Mental Illness Awareness

On Tuesday March 20th from 5:30-8:00pm, the GHHS chapter at the University of Minnesota will be hosting a Mental Illness Awareness Conference.

A 2016 Meta-Analysis published in JAMA found that the overall prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms among medical students was 27.2%, and the overall prevalence of suicidal ideation in the prior 2 weeks was 11.1%. Unfortunately, among medical students who screened positive for depression, only 15.7% sought psychiatric treatment. These rates of depressive symptoms are higher than those reported in the general population. Due to the significant stigma associated with mental health disorders in our society, many medical students may hesitate to seek appropriate treatment.

This conference is designed to open up the topic of mental illness among medical students. To de-stigmatize. To increase awareness. To create an open space for conversation.

This conference will include:

- Students sharing personal stories

- Focus groups

- Faculty speakers - Dinner

All medical students are welcome and encouraged to attend.