Web chat: Student stress and mental health

At UW–Madison, looking out for the well-being of our students is one of our most important jobs. Staff from student life units work hard to educate, provide resources and promote health and safety.

These issues become even more important as the academic year draws to a close with papers, projects and final exams that can cause stress and anxiety. Soon after students may be returning and readjusting to their hometowns after a year away.

To make things easier, University Health Services and the UW–Madison Parent Program are teaming up to host a live informational web chat to answer a wide range of questions from students and parents on stress, mental health and coping with finals.

The event will be held from 12–1 p.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, April 25.

Topics may include: stress management, healthy relationships, coping with depression, personal wellness, sleep, healthy eating and stimulant use.

Participants are encouraged to submit their own questions or simply sit back and observe the chat. For those who can't participate in the live chat, a complete transcript will be posted immediately afterward.

Keep in mind, the goal of the panel will be to provide general info and resources.

Students or parents with very specific health questions about their own situations are advised to contact University Health Services for individualized assistance.

Panelists include:

• Sarah Van Orman, Amanda Ngola, Danielle Oakley, Rob Sepich, Manbeena Sekhon and Shira Phelps of University Health Services

• Ryan Couillou of the McBurney Disability Resource Center

• Patti Lux-Weber and Stephanie Benson of the Parent Program

If you have questions in advance or are having technical issues, email chancellor@news.wisc.edu. An HTML transcript will be posted immediately after the chat.