Division of Student Affairs

Mutual Help Group

As a subgroup of the Division of Student Affairs Healthy Campus Initiative, the Mutual Help Group reaches out to OSU employees* who are family, friends or colleagues of individuals who have depression and mood disorders.

In 2004, several OSU employees met to discuss the impact that mental illness has on their lives. The conversation revealed commonalities such as isolation, the fear of being misunderstood in the workplace, and the need to find a way to connect with others who share similar experiences. As a result, the Mutual Help Group (MHG) was formed for the purpose of providing opportunities to share information, find mutual support, and be a source of encouragement for others. 

In addition to providing mutual support, the MHG is committed to sponsor or co-sponsor campus-wide events that:

• focus on the challenging issues that friends and family often face. 
• provide a venue to connect with others.
• hear from mental health professionals.
• create space for open discussion and information sharing.
• introduce and increase the level of understanding, knowledge, hope and personal empowerment around mental health issues.

For more information about the MHG monthly meetings, please contact Jodi Nelson at 737-0715 or email jodi.nelson@oregonstate.edu.

* student workers not eligible

Quick Stress Management Techniques

Mental Health Resources Sites

External Links

• Pathways to Promise (stigma, denial, etc.)
• "When Someone You Love Has Mental Illness"
• "The Best Things to Say to Someone Who is Depressed"
• "How Family Members Can Help People With Health Disorders"
• "Families Can Help . . . "
• "Navigating the Mental Health Maze for Families of the Mentally Ill"