Panelists from Iowa State will lead a discussion designed to raise mental health awareness at 7 p.m. Monday in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.

According to the Iowa State events website, 1 in 5 students live with a diagnosable mental health condition.

Monday’s conversation will attempt to address the topic and work toward ending the stigma associated with mental health.

Iowa State students and others on campus are encouraged to participate in the conversation and share personal stories about dealing with a mental illness, along with any misunderstandings about mental health they’ve experienced in their lives and the importance of getting help. 

The panelists at the event will include Mark Rowe-Barth, the new director of student wellness; Dan Vogel, professor of psychology; and Kristen Sievert, Student Counseling Services psychologist.  

Gary Wells, distinguished professor of psychology, will facilitate the discussion.

The discussion is also designed to inform about how the different entities at Iowa State are working to provide support and education. 

In an attempt to expand mental health services provided at Iowa State, the Thielen Student Health Center hired Ranae Roberts, a nurse practitioner in psychiatry, redistribution of patients and practicing collaborative care.

Previously, the Health Center had only been managed by Dr. Carver Nebbe, psychiatrist, since June 2007. The hiring of Roberts redistributed Nebbe’s patient size between the two health providers.   

More information about Monday’s conversation is available through the Iowa State events website.