Student Support Network
The student support network aims to provide a space for students to come together to learn skills for supporting peers, have opportunities to active apply those skills, and engage in on-going round table discussion of current events & issues that impact our students. Our goal is simple - to promote a campus environment that invites communication about mental health without judgment or stigma. In order to make this happen, the student support network has two parts - the first is an Active Bystander training that teaches students to be able to acknowledge & respond to signs of distress in other students as well as develop skills for responding effectively when peers need support. The second part is an on-going bi-weekly round table that provides an opportunity for students to get together, talk about concerns without judgment, and create on campus support initiatives to alleviate some of their concerns. Some topics for discussion include, depression & anxiety, family & friendships, relationships & love, academics, financial worries, loneliness, etc. We also identify the national monthly awareness mental health topics and try to design ways to support those efforts on campus.
For more information on the Active Bystander training or to get involved with the SSN, contact: samantha.seebode@maine.edu.
Samantha Seebode
Suicide Prevention, Graduate Assistant 2018-2019
University Health & Counseling Services, USM
Upton-Hastings Hall (Gorham), Thursday
Payson-Smith Hall (Portland), Friday