A small group of students crowded into the lounge of Alpha Xi Delta sorority last night to hear psychology professor Janine Scheiner discuss psychological disorders at Dartmouth as part of Mental Health Awareness week.
The informal lecture last night was carried out among laughs and interested questions. Scheiner spoke on issues relevant to college students today, from adjustment disorders felt by freshmen and seniors to anxiety-induced procrastination.
"Young adults are more vulnerable to health problems in perfectionist college environments like this one," Scheiner said. She went on to speak about substance abuse, eating disorders and depression as they related to Dartmouth.
Scheiner also spoke briefly on seasonal disorders, noting that this week's cold spell has sent many warm-weather students into a state of sluggishness. Craving carbs is normal for this time of year, she insisted, laughing at the wide variety of pasta dishes offered by Dartmouth Dining Services throughout the week.
Scheiner's wry sense of humor kept the audience engaged for the full hour. She discussed everything from diagnosing characters of Winnie the Pooh with psychological disorders to citing her personal experiences as a college student,
Questions from the audience followed the lecture, and students were urged to seek help if they or anyone they know showed symptoms of a problem.
Sponsored by the Student Health Advisory Committee, the week was organized by Kelley Connolly '05 and Katie Hamon '05 for the second year in a row, with the help of Active Minds, S.A.F.E. and Health Services.
"We wanted to create an event for reducing the stigma about mental health issues on campus," Connolly said.
The week also included a student panel on eating disorders Tuesday night, and Mood Testing with counseling services in Collis Commonground on Wednesday. Over 300 students participated in both events.
