By Christina Easter
Cuyahoga Community College continuously updates its “Help Is Here” program to ensure students have access to mental health resources whether they’re on or off campus. Thanks to a group of dedicated Tri-C professors and students, the HIH website and app provides quick access to national and local resources with just a few clicks.
Students can learn what mental health means, get a mental health screening and tips, and/or attend an in-person wellness event by visiting the Help Is Here website. Students can download the HIH app (on Android and iPhone) and get immediate assistance to national and local help lines, hotlines, and text lines for social service needs, and even call 911 for emergencies, and 988 for crises.
HIH has resources for specific populations such as BIPOC+, LGBTQIA+, Veterans, survivors of Suicide, Substance Use and Addiction, and Phone/Text/Chat Helplines. Students can also create their own “Support Network” to include friends, family members, counselors and others.
“This is going to be a game changer,” said Dr. Michelle Nicopolis who worked in private practice for 20 years and is currently a professor of Psychology at Tri-C’s Western campus. “It’s important for students to get the app so they can get help for themselves or anybody they might be talking with such as a friend, family member or anyone who needs it.”
Dr. Nicopolis also explained that, “if a person speaks Spanish as a first language or happens to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community or happens to be a veteran, it’s not always east to make a phone call to a general helpline and not know if the person who answers will understand what they’ve been through or what they’ve experienced.
“There is a veteran’s hotline, and you don’t have to explain what it’s like to be a veteran because the person on the other end gets it. “There’s a transgender lifeline so a person doesn’t have to worry that the person picking up might not affirm them or understand.”
Peer Influencers
Tri-C students Rashiadah Weaver, Stefanie Wims, Tamika Edwars and Thomas Bemak are Peer Influencers who work on projects and attend events to help promote the HIH website and app. The Influencers were instrumental ensuring that there is a QR Code and written information about mental health, so that all persons in the community could have access to HIH.
Bemak is president of the Psychology Club at the West Campus and learned about HIH as a student of Dr. Nicopolis. As an Influencer, he participates in creating, planning, and hosting events at Tri-C campuses.
“I’m essentially a mental health advocate,” Bemak said. “One thing that we do is spread awareness of the resources we have through the Help is Here website and app. We host tables and give students a bunch of swag to help promote HIH to reduce the stigma.”
Weaver expressed her appreciation for having the opportunity to be a Peer Influencer and let everyone know that Tri-C cares and that mental health matters. “I feel like everyone deserves equity when it comes to health and Tri-C is doing a wonderful job, across all campuses, to promote HIH initiatives,” Weaver said.
Weaver hopes that people who look like here will see her and “be empowered to step forward and claim what they need for themselves.”
Feeback provided by the Peer Influencers contributed to the HIH updated website design, QR Code, and written information for persons who may not have quick access using technology.
Students can learn about and register to attend In-Person Wellness Events such as Wellness Fest, Sound Baths, and more events are planned.
Mental Health Guide
Students can use the Mental Health Guide to learn about:
- Tri-C Counseling Services
- Mental Health by Topic (anxiety, ADHD, autism, bipolar, depression, eating)
- How to Help a Friend
- Personal Mental Health
Mental Health Screenings
Mental health screenings are anonymous, brief screenings to quickly get an idea of whether a person is having an experience that should be addressed with a professional. Screenings are available for general mental wellness, specific mental health issues, and substance use.
Screenings are not meant to diagnose or replace an individual evaluation with a licensed mental health professional. Students can contact their Campus Counseling & Psychological Services center where a licensed professional will consult with you to provide appropriate information and resources.
Relaxation Tips
Through the HIH website and app, students can learn about and practice different ways to relieve stress through breathing exercises, listening to relaxing music, relaxing in nature and relaxing the body and mind. Tips on stress management and time management are also available. Students can learn what works best for them by trying different tips and seeing what the mental health and overall benefits.
Relationships
The HIH website has resources that can help students assess where they stand in their relationship with someone else and the effect of different relationships on their mental health. Students can learn traits of healthy relationships, healthy communication, conflict resolution, trust, and how to make social connections.
This information can be used to help oneself and others. Students can also learn where to go for additional resources.
Substance Use and Addiction
The HIH program provides resources to help people understand what addiction is, the science of addiction, and how to support someone with an addiction. One great source for addiction is support groups which help people realize that substance addiction impacts an entire family and support is available.
Employee Resource Guide
Tri-C also has an Employee Resources Guide for all employees to ensure all employees are aware of tools available to students who may be facing a mental health issue. The Guide has many 24/7 helplines, as well as contracts for helpful College, local, and national resources. And information on how to handle concerns about a student’s behavior, how to submit a report, and how to incorporate mental health into the classroom.
“In addition to our students, it’s important for all employees at Tri-C to know that the College cares and this is another way to show it,” Dr. Nicopolis said. “The Employee Resource Guide gives the employee an idea of ‘what do I do in this situation.’ It gives them ‘what if’ scenarios when interacting with others. They can go over it and get an idea what to do and this is where I report it.”
Psych Club
The Psychology Club is open to currently enrolled Tri-C students and explores human behavior, thoughts, and emotions through engaging presentations, group research, guest speakers, campus events, volunteer opportunities, and social gatherings.
There is also a Westshore Campus Psychology Club. Contact: Professor David Paulik, MA, MAM Assistant Professor, Psychology David.paulik@tri-c.edu or call 216-987.5868.
Students can deepen their understanding of psychology by attending a meeting virtually or at the Western Campus in room WLA B207 on Mondays from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m
Students can learn more about Mental Health and Wellness for themselves and/or how to help others by visiting https://www.tri-c.edu/policies-and-procedures/mental-wellness-and-suicide-prevention/helping-others.html.
