It’s Real: College Students and Mental Health
"Mental health issues are a very real and growing problem among college students. We want to make sure that those struggling know they are not alone. There are many resources available to help them, and we at J.B. Hunt are supporting efforts to make suicide awareness education more prevalent on campuses across the country." — Stuart Scott, executive vice president and chief information officer, J.B. Hunt
The AFSP-produced film It’s Real: College Students and Mental Health is designed to raise awareness about mental health issues commonly experienced by students, and is intended to be used as part of a school’s educational program to encourage help-seeking.
By featuring real stories and experiences, It’s Real conveys that depression and other mental health conditions are real illnesses that can be managed through specific treatments and interventions. It encourages students to be mindful of the state of their mental health, to acknowledge and recognize when they are struggling, and to take steps to seek help.
This 17-minute film is accompanied by facilitator’s tools and resources, including a Facilitator’s Guide containing talking points and additional information, and is intended as a group presentation.
Contact your local chapter to bring It’s Real to a campus near you.
Learn more about suicide prevention for teens and young adults
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More Than Sad
The More Than Sad program shows you how to recognize signs of depression and other mental health problems, initiate a conversation about mental health with your child, and get help.
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Model School Policy on Suicide Prevention
The Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention gives educators and school administrators a comprehensive way to implement suicide prevention policies in their local community.
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What parents should know about suicide
As a parent, you can approach suicide prevention as you do other safety or health issues for your children. By educating yourself, you'll learn what puts kids at risk for suicide and what protects them.
It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health for High School Students
Proudly Supported by
Intended for high school classes or community settings with groups of teens, ages from 14 to 18, It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health for High School Students is a 45-minute program that provides young people with mental health education and resources. The program raises awareness about mental health issues, how to start a conversation about mental health, the importance of self-care, and how to reach out for help.
Attendees will learn:
- What mental health is and how it's both similar to and different from, physical health
- How to notice signs of someone needing help
- Tips and strategies for having a caring conversation with someone they might be worried about
- Methods of self-care for mind, body, soul, and surroundings
- Examples of trustworthy resources
- How reaching out to trusted adults can help teens manage their mental health
It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health for Middle School Students
Proudly Supported by
Intended for middle school classes or community settings with groups of teens, ages from 11 to 15, It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health for Middle School Students is a 45-minute program that provides young people with mental health education and resources. The program raises awareness about mental health issues, how to start a conversation about mental health, the importance of self-care, and how to reach out for help.
Attendees will learn:
- What mental health is and how it's both similar to and different from, physical health
- How to notice signs of someone needing help
- Tips and strategies for having a caring conversation with someone they might be worried about
- Methods of self-care for mind, body, soul, and surroundings
- Examples of trustworthy resources
- How reaching out to trusted adults can help teens manage their mental health
Upcoming It's Real events
Find It's Real events by visiting our Program Calendar.