A University of Wisconsin Oshkosh journalism public relations campaign class developed a campaign called Campaign to Change Direction to educate people about mental health and wellness.

According to the Campaign to Change Direction, one in five people have a diagnosable mental health condition.

The Change Direction initiative is a collection of concerned citizens, non-profit leaders and leaders from the private sector who have come together to change the culture in America about mental health and wellness.

To help spread this important message, public relations students are participating in the National Bateman Competition with the Public Relations Student Society of America to develop an awareness campaign for the Campaign to Change Direction.

“I love the Campaign’s message…,” UWO Carissa Brzezinski said. “It’s important for people to take care of themselves.”

The Campaign encourages everyone to pay attention to their emotional well-being since it’s just as important as our physical well-being. Sometimes our mental health is great, but other times it suffers. Help is available if we know the Five Signs.

According to the Campaign to Change Direction, The Five Signs of emotional suffering are simple and observable signs that everyone can see and learn. The signs include: personality change, agitation, withdrawal, poor self-care and hopelessness. Learning the Five Signs is important because it allows people to recognize the signs of mental health issues for themselves and for their loved ones.

The Signs are indicators of emotional suffering in general, not specific signs of a given disorder or condition. If you recognize that someone in your life is suffering, reach out, show compassion and offer help.

The Campaign’s class has partnered with the Counseling Center on campus, the Women’s Center, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and local schools and businesses to bring awareness of mental health on campus.

The Counseling Center’s services include those that are personal, academic or even questions about what to major in.
To stay up to date on the campaign, follow @uwoshkoshknowsthesigns on Facebook and @uwosh5signs on Instagram.”