This past year, more teens have committed suicide due to bullying, but Michael Day, IUS personal counselor, wants to change that.
Day said, according to research, suicide is linked to hopeless feelings.
“We also find that those who attempt suicide usually do not want to die,” Day said. “Rather, they want the pain to end. That is why it is so important to reach out to individuals who are feeling this way and to work to end bullying.”
Robin Morgan, professor of psychology, said she agrees bullying needs to stop.
“The recent spate of suicides among adolescent males is quite disturbing, as each of the suicides appears to be related to harassment about sexual orientation,” Morgan said. “No one deserves to be harassed or bullied. My hope is that parents, teachers and other children will no longer tolerate such behavior.”
Day said he is here to help students.
“My job is to help students develop a greater self-understanding and resolve problems that interfere with their academic, social and personal functioning,” Day said.
Channell Barbour, associate director of Campus Life, said Day is a great resource for the students.
“He is a very caring individual with excellent interpersonal skills,” Barbour said. “He is a person who helps the students identify their issues and helps them to find solutions that they can live with.”
Day said he helps students in a number of ways, including individual counseling.
When students need services his office does not provide, Day seeks consultation and offers referrals to others who can, such as prescribing medication or sending someone for rehabilitation.
Outreach and educational services is another way Day helps students.
“Some of the ways I accomplish this goal is presentations on substance abuse, depression, et cetera,” he said.
Day said Counseling Services had a total of 1,069 counseling sessions last year.
“On average, I meet with 17 to 20 students per week,” Day said. “Last year, our other counselors met with an average of 12 students per week, and this year they are averaging 17 total appointments per week.”
This semester, Day is teaching Personality Psychology.
“Most often, I teach [Introductory Psychology courses], but I have taught Abnormal Psychology, Counseling Skills and Principles of Mental Health,” Day said. “I do enjoy teaching, but counseling is my primary work.”
Before working at IU Southeast, Day worked at Brooklawn Child and Family Services as the clinical director.
“Brooklawn is a residential treatment facility for children who suffer emotional and behavioral problems, often due to a history of abuse or neglect,” Day said. “I really enjoyed that work, but it was time for a change, and working at a university has always been my goal.”
In his spare time, Day said he enjoys spending time with his family.
“I don’t have much spare time, but I do enjoy exploring new restaurants and yard work,” he said.
Morgan said it is necessary for any university to have a well-trained psychologist.
“Given the recent increases in enrollment and the numerous economic pressures confronting our students, I would love to see another full-time clinical psychologist hired,” Morgan said.
By KRISTINA BLEUEL
Staff
kcbleuel@umail.iu.edu
