National Alliance on Mental Illness and The Jed Foundation Release Starting the Conversation: College and Your Mental Health

Aug 31, 2016

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), in partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED), today released “Starting the Conversation: College and Your Mental Health,” a guide to help students and parents talk about mental health.

Approximately 75% of mental health conditions begin by age 24, making college a critical time, especially as students transition away from their support systems. With one in five young adults living with a mental health condition and suicide ranking as the second leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds, it is vital to talk about mental health before students leave for college. The guide contains information about mental health, privacy laws and how students can keep their parents informed.

Starting the Conversation: College and Your Mental Health is a resource for students and parents to start this important conversation. While it may be hard to initiate, it can make all the difference. Download the guide and learn more at www.nami.org/collegeguide.

NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).