Families and Mental Health

About 10 days ago our office hosted conference #2, and this time the topic was families and mental health. Again, it was held at Sundance resort for two days with the wrap up on campus the third day. Nine scholars came from some pretty prestigious universities to collaborate with our faculty and discuss current issues in this field. My new assistant Brad and I arranged all the details for the conference and we went to the airport to pick up the professors in the university fleet vans and drive them to Sundance. I learned a ton once again.

A few observations:

• poor mental health in parents profoundly affects family dynamics (duh!)


• mental health issues are just as real as physical health issues, but often a stigma is attached to those problems and for many reasons, people are reluctant to seek help or admit that they have a mental health problem


• many mental health problems go undetected, undiagnosed and untreated which often leads to dysfunction in the marriage and the family


• mental health challenges often lead to substance abuse problems - they often go hand in hand because those with mental health problems are trying to find a way to feel better and cope with life in any way they can


• if members of families are diagnosed with mental health problems and if they seek treatment and/or take medication, their odds of success both in their marriage and with their child rearing increases dramatically


• fewer people with mental health challenges are institutionalized. Unless they are a danger to themselves or others, they are out on the street. This creates all sorts of challenges with families who are dealing with family members who have mental health problems. Children are mainstreamed and teachers and schools are expected to cope with problems they often are not trained or experienced with. Education in the community and in the home is essential in helping people cope with mental health challenges.

Those are the main points, but there is a lot more that was discussed. It was fascinating.

• Sundance is a little gem in our state. It is close to Provo, has first rate accommodations, has wonderful service and exceptional food.


• Our guests are pretty much blown away by the beauty of our state. Only one of the nine had visited Utah before. They couldn't believe our huge mountains and the close proximity of the mountains and the resort to civilization. One professor commented when we were on campus "how do you get anything done? I'd just sit and stare at the mountains."


• The professors ask many great questions about our state, our university and our students. It's so interesting to try and see it all through their eyes. They ask questions such as: What are the main sources of income for the state? What is the unemployment rate? What is the ratio of Mormons to non-Mormons? What are the past times and what is there to do for entertainment? Why do your students dress the way they do? Why isn't there more diversity on your campus? What is the acceptance rate at BYU? Is it hard to get into? What is the cost of the tuition? (They they usually say that they are totally amazed when they realize how cheap tuition is for a private university.) How can BYU provide all of this for such cheap tuition? They comment that everything in the state looks clean and new and that they love visiting. Two of the nine stayed for a few more days. One couple stayed on at Sundance over the weekend and another rented a car to drive down to Moab to experience Arches. It's a great opportunity to tell more about our state, our religion, our campus and students.

I think that everyone knows someone who is dealing with mental health issues. I really appreciated learning more about this important topic and hope that I can be more understanding and supportive of people who struggle with this challenge.