sexuality, gender, and identities”

FILM: YOU SHOULD MEET MY SON

Tuesday, October 11th at 7:00pm, MUB 203

For more information about the film: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1615916/

Today is World Mental Health Day

2011-10-10T11:25:00.000-04:00

World Mental Health Day was created in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. The goal is to raise world-wide awareness about mental health issues and advocacy.

For more information, please visit the following sites:

World Health Organization:

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/annual/world_mental_health_day/en/index.html

World Federation for Mental Health:

http://www.wfmh.org/00WorldMentalHealthDay.htm

What are some ways that you can think of to raise awareness about mental health issues?

With health,

UNHCC

Mental Health Awareness Week

2011-10-07T02:11:00.000-04:00

Mental Health Awareness Week

Summary:

Mental Health Awareness Week

October 2nd-8th is Mental Health Awareness Week. Join UNH students, staff and faculty in educating yourself and working to end the stigma surrounding mental illness. Please follow this link to find out what events you might want to attend:

http://www.chhs.unh.edu/sw/nami-2011.html

Event: Latino Heritage Luncheon (Thursday, 10/6)

2011-10-05T16:42:00.003-04:00

From Office of Multicultural Student Affairs announcements:

Latino Heritage Luncheon
Thursday, October 6^th
12:30pm – 2:00pm
MUB Strafford Room

Come celebrate and learn about Hispanic Heritage Month!

Will be featuring the head professor of the Spanish department.
And come enjoy some hispanic food and have time to enjoy the music from "Grupo Fantasia"!!!!!!!

Tickets are free but necessary to get in! Please get them at the ticket office in the MUB before they ran out!

Coping with Chronic Pain

2011-10-04T06:19:00.000-04:00

September was Chronic Pain month. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), chronic pain is defined as pain that persists longer than six months and has an impact on someone's daily life. People with chronic pain can feel misunderstood by others because their symptoms can be invisible to others even though they feel them quite intensely.

While there are several physical ways to cope with pain, there are also psychological strategies.

APA (http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/chronic-pain.aspx) suggestions the following methods:

-Reduce your stress by making sure you receive suffiicent sleep, moderate exercise, and a healthy diet.

-Focus mentally on ways that you have made progress in coping with the pain.

-Engage in healthy activities so that you can focus less on your pain and more on aspects of your life that you enjoy. Perhaps this is a good time to begin a new hobby.

-Connect with others who have similar experineces at local physical or online support groups. For specific resources, contact the Community Health Nurse at the UNH Office of Health Education and Promotion, part of Health Services at 603-862-3823.

-Consider meeting with a counselor at the UNH Counseling Center to discuss further ways you can cope with the distress of chronic pain. If you would like to make an appointment, please call 603-862-2090 and learn more information about our services by visiting www.unhcc.unh.edu .

For additional resources, please visit:

The American Pain Foundation: http://www.painfoundation.org/

APA website about pain research: http://www.apa.org/research/action/pain.aspx

What are some healthy ways that you cope with pain? Please feel free to share by commenting.

In health,

UNHCC

Event: Learning more about SHARPP

2011-09-21T19:45:00.001-04:00

The UNH Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program (SHARPP) has recently moved to Wolff House and is having an event to welcome the UNH community to see the new space and learn more about SHARPP services and programs.

Here is more information about the event from www.unh.edu/sharpp/events.html:

Open Block Party

September 22, 2011
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Lawn in front of SHARPP (Wolff House) and Health Services

This isn’t just any open house! The Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program (SHARPP), Health Services, the UNH Counseling Center, UNH Police Department and the Durham Fire Department have teamed up to organize the coolest and safest party on the block!

SHARPP has moved to the Wolff House (next to Health Services) and their staff is excited to show off its new space to the community. Stop by, take a tour, learn about the work they do at UNH and enter a raffle to win cool prizes!

The Party on the Block will also feature fun and interactive information tables from Health Services and the Counseling Center. The UNH Police Department will have cruisers and segways on display and the Durham Fire Department will have exciting fire prevention activities.

Free food, raffle prizes and music on the lawn right outside of Wolff House will also be provided! Mark your calendar now and come to the Party on the Block on Thursday, Sept 22nd from 11 a.m. -2 p.m.!

For more information about SHARPP services please visit:

http://www.unh.edu/sharpp/index.html

Today is International Peace Day

2011-09-21T00:03:00.000-04:00

International Peace Day was established by the United Nations (UN) in 1982 to honor ways individuals and nations around the world can try to make peace politically and personally. For more information about this day, please see:

http://internationaldayofpeace.org/

Different people celebrate in different ways. Some individuals may silently meditate, others will play calming music, while others will try to bring more tranquility to their relationships.

What are some ways that you try to have peace within your life? Feel free to share by commenting.

With peace and health,

UNHCC

Celebrate Diversity at Campus Events

2011-09-13T21:33:00.003-04:00

Hello,

Here are some upcoming campus events that are a great way to celebrate diversity and meet new people!

From the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) website: http://www.unh.edu/omsa/september_2011.html

LGBTQA Garden Party: Welcome Reception for LGBTQA Students, Staff, and Faculty
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
4:30 – 6:30pm, The Courtyard of PCAC [outside, Johnson Theatre entrance]
An annual UNH community tradition, the Garden Party is a Welcome Reception for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Allied students, staff, and faculty together with our families and friends. A great time for socializing, reconnecting, and making new connections! Bring a friend and join us for food, friendship, and a warm welcome to the new academic year! ~ Everyone is welcome!

~ Co-sponsored by the President’s Commission on the Status of GLBT Issues, UNH Alliance, Diversity Support Coalition student organizations, Dean’s Office of the Graduate School, Office of the Vice President for Student and Academic Services, Office of the Provost/Diversity Initiatives, Women’s Studies Program, Queer Studies Minor, and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

UNITY Reception: Welcome Reception for Students, Staff, and Faculty of Color
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
5:00 – 7:00 pm, MUB Granite State Room
An annual UNH community tradition, the UNITY Reception is a welcome reception for Arab/Middle Eastern, Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander, Black/African American/African/Caribbean, Latino/Hispanic, Native American/First Nations/Indigenous, Biracial, Multiracial students, staff, faculty, family, friends and allies. Come learn about campus and regional resources serving the UNH community; and join us for an afternoon of fun, music, and food from around the globe! ~ All are welcome!

~ Co-sponsored by the President’s Commission on the Status of People of Color, Diversity Support Coalition student organizations: Black Student Union, United Asian Coalition, Mosaico, Hillel, Alliance; Office of the Provost/Diversity Initiatives, Affirmative Action and Equity Office, Dean’s Office of the Graduate School, Office of the Vice President for Student and Academic Services, and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

In health,

UNHCC

Healing from Trauma

2011-09-11T10:46:00.000-04:00

Trauma occurs when our sense of safety, predictability, and “what’s right in the world” is threatened. Something has changed in our external world, and we do not know if things will ever feel the same again. When we experience or witness a traumatic event, our internal world also undergoes changes in the form of nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, trouble concentrating, being hypervigilance, or being on “high alert”, unexplainable anxiety or depressive symptoms, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, or sudden emotional outbursts alternating with emotional “numbness.” These experiences can be more intense when we are reminded of the traumatic event (i.e., visiting the place where it happened, seeing people connected with the event, watching media coverage, hearing songs or watching films that are reminiscent, etc.), and so we may avoid any reminders. We can also feel a profound sense of grief for the sense of safety, predictability, and “what’s right” that has been lost.

When these changes last for one month or longer and interfere with someone’s ability to do well in school, at work, or have healthy relationships, meeting with a mental health provider to determine if s/he has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) could be beneficial. If you are a UNH student and wondering if you could have PTSD or other condition related to trauma, call the Counseling Center at 603-862-2090 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 603-862-2090 end_of_the_skype_highlighting to make an initial appointment.

There are many different forms of traumatic events. For example, these events could include:

natural disasters - earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes
accidental disasters – car accidents, ships sinking
deliberate disasters - war, sexual assault, acts of terrorism

September 11, 2011 was certainly an instance of such a deliberate disaster and produced traumatic reactions not only in the survivors and loved ones of the survivors and the deceased but also the United States as a whole. Today, the 10^th anniversary of the attacks may be a powerful reminder of the deep sense of grief, fear, and loss that they produced. Message in the media to “be normal” but also “vigilant and alert” may be confusing. Especially if you were directly affected by the events of 9-11-01, your reactions may be quite intense now and you may be experiencing some of the changes described above.

There are several ways to cope with your traumatic response:

-Take good care of yourself: try to eat and sleep well, engage in moderate exercise, and engage in activities that are enjoyable to you. Remaining healthy and centered in the face of a world seemingly spinning out of control can be hard – but so helpful. For people who are spiritual or religious, prayer can also be helpful.

-Balance going on with everyday life despite the unimaginable tragedy with continuing to talk and feel openly with friends, family, and any other loved ones, about how the tragic events have affected you. Maintain some structure in your life but also allow yourself to recount and talk about the experience. Each time the experience is recounted you further process and deal with what has happened. The uncomfortable feelings will gradually diminish with each retelling. Anxieties about the future and about safety will also diminish when you allow yourself to talk openly about your fears and concerns. You will have to make decisions about when you need “alone time” and when to be with others.

-Sometimes people who have experienced a trauma may develop behaviors that help them cope in the moment, but over time may become more dangerous. Behaviors, such as cutting, substance abuse, and disordered eating represent ways people manage or avoid terrible pain, and can be common reactions to extreme events. While giving up these behaviors can feel daunting and anxiety-provoking, gradually replacing them with healthier responses such as speaking to others, deep breathing and visualization, exercise, and journaling can be helpful. Accepting the traumatic reaction rather than judging, trying to avoid, or totally getting rid of it can be quite helpful. For example, try to imagine your stressful thoughts and feelings outside of you, floating in space, while you stand back, and feeling empowered to control their intensity. For more information on ways to reduce stress, visit the Counseling Center website (www.unhcc.unh.edu) and the stress management page of the Health Services website: http://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/stress.html . If you feel that you are a danger to yourself or others please call the Counseling Center immediately at 603-862-2090 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 603-862-2090 end_of_the_skype_highlighting; non-UNH students can call 1-800-273-TALK begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-273-TALK end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

-Since recurring thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks are normal, do not try to fight them. The symptoms decrease over time and become less painful. They represent your mind's natural adaptive efforts to process the information that your world has changed, and your expectable consequent feelings.

-Speak with a counselor at the Counseling Center especially if these strategies are not helping your distress. Often, just one or two sessions with a counselor will help. Seeking help does not imply emotional weakness on your part. It simply means that the particular event was just too powerful for the person to manage by him or herself. Often, one or two sessions with a counselor will help. Some common signs of stress reaction -- especially chest pain or difficulty in breathing -- should be checked with a medical person.

Here are some ways to cope with anniversaries of traumatic events or deaths:

-Focus on the present by engaging in enjoyable, healthy activities, focusing on nothing else but your breathing, and avoiding particularly stressful situations.

-Engage in an activity that reminds you or being connected to your loved in a positive manner. Talk about the deceased person with others and/or write them a letter and try to feel their presence with you.

-Do something external to commemorate your loved one’s memory, like planting a seed or flower, or volunteering at your deceased loved one’s favorite charity.

-Reach out to outside resources:

-9-11 Healing and Remembrance organization:

http://www.9-11healingandremembrance.org/ovc/Default.aspx

-9-11 Day of Service: http://911dayofservice.org/

Particularly on anniversaries, it can feel that the emotional pain will never get better. Thankfully, it often does, and people can in fact further psychologically grow from traumatic experiences. This is called post-traumatic growth.

Please share healthy ways you have coped with loss and trauma by commenting on the blog, and stay tuned for more information about post-traumatic growth.

In health and healing,

UNHCC

This information synthesizes material from Crisis Management Group, Inc., (Newton, MA), Patti Levin, Psy.D. (New Haven, CT), Robert R. Read, Ed.D., Charles P. Ducey, Ph.D. (Cambridge, MA), C. Patricia Hanley, Ph.D. (Durham, NH), Sean Moundas, Psy.D. (Durham, NH) and Courtney Armstrong, LPC (Chattanooga, TN).

World Suicide Prevention Day

2011-09-10T12:46:00.004-04:00

Today marks the 9^th annual World Suicide Prevention Day, which occurs on September 10th of each year. World Suicide Prevention Day is co-sponsored by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization. The goal is to enhance awareness across the world that suicide can be preventable. The theme for this year is “Preventing Suicide in Multicultural Societies” as different cultures and countries have diverse views about and treatment for conditions related to suicide such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Sometimes suicide rates can be higher in a culture due to increased economic problems, violence, and/or discrimination of ethnic, sexual, gender, and religious minority groups.

Suicide also affects people of diverse ages, including college students. Maybe you have known someone who has had suicidal thoughts. Balancing the multiple responsibilities of college (classes, work, volunteer experiences, internships and/or spending time with friends and/or family) can cause many people to quite feel stressed, and so it can be hard to know when someone is feeling stressed and when someone has a more serious mental health problem.

Here are some common risk factors and warning signs:

-Previous suicidal attempt: the more attempts, the higher a person’s risk

-Being bullied and/or feeling socially isolated

-Withdrawing from seeing family and friends and/or communicating online

-Giving away possessions

-Not attending class and/or doing worse in school

-Experiencing changes in sleeping, appetite, and hygiene

-Increased substance use

-Displaying intense anger and/or impulsivity

-Having difficulty taking pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable

-Feeling trapped especially hopeless and helpless

-Making statements verbally or electronically that signify helplessness and hopelessness (e.g., “it won’t matter anyway”, “everything seems to be going wrong,” “nothing I do is helping”).

When someone is feeling so much overwhelming, emotional pain s/he sometimes considers suicide as a way to end that pain. The behaviors, feelings and thoughts described above are often a way to communicate the person’s need for social support, and should always be taken seriously. To the person in crisis, suicidal statements or actions can be the only way the person can think of to convey her/his feelings and the only answer to solve problems that feel challenging and even unbearable.

Fortunately, they are ways that you can help people though remember your role is not to provide them with counseling or a diagnosis, but to listen and encourage them to receive help from a mental health professional.

- Listen Actively, Non-Judgmentally, and Genuinely: It is important NOT to express shock or judgment or to argue with the person even though you may disagree with her/his thought process. Also, do not promise to keep the person’s suicidal thoughts a secret. Instead, you can emphasize that you are concerned about her/his emotional well being and reflect that you are sensing how sad, hopeless, and/or scared s/he may be.

-Asking Directly about Suicide: It is a myth that asking about suicide can cause a person to feel suicidal. Suicidal thoughts can be anxiety-provoking not only for people experiencing them but also for others in their lives. However, in order to get the person help, it is critical not to avoid the topic but rather ask directly if s/he is having suicidal thoughts, plans, and/or intent and if s/he has made any attempts to kill or hurt her/himself, including recently.

-Getting Help for the Person and Yourself: Do not leave the person alone and do not be alone in providing support. Find someone else who can help such as relative or another friend of the person, a staff person in Residential Life (1-603-862-2268) if the person lives on-campus,and/or a Health Services (603-862-1530, press 1 after-hours) staff member. You can also call the UNH Counseling Center at 603-862-2090 or 1-800-273-TALK, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, for consultation. Emphasize that speaking to a mental health professional can be beneficial, and if it feels comfortable and accurate, share that others you have know n have been helped by counseling.

If the person has taken action to her/his body in any way that requires medical attention or has a specific suicidal plan that /she intends to act on in the immediate future, call 911 to escort her/him to the nearest hospital.

If the person has not tried to hurt or kill her/himself, and does not intend to in the near future but is having suicidal thoughts and other warning signs, encourage the person to speak to a counselor by contacting the UNH Counseling Center at 603-862-2090. If the person is not a UNH student, encourage her/him to contact a crisis hotline. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) can be a helpful resource; the Trevor Project (www.thetrevorproject.org) is specifically for LGBTQ-identified idnivdiuals and has a 24/7 mental health crisis phone line at 866-488-7386 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 866-488-7386 end_of_the_skype_highlighting . .

If the person is hesitant about reaching out to mental health professionals,
here are some other campus resources:

Campus Ministry: 603-862-1165

Active Minds: http://www.unhmub.com/orgdirect/- search for Active Minds for current contact and meeting information

www.activeminds.org - national website

Office of Multicultural Student Affairs: http://www.unh.edu/omsa/ 603-862-2050

There are some other ways that you can become involved with suicide prevention:

- Become a Facebook Fan of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): (www.facebook.com/IASPinfo)

-Visit the National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide website: www.nopcas.com

- Follow the IASP on Twitter (www.twitter.com/IASPinfo)

- Visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention campaign, Take 5 to Save Lives: http://www.take5tosavelives.org/

-Organize or join a walk to prevent suicide sponsored by the AFSP. Please visit: http://www.outofthedarkness.org/

Welcome...to Change

2011-09-07T06:28:00.001-04:00

We’re here! We're back! Welcome (back!) to UNH!! The UNH Counseling Center (UNHCC) hopes that you had a relaxing but interesting summer. As the Fall semester begins, nature is changing. The leaves are just about to make their way to the ground, the sun is setting earlier, baseball is giving way to football, and the humidity is gradually diminishing. We at UNHCC have been undergoing the transition to our new location in Smith Hall after being in Schofield House (no longer physically on campus!) for several decades and welcoming several new counselors as others have retired or relocated.

Fall is also a time of transition for many students. Whether you are returning to UNH after a summer or semester away or being on the Durham campus for the first time as a student, you are probably experiencing some feelings associated with change: excitement, nervousness, wonder, happiness, and/or confusion. You also may be asking yourself any or all of the following questions:

“How will I adjust to everything that is new or different: courses, roommates, professors, jobs, new student organizations, interactions with my friends?”

“How will I meet new people?”

“Will my homesickness ever go away?”

“Will I be able to be on time for classes with my commute?”

“Will I have people to eat dinner with?”

How will I deal with missing people and pets from home?”

“Will I get along well (or at all?) with my roommate?”

Sometimes change can be overwhelming and lead to stress, sadness, anxiety, and physical health changes. This is particularly true when an unpredictable, potentially dangerous event is happening such as the recent storm that affected the East Coast and Vermont. While it may have felt relaxing to have a break from the first day of classes, you could have also felt scared for yourself and loved ones in the storm and felt anxious about the change in routine.

Particularly in times of change, it is important to good care of yourself physically and emotionally: If you have questions about your health and wellness, visit the UNH Health Services website at http://www.unh.edu/health-services for more information and to make an appointment. Generally, moderation is a healthy route! J Here are some suggestions:

-Aim to receive enough sleep (usually 7-9 hours nightly)

-Exercise moderately, and practice healthy eating habits.

-Remember that you are not alone in how you are feeling

-Accept your feelings and thoughts as natural responses. They are neither “good” nor“bad” – they just are and they do NOT define you.

-Though you are accepting your thoughts, try to replace your negative thoughts (“I will always be homesick and never like it at UNH”) with more optimistic ones such as, “I may be feeling stressed now but I have the ability to make changes to feel better.”

-Do NOT try to make your feelings and thoughts disappear by trying to take yourself out of reality (e.g., spending hours and hours on Facebook, drinking until you pass out).

-Do activities that feel enjoyable such as listening to music and going for a walk.

-Particularly when feeling sad and/or anxious, try to focus on nothing else but your breathing for several minutes. Then, try to imagine yourself in the presence of a relaxing place, person or object. For more information on these mindfulness exercises, visit the Counseling Center website (www.unhcc.unh.edu) and the Health Services website (http://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/stress.html)

-Try yoga or receive a massage. Both services are available at UNH Health Services:

http://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/yoga.html and http://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/massage.html.

-Connect with others at UNH by joining an organization. For a list of organizations, check out: http://unhmub.com/sos/

Please share ways that you have coped with homesickness and/or stress in a healthy way by posting a comment below! All comments are moderated and not all are posted.

If you would like to speak with a counselor about healthy ways to cope with stress and change, please contact UNHCC at 603-862-2090 or by visiting us at Smith Hall (corner of Garrison and Main Streets, Room 306) during our open hours Monday-Friday 8-5PM If you are a UHH student experiencing a mental health emergency after hours, please contact us by phone at 603-862-2090 and follow the prompts.

Check back later this month for more resources, information, and events about diversity and mental health.

Have a healthy start to the semester!

-UNHCC

White Racial Identity Development

2011-08-04T10:13:00.000-04:00

Center for Digital Story Telling
Created June 2011
Swarthmore College
In this thoughtful piece, Liz reflects on the ways in which whiteness is so often ignored and unacknowledged and describes her unfolding process of becoming aware of her own white racial identity. Click below to watch it...

Bare White

How To Be Alone

2011-05-02T08:00:00.004-04:00

Being Alone means.......

Authentic happiness
Savoring a blooming tulip as spring approaches
Less TV and more time being in the moment
Telling someone whom you appreciate “thank you”
Reflecting on your gratitude for others in your life
Reflecting on your gratitude for your strengths
Loving being naked
Mindfully enjoying every strawberry, every bite of whipped sweet potatoes, every bite of avocado
More Being less Doing
Groovin’ to the beat…of your favorite song
Goodbye BlackBerry
Knowing, nurturing, loving your SELF
Letting ago of being afraid
Living…

Peace and Health-
Dr. Clouse

2011-04-18T09:58:00.000-04:00

Celebrating Women’s Contribution to Counseling and Healthy Relationships

Painting Py Dorothy Atkins

March was Women’s History Month. (Yes, I realize it's April now....such is the reality of a busy, working woman...occasionally I'm late with the posts :)Women have been central figures in the development of approaches to practicing counseling. The most famous psychologist was perhaps Anna Freud, the daughter of Sigmund, who further developed his theories about defense mechanisms. However, it was a group of feminist therapists who made even more radical changes to the field of counseling.

In the 1970’s, feminism was making a second wave throughout the United States. Women were advocating not only for equal pay in their jobs but also equal treatment in their daily lives. Sensing that women (and men for that matter) were healed by relationships, Dr. Jean Baker Miller, Dr. Carol Gilligan and their colleagues were sensing that the psychotherapy field needed to refocus from the contents of an individual’s mind and heart to connections among people. Relationship does not just mean a romantic relationship – it can be any meaningful connection with another person. They accurately perceived that not all relationships are healthy and most relationships are complicated. Most of us want relationships but within these attachments, we come to feel unworthy or even unlovable. As a result, we do not show these aspects of ourselves in our connections with others, which means that our relationships are not as satisfying, authentic or even loving as they could be.

They called this new, groundbreaking theory, Relational Cultural Therapy (RCT) and developed it just about an hour away from UNH in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The central idea of RCT is to build and sustain relationships in which both people feel loved – and worthy of being loved. Many of us know what an unhealthy feels like but what about a healthy one? Satisfying relationships means much more than just the absence of abuse. According to RCT, authentic relationships contain the following Five Good Things:

-A wish to have more relationships, because of how awesome this one makes us feel.

-A sense of zest, which is enthusiastic energy

-Increased self-awareness and knowledge of the other person in the relationship

-A desire to take positive actions both inside and outside of this relationship and outside of it

-Greater self-esteem

It is important to remember that creating a healthy relationship takes time and patience. In fact, it is very hard to feel these different elements when you just meet someone.

Dr. Baker Miller and her colleagues also advocated for social change. They emphasized the negative impact of racism, sexism, ableism, classism, homophobia, transphobia on people’s ability to trust and therefore having satisfying relationships. They called upon counselors to become agents of social justice and have inspired the Counseling Center’s mission of social justice.

For more information about RCT, please refer to Jordan, J. (2009). Relational-Cultural Therapy. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

-Written by Sean Moundas, Psy.D.

2011-04-04T16:43:00.001-04:00

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

It’s Time…To Get Involved!

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year’s theme is It’s Time…To Get Involved! Teal ribbons worn this month represent an effort to increase awareness through education and outreach about issues related to sexual assault. This year’s theme incorporates a bystander approach to sexual violence prevention. There are a variety of ways to get involved. What matters is that you DO get involved. UNH’s Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program, SHARPP, is leading many events on campus and in the community to promote awareness of sexual violence and support survivors of sexual assault. Please join SHARPP and check out some of their great events at http://www.unh.edu/sharpp/SAAM.html. Their signature event includes an anti-violence rally and walk called Taking a Community Stance: Stepping Out to Speak Out About Violence. Please think about how to get involved and share your ideas here.

Peace and Health-
Dr. Clouse

2011-03-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

When Grieving is Complicated

When someone we care about dies, we go through a grieving process. That experience is different for each person. However, some common reactions include: sadness, anger, resentment, relief, crying, shock, denial, anxiety, frustration, helplessness, hopelessness, withdrawal, sleeping and eating changes, and/or being busier than usual. It is important to remember that there is no set timetable for grieving. As strange as it may sound, it can sometimes be hard to make time to grieve. Your life is already probably really busy to begin with – there are papers to get done, exams to take, sports to play, organizations to attend, friends to see, and chores to do. It may feel like there is not enough time to grieve. However, it is critical to pay attention to your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors – especially those that are changing because of the grief and loss.

When someone at UNH dies, it can feel like the whole campus has changed, like a dark cloud is over it. You can feel like there are so many reminders of the person who has passed. It is important to remember that you are not alone in your grief.

Grieving can be made be more complicated if the type of loss was unexpected such as a murder, especially if the person was close to your age. Losing someone to homicide even if it happened physically far away from you can radically shake our own sense of safety and our trust that the world around us is okay. It also means that you did not have a chance to say goodbye to that person and their death can hurt even more. Grieving can also be complicated if this is the first time you have lost someone and/or you are living away from friends and family who know you really well.

Complicated grief can be experienced in several ways. Some people’s grief is postponed because they are too overwhelmed by the intensity of their feelings. Others’ bereavement is prolonged and can last for months. Some people can feel an exaggerated sense of grief resulting in depression, rage, panic, and/or substance use. Regardless of how and when you grief, your bereavement may come in waves. There may be some days that feel better than others and sometimes unexpected things like a song may trigger you to grieve again.

However, you are going to feel better over time. Exactly when will vary from person to person. You can cope with complicated grief in a variety of ways. Generally, a combination of confronting the loss and moving forward is healthiest. Here are some possibly helpful strategies:

Be Patient

Go gently. Don't rush too much. Your body, mind and heart need energy to mend.
Don't compare yourself to other bereaved people. It may seem that you aren't adjusting as well as they are, but in reality you don't know how they are thinking and feeling.

Accept Your Feelings and Thoughts

Do not judge your feelings and thoughts. They are neither right nor wrong. They simply are. You don't choose your emotions, they choose you.
It's okay to cry and be angry. You may be angry with yourself, God, the person who died, others, or just angry in general. Don't push it down. Let it out (hit a pillow or punching bag, scream, swim, chop wood, exercise, etc.).
Thinking you are going crazy is actually a very normal reaction. Most grieving people experience this. You are not losing your mind, only reacting to the death.
Lean into the emotional pain because it cannot be outrun. You can't go around it, over it or under it; you must go through it and feel the full force of the pain to survive.

Take Care of Yourself

Make sure that you are eating healthy and getting exercise.
     Engage in activities that you make you feel better in general like hobbies especially on days that you know can be hard like weekends and days that you remind you of the loved one such as birthdays, holidays, and the death anniversary. Some distraction is definitely okay. There is no need to feel guilty about having a good time. Your life needs to move forward even though you have lost someone.
  * Identify ways to feel emotionally safe. Some people hold onto an object that signifies peace such as a stone or a favorite possession from childhood.

Commemorate the Loss
  * You may benefit from remembering the person by looking at her/his photos, visiting the grave, and/or making a Facebook memorial. Others are helped by engaging in a charity in honor of the deceased.

Ask for and Accept Help

Don't be afraid to ask for help from those close to you when you need it. Wouldn't you want someone close to you to ask for help if he/she needed it? Our family, friends, religious leaders, faculty and campus staff can't read our minds. Some relatives and friends will not be able to handle your grief. It is very important to find someone who cares and understands with whom you may talk freely. Seek out an understanding friend, another bereaved person or a support group member.
If it fits with your spiritual and religious experience, pray to or for the person who has died.

If these strategies are not effective, seeing a counselor at the Counseling Center may be beneficial. Always contact a counselor if you are feeling like you are a danger to yourself or others. Contact us at 603-862-2090 for an appointment. An on-call counselor is available 24 hours, 7 days weekly.

For more information about grief, please visit: http://www.unhcc.unh.edu/resources/grief.html

ACPA Innovations in College Counseling

2011-03-18T14:37:00.000-04:00

2011-03-02T17:02:00.000-05:00

Our Community Grieves

by Linda Guttman, Psy.D.

A suicide in a small community like UNH is a profound tragedy. A student who was a part of our University community is now gone. Those who knew the student are left with big feelings and lots of questions. Some are in shock and still numb, going through the motions of their daily lives. Others are missing the person and overwhelmed with sadness. Others are angry about the person’s choice and its relational impact. Some are struggling with feelings of guilt that they had missed an opportunity to reach out to their friend or acquaintance recently or that they tried and the person rebuffed their efforts.

Questions linger . . .. “What did I miss?” . . . . “How can I laugh or be happy when a student just died?”. . . . “How could someone do this to their family?”. . . . “What if I had said or done something differently?”. . . . “What if. . . . “. We ask ourselves these and other questions over and over again as our minds try to grasp the reality of the suicide. We respond to each other with compassion and kindness but somehow the loss of a young and bright life to suicide feels as if it’s too much to bear, especially for those who knew and loved the student who is now gone.

Grief can feel like a dull ache, like a broken heart, a deep emptiness or a roller coaster going up and down between feeling overwhelmed or numb. You may have moments of “forgetting” and expecting to see the person on the way to class or a meal. Or you may miss your friend so much that you just want to sleep all the time or get wasted to take the edge off the pain. You may also want to transfer out of UNH to get away from the memories of the suicide. You may find yourself irritated by those who don’t seem affected by the death as they seem to be going on with “business as usual” when your life has been turned upside down.

Some members of our community may not have known the person, but are experiencing grief as well. If you experienced a recent loss or knew someone else who had taken their own life, the news of this suicide may trigger those feelings or memories. You may find yourself wanting to reach out and share your grief experience with those who are just beginning theirs. You may so wish that all this attention to loss and suicide would just stop.

Some members of our community who have experienced depression may be identifying with the suicide, recalling their own suicidal thoughts or attempts and feel vulnerable in the midst of this loss.

The suicide death of a student touches us individually and collectively. As an individual you may feel something completely different from what we have described. There is no one right way to grieve. Some things that usually facilitate the grief process are: 1) acknowledging and expressing feelings to someone close who will understand; 2) Accepting that grieving is a physically exhausting experience that often requires extra sleep and self-care; and 3) being patient with yourself and the unpredictable nature of recovery.

As a community, our healing requires acknowledging our larger vulnerability and fear and respecting the diversity with which we cope with suffering. Grief often evokes the need to be in community, to express shared grief in the form of a group ritual by telling stories and sharing memories or photos. This can happen more formally at a funeral service or more informally amongst a group of friends in a hall lounge.

The grieving process takes time and energy. It can feel like forever. Stay connected and take care of each other. If you find it too difficult to face your grief with family and friends, or are concerned about a friend’s grief, please call the counseling Center at 603-862-2090.

2011-02-22T14:05:00.001-05:00

It's Eating Disorders Awareness Week!

Here is some info taken directly from www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

1. Eating disorders are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices

Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, biological and social factors. As our natural body size and shape is largely determined by genetics, fighting our natural size and shape can lead to unhealthy dieting practices, poor body image and decreased self-esteem. While eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight, they are about much more than food. Recent research has shown that genetic factors create vulnerabilities thatplace individuals at risk for acting on cultural pressures and messages and triggering behaviors such as dieting or obsessive exercise.

In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Approximately 15 million more are struggling with binge eating disorder.

2. Education, early intervention, and access to care are critical

There has been a rise in incidence of anorexia in young women 15-19 years old in each decade since 1930; over one person’s lifetime, at least 50,000 individuals will die as a direct result of an eating disorder. In the United States, we are inundated with messages telling us that thinner is better, and when we “fit” our culture’s impossible beauty standards, we will be happy. Did you know that 80% of all ten year olds are afraid of being fat? As a culture, it is time for all communities to talk about eating disorders, address their contributing factors, advocate for access to treatment and take action for early intervention. You can make a difference: do just one thing to initiate awareness, education and discussion about eating disorders in you community. If we all do something, we’ll have a tremendous impact!

3. Help is available, and recovery is possible

While eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses, there is help available and recovery really is possible. It is important for those affected to remember that they are not alone in their struggle; others have recovered and are now living healthy fulfilling lives. Let the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) be a part of your network of support. NEDA has information and resources available via our website and helpline:

NEDA www.nationaleatingdisorders.org NEDA Helpline: 800 931-2237

Additionally, please check out the UNH Health Services events dedicated to Eating Disorders Awareness Week. http://www.unh.edu/health-services/pdf/nedaw.pdf

Peace and Health-
Dr. Clouse

2011-02-08T15:07:00.001-05:00

Feeling the Winter Blahs? You may be SAD

Looking at the calendar tells us that we are more than half way through winter but with darkness hitting before most people eat dinner and the mountains of snow on campus, it is hard to believe that March is merely 22 days away (but who’s counting?). While many people have a hard time feeling motivated and energized in the winter months, some struggle more than others.

* picture by Tim Crow, The Plain Dealer

Those who have the most difficulty may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is also referred to as "winter depression" or "winter blues.” SAD is a cluster of changes in feelings, thoughts and behaviors that predictably occur each late or fall or winter. This distress tends to decrease or completely disappear by spring.

Some of the common SAD symptoms include:

fatigue despite sleeping more
trouble focusing
weight gain and increased appetite (especially for carbs!)
slow movements
not spending as much with time with loved ones
overall unhappiness and irritation

People are usually diagnosed with SAD after three consecutive winters of having these symptoms. This may be the first time you have experienced SAD because individuals often have their first episode between the ages of 18 to 30.

The current thinking about the causes of SAD involves our biology. It seems that as the seasons rotate, so do our biological clocks. These internal schedules become out of synch with our daily ones. In particular, melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleeping, may increase.

Fortunately, there are several ways to feel better:

Go for walks during the daylight hours
Maintain a socially active schedule ,
Try to have some fun with the winter weather by playing in the snow and/or doing winter sports.
Take up an indoor hobby like board games
Rearrange your living area so that you have more sunlight
Partake in light therapy. Being in front of a light box (called “phototherapy”) is another helpful strategy. Please consult your physician before engaging in this strategy. In fact, UNH Health Services offers such treatment, and information about it can be found here: http://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/sad-lighttherapy_main.html. You can also call Health Services staff at 603-862-3823 to inquire more about phototherapy.

At times, SAD can become clinical depression and the above-mentioned strategies may not feel as effective. Therefore, you may wish to consider speaking with a counselor as studies have shown that therapy and psychiatric medication can be helpful for individuals with severe SAD. Definitely contact a counselor if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, wishes to harm yourself and/or others. The Counseling Center can be reached at 603-862-2090.

And remember, spring is almost here! ☺
- Sean Moundas, Psy.D.

Acquaintance Rape

2011-01-07T10:43:00.003-05:00

What is acquaintance rape?

Sometimes called date rape, acquaintance rape is when someone is sexually assaulted by someone who they know such as a dating partner, friend, or acquaintance. Yes, that’s right….sexual assault can be perpetrated by someone you are dating. What makes it a sexual assault is the lack of consent. Here are some other (alarming) fast facts about acquaintance rape.

· About 80% of completed rapes are committed by someone that the victim knew.

· 1 in 8 college women are raped each year, and about 85% of those knew the perpetrator.

· Acquaintance rape is rarely reported to police. About 2% of acquaintance rape victims report the crime while about 22% of women raped by strangers reported the crime to police.

· Trauma caused by an acquaintance rape is no less severe than a rape committed by a stranger.

*Statistics taken from the National Center for Victims of Crime, 2011.

So, why all the noise about acquaintance rape?

Because, acquaintance rape is different regarding how others react to it, blaming the victim, and other specific issues.

Imagine...

Instead of the stereotypical rapist jumping out from behind the bushes, picture that you are at a college party and notice an individual from your residence hall who you’ve had a crush on. You know the individual’s name, you know the person’s friends, and you even have a class with the person. There’s alcohol at the party and you’ve both been drinking. You start a conversation, begin to flirt, and agree to continue the conversation at an after-party at a friend’s on-campus apartment. The two of you are alone, and really hitting it off. You like this person and feel like you’re getting to know each other. It’s clear that you find each other attractive, and one of you makes the first move and goes in for a kiss. You like kissing this person. You’re having fun. This person begins to go a step further, and you being making out. You begin touching each other and while you’re hesitant on the inside, you don’t say anything. This person goes another step further, and begins to take off your clothes. You say, “not right now” in hopes of continuing to make out but letting the person know you don’t want to have sex. The person says ok, but a few minutes later tries again to take off your clothes. Again you say, “I don’t think so.” Or maybe you are not able to say anything. Maybe you are too scared, embarrassed, intimidated that you are not able to say a single word. Either way, imagine that the person continues to pursue having sex with you, and does have sex with you even though this is not what you want to do. This is acquaintance rape. The victim did not consent.

While what happened during the above incident is certainly traumatizing in and of itself, often what happens afterwards to victims of acquaintance rape is equally as traumatizing. Victims of acquaintance rape are often blamed for the assault. They are told by friends, who they might confide in and tell about the rape, that they shouldn’t have been drinking, that they shouldn’t have been in a room alone with the person, that they shouldn’t have been making out with someone who they didn’t know that well, that they shouldn’t have been wearing tight clothing, that they shouldn’t have been raped. Blaming the victim is weak and cowardly. It is a way that many people trick themselves into believing that it could never happen to them. It is a way to protect ourselves from the vulnerability that “it could have been me.” Blaming the victim hurts everyone including the one doing the blaming. Only by supporting the victim can we hold the perpetrator accountable and create campuses and communities where people know that “no” means “no,” silence means “no”’ and consent must be given.

Additionally, after an acquaintance rape, the victim often has to see the perpetrator (in class, the residence hall, walking around campus, or while socializing with mutual friends.) Think of feeling violated, manipulated, powerless and having to see the person who perpetrated all of those things. Combine this shame with being blamed by friends, and you can see why acquaintance rape can be so devastating.

Moral of the story: Ask for consent. Talk about sex. "No" means "no". Silence means "no". Support victims of acquaintance rape. Let’s each embrace our power to consent or not consent and hold those who want to take that power away accountable.

If you need advice about acquaintance rape, relationship abuse, sexual assault, stalking, or sexual harassment check out SHARPP’s Ask an Advocate confidential resource at www.unh.edu/sharpp/askanadvocate.html or for immediate assistance call their 24 hour support line at 603-862-7233 or 1-888-271-7233.

Peace and Health-
Dr. Clouse

Gender Bender

2010-11-08T16:37:00.001-05:00

What comes to mind when you think of the word gender? Many think man vs woman. Maybe ideas of gender-specific clothing, traits, interests, or culture come to mind. (Even gender-specific implies there are two specific genders.) However, gender is much more complex than man vs woman, or girl vs boy. Bi-gendered, gender variant, transsexual, transgender, cross-dresser, etc. are all terms that apply to people who challenge traditional notions of sex, gender, and sexuality. Next week is Gender Identities Awareness (GIA) week at UNH which seeks to celebrate and education about gender diversity. In the spirit of GIA week at UNH, here are some things to consider.

1. Definitions:

Gender- Socially and culturally produced categorizations where people are defined traditionally as man or woman (masculine or feminine).

Gender identity- a person’s self-identification as a man, woman, transgendered, or other. Gender Identity may change over time and it may not fit into dichotomous gender categories.

Sex- separate from gender, refers to biological, chromosomal, and anatomical features associated with maleness and femaleness in the human body.

Sexual orientation- Refers to the gender(s) to which a person is emotionally, physically, romantically, and erotically attracted. (homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual, fluid, questioning, etc.)

Transgender- Range of behaviors, expressions, and identifications which challenge traditional notions of sex, gender, and sexuality. People who dis-identify with the sex or gender assigned to them at birth. People who feel that their initial sex or gender designation is a false or incomplete description of who they are.

Transsexual- Individuals who dis-identify with their birth sex and wish to utilize hormones and gender confirmation surgery (this term is more affirming than sex reassignment surgery) as a way to align their physical body with their internal gender identity.

Cross-dresser- Individual who dresses in clothing that is culturally associated with members of the “other” sex. Most cross-dressers are heterosexual (used to be called transvestite…this term is no longer used because of negative connotations.)

Transphobia- The irrational fear and hatred of individuals who transgress, violate, or blur the dominant gender categories.

2. Interpretations:

People sometimes describe sex as what’s between your legs and gender as what’s between your ears.
Gender is fluid.
Gender is a concept that people made up to describe others, so some do not fit the description that others have assigned to them.
Transgender people are often the targets of hate crimes because of transphobia.

3. Language makes a difference. Many people knowingly or unknowingly use language that is biased when it comes to gender. I encourage you to think about the language you use and how it may be biased.

Avoid phrases like “the opposite sex.” Use phrases like “the gender continuum.”
Do not use sex and gender interchangeably.
Refer to a trans or gender-variant person by the appropriate pronoun (the gender with which the person identifies.) Do not use the pronoun associated with the person’s biological sex if they do not identify with it. Do not refer to any human being as “it.” Terms like “she-male” or “he-she” are derogatory…do not use them.
Use forms and check-boxes that include more than “male” and “female” as options for gender expression.
Consider gender-neutral areas (restrooms, locker rooms, housing, etc.) so that people are not forced to choose a limiting gender dichotomy that does not fit them.

For a more complete list of gender bias in language and how to avoid it, click here.

4. What role do you play in gender discrimination, gender bias, being an ally, and promoting gender diversity?

Do you support organizations and institutions that are trans-friendly?

How can you affirm gender variance and gender diversity?

5. Check out all of UNH’s events for Gender Identities Awareness Week at http://www.tgnh.org/id10.html

*The info for this post is from TransGender New Hampshire

Alcohol and Harm

2010-11-02T11:27:00.000-04:00

Drinking is nothing new for many college students. Many college students choose not to drink, and of course many choose to drink. Bars and other venues/organizations promote drinking among college students, while residential life, Health Services, and others strive to lessen the amount of drinking on college campuses. CNN reported on a recent study that ranked alcohol as the most harmful drug to others. The article can be found here.

What do you think? How does alcohol harm the individual who uses it? How does alcohol harm others? What are the ways that drinking is promoted on this campus? What are the ways that drinking is discouraged on this campus?

It Gets Better

2010-10-05T13:17:00.001-04:00

LGBT people are at a higher risk of suicide. This has become all too clear recently as the news is filled with reports of LGBT youth and young adults committing suicide. The suicides have been related to bullying, taunting, harassment, prejudice, discrimination, and hate experienced by these young people who identified, or were identified by others, as being gay. The suicides were likely the permanent and devastating result of feeling hopeless, powerless, and alone. If you are a person who identifies as LGBTQ, know that you are not alone. If you want to be an ally to those who are LGBTQ, there are powerful ways that you can do so.

If you are out, are in the process of coming out, thinking about coming out, or not even close to feeling ready to come out, you are not alone. There are safe spaces on the UNH campus that are affirming, supportive, and accepting without hesitation. United Campus Ministry (aka Waysmeet) is a Christian ministry headed by Rev. Larry Brickner-Wood. They are affirming of all people including all sexual orientations and gender identities. The UNH Alliance is a GLBTA (the A stands for Allied) undergraduate student organization. They have weekly meetings and do various events and programming around campus. Stonewall Grads is a social and activist LGBTQ+ group at UNH primarily for graduate students. The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) is a UNH office that works to create an inclusive community. Ellen Semran is the LGBTQ coordinator and she provides Safe Zones training and other LGBTQ programming around campus.

There are other resources and supportive spaces for LGBTQ people in the local community. Seacoast Outright offers support groups for LGBTQ people under age 22.

Check out these online resources:

www.campuspride.org

http://www.glbtqyouthfoundation.org/dialogue.php

http://www.impactprogram.org/

The Trevor Project is a suicide and crisis prevention hotline focusing on LBGT youth.

What can you do if you want to be an ally? Make a commitment to making the environment a safer place for LGBTQ individuals.

1. Stop laughing at or ignoring the bigoted jokes and insults that are frequently made about sexual and gender minorities.

2. Go a step further and confront those who make these remarks, telling them that you do not find them appropriate and that they're hurtful.

3. Continue to educate yourself about all sorts of people who are different than you, including sexual and gender minorities. Open your mind and your heart further.

4. Communicate your caring to those around you. Support the struggles of this population to obtain the same basic civil rights you have, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

5. Support legislation that promotes equality.

What do you think? Where are safe spaces on campus for you? How are you an ally or how can you become one? What are other supportive and affirming resources that you know of? Let me know what you think. Comments can be posted anonymously and all comments will be moderated to ensure a respectful discussion.

Peace and health-

Dr. C

Let's talk about suicide

2010-09-27T12:07:00.002-04:00

As most of you know by now, Christina Nichols, a UNH student, committed suicide last week. A wonderful article in The New Hampshire written by the clinical director of the counseling center, captures how Christina's death affects our campus community. As we process the death of Christina, and all that it stirs up in each of us, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. I meet people every week for intake appointments at the counseling center and one thing I ALWAYS ask, is "Are you having any suicidal thoughts?" Some people shudder at this question, as if this is a private and secret issue that should not be discussed. However, the secrecy and privacy associated with suicide is what makes it so damagingly powerful. We can talk about it. Talking about it does not make it worse and it does not put ideas into someone's head. Listen to your friends, and if you're concerned ask them if they are feeling suicidal. If they are, share that info with someone else you trust. If you are feeling suicidal, talk about it with someone....a friend, family member, RA, or a therapist. Let others in to share your burden and begin to ease the pain.

2. There is no right way to grieve. The grief process looks different for everyone. No matter what grief looks like for you, talking about it with someone supportive will help. So talk with a friend, family member, RA, or a therapist here at the counseling center.

3. Caring for yourself is not selfish. Caring for yourself is essential in maintaining mental and physical health. Care for yourself and others by eating right, exercising, spending time with friends, doing things you enjoy, and getting sleep.

4. Maintain hope. We will all get through this. Lean on one another and be patient with yourself.

I invite you all to share your thoughts and feelings. What are you feeling? How have you seen Christina's death effect our campus? What do you do to take care of yourself? Comments will be moderated.

Peace and health-
Dr. C

"Bi-Racial Hair": The Film

2010-09-10T09:42:00.002-04:00

Please post comments about thoughts and reactions to this powerful poem by 13-year-old Zora.

Here are the words to the poem:
I have bi-racial hair

Pantene Pro-V waves on the top

Easy to style, comb, rock-

Until-I encounter my naps,

I’m not talking about those-cute detangle with the spray naps.

I’m talking about those, slave naps, like,

No comb, brush, or man can handle the kind of naps I got- like,

No way you are touching my hair-naps like

Back 10 feet up, or we can dance naps

Those naps like-

DAMN!

I have bi-racial hair,

Those smooth and silk rafts hanging all through my mane,

Until you get to the back, and encounter the jungle, in which you can find Tarzan and Jane.

In the front you forget and relax in the pleasure,

Until you get to the back and remember pain

Baby hair slicked back with that good 4 dollar pomade,

That goes with roots and tangles,

Soaked with that same olive oil; mixed with that spaghetti sauce momade.

I have bi-racial hair,

Combs run freely through my fine breezy, just to the part, the most you can make,

Until it gets to the back and

Breaks.

I have bi-racial hair

Like-

The only thing my mother could put it in was 2 big braids,

And sometimes that was to much,

So she left half undone.

I was in the mirror, I was in the mirror,

Convincing my self I looked just like a dark-skinned Alicia Keys

I have bi-racial hair,

because I have bi-racial blood.

I’m not talking about that-cute they met then fell in love, blood

I’m talking about that- slaved raped six times by the master,

Birthing 6 mixed babies, later hung blood

I’m talking about that cross burning in the mud, blood

And you call me a mud blood,

Slit my rist,

my blood does not excrete in black and white.

I drean in verse and in red

Like what drained from Emmit Tills’ lips when he was killed for breaking down color lines

Bi-racial who surcomes to the abuse from her peers in her middle school,

Those whose who constantly called me an Oreo

Well she’s not white, its more like Reese’s cookie, mixed breed or a mullato

That’s what it is a reverse mulatto

I AM NOT A FUCKING COOKIE OR A BITCH!

My roots are deep too

my bi-racial roots are not blind

or more than cotton soft

cause my blood were in the sun, picking cotton too

a thousand times discrated for my race

a thousand time discrated from my history y'all never get

let textbooks be your truth

and sprinkle the ashes of your history into streams

i dream for a time and place where

maybe y'all all accept me

maybe we need to wake up again and remember a morning of you

like something new

baby I'll be green cause my people drove there

you people drove me there

with my tender heart

tender head

and my bi-racial hair

Peace and Health-
Dr. Clouse

This is college?

2010-09-07T12:00:00.002-04:00

College can be very hard...for different reasons at different times. For many people who are at UNH for the first time, or for those returning from summer break, the transition to college can be very hard. To be blunt, you are forced to live in a tiny living space with one or more strangers. Your sense of privacy virtually vanishes. Your friends and family, who have been by your side for the past 18 years, are likely not downstairs or down the street anymore. You've had to say goodbye to pets, girlfriends, and boyfriends, teachers, coaches, parents, and best friends...even if only temporarily. You're asked to come and join a community of 12,000 and told to "get involved," "join something," "just make some new friends." People throw this advice around easily, and forget how lonely, scary, and difficult doing these things can be. Here are some very practical reminders, encouragement, and advice about how to transition to college. Remember, it's normal to feel homesick, miss friends and family, and even shed some tears of sadness. For most students, these feelings begin to subside after a few weeks. It will get better.

Everyone says, "There's so much to do at UNH...just get involved." Well, how does one do that when you know only one or two people (who likely, by comparison seem to know everyone and have it all together...btw, they probably don't have it as together as it appears...some people just fake it better.) One way to find out about how to get involved is to go to the University Day Picnic and Student Activities Fair. There will be food, entertainment, and hundreds of student organizations recruiting new members. Go to this event...it's great. Take a look beforehand at some of the student organizations that will be represented.

If you are looking for some things to do friday and/or saturday nights check out MUB After Hours with events friday and saturday nights including the upcoming Fallfest (outdoor carnival in front of the Whitt), comedy, movies, and open mic. Check out The Toilet Paper, the official newsletter of the MUB, that highlights upcoming events. Finally, check out MUB Movies with films like Salt, Sex and the City 2, Toy Story 3, and Grown Ups, scheduled to be shown this fall.

When meeting new people, remember everyone wants to make new friends. Most people know very few people when they come to UNH. Don't feel bad about inviting yourself to join others at the dining hall, or some other event or outing. Even if you don't know someone that well, invite them to join you. If they don't want to join you, they'll decline....but chances are they will be glad you asked.

Feel free to post comments about what it's been like for YOU to transition to UNH. What has been helpful in making the transition to UNH? How do you meet new people? What can you try that you haven't tried yet?

If you want to talk more about these issues or others, don't hesitate to call the counseling center to schedule an intake appointment. Sometimes talking about it helps, and that's what we're here to do.

Peace and health-
Dr. C