Half of Us: Video: Ava

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Ava

1 ) Clinging to Control

2 ) Desperate to Be Thin

3 ) You are Not Alone

If you or someone you know is struggling, you aren't alone. The proof is in the stories of others who have dealt with similar situations.

These Public Service Announcements depict challenges that many college students face and show signs that can signal a larger mental health problem.

Ronnie Winter Ronnie Winter Ronnie Winter of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus opens up about his violent childhood and how friends and music helped him battle depression.	AJ AJ AJ works hard to hide the pain caused by a troubled childhood until a friend intervenes and shows him he’s not alone.	Alexandra Alexandra After losing a friend to suicide in high school, Alexandra is determined to help a college friend who is struggling.
Rachel and Lauren Rachel and Lauren Lauren's support and willingness to listen help her friend Rachel manage her bipolar disorder.	Pete Wentz Pete Wentz Pete Wentz never expected his depression to grow with the success of Fall Out Boy, but it leads him to attempt suicide.	Mary J Blige Mary J Blige Mary reveals what she’s been through and how she came back from the brink of suicide.
Billy Corgan Billy Corgan Success and fame unleash the scars of childhood abuse for Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins.	Max Bemis Max Bemis Long before Max Bemis of Say Anything knew he had bipolar disorder, he faces highs and lows.	Brittany Snow Brittany Snow After battling emotional problems and an eating disorder for almost a decade, Brittany Snow finds the strength to improve her life.
Cage Cage Respected underground hip hop emcee, Cage, talks frankly about how he has used music to fight drug abuse and depression.	Student Veterans Student Veterans Students who served in the Iraq War speak out about the emotional challenges of adjusting to life back at home and the importance of finding support.	Student Athletes Student Athletes Student athletes learn that they must speak up and seek help to deal with the challenges of balancing academics, athletics and emotional issues.
Brittany Brittany An abusive relationship and rape makes life challenging for Brittany until she finds comfort in therapy and an emotional outlet in swimming.	Nina Nina Nina struggles to retain her place on the rowing team while battling an eating disorder, depression and drug abuse.	Stacy Stacy Plagued by depression and suicidal thoughts, Stacy struggles for years before admitting her illness.
Billy Billy Despite a challenging home life and balancing work and a full course load, Billy pursues his dreams.	Ava Ava To exert control in her life as the challenges of college mount, Ava barely eats, isolating herself.	Megan Megan Megan’s eating disorder puts her health at risk until she reaches out for help and finds better ways to cope.
Melissa Melissa Losing her father affects Melissa in unexpected ways, but her honest approach makes it easier to stay healthy.	Scott Scott Consumed by depression, Scott loses the motivation to focus on schoolwork, socialize and participate in everyday activities. By learning to embrace his emotions, Scott is able to turn the corner.	Yecenia Yecenia While depression has forced Yecenia to make sacrifices, the right support and treatment plan keep her in college.

How are you? How are you? How often do our friends really tell us when they are struggling? Knowing there’s a problem is the first step towards helping a friend.	Racquetball 1 Racquetball 1 If you are feeling trapped by your thoughts or feelings, you are not alone. Don’t let being overwhelmed stop you from seeking help.	Strings Strings Everyone feels a little off sometimes, but if you are concerned about changes in yourself or a friend, you should reach out for help.
Cutters Cutters Self-injury is a problem that affects so many people regardless of race or gender. If you or someone you know cuts to cope, relieve stress, or deal with pain, there are other ways to feel better.	Pottery Pottery It can sometimes feel like things are falling apart, but it’s never too late to ask for help. Opening up about your feelings can make things seem less overwhelming.	Pretty Picture Pretty Picture It can be hard to tell whether a friend is just having an “off” night or is struggling with a bigger problem. If you are concerned about someone, reach out and offer support.
Balance Balance It’s OK to speak up if you’re having trouble balancing your emotions and the pressure of college life. Finding support can make things easier than trying to handle it all on your own.	Racquetball 2 Racquetball 2 If you feel like your emotions are out of control, it is OK to reach out for help. Telling someone you’re struggling is a step toward feeling better.	Debate Debate Even the world's most successful people face feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Don't be afraid to open up to the people who love you most.
Outsider Outsider No one knows your feelings better than you do. If you need help, don't let somebody else's opinion keep you from reaching out.	Writer Writer Having trouble staying focused? Lack of sleep can sap your ability to concentrate. Remember to take care of yourself first. If problems persist, look into it.	Dinner Dinner Family can be our greatest support system, but when they don't understand what we're going through, it's important to find someone who does. There are a range of support options open to you.
Beauty Beauty Making fewer trips to the cafeteria? Significant change in appetite can be a sign of depression. Check yourself.	Sad Laughter Sad Laughter Sometimes partying too hard is just a way to hide from your feelings. Drowning your sorrows in booze only prolongs them. Talk to somebody before things get out of hand.	Football Football No matter how tough you are on the outside, depression can find its way in. Don't let pride keep you from asking for help when you need it most.
Among Adults Among Adults Among adults, 18-24 year olds think about suicide more often than any other age group. (Crosby, Cheltenham, & Sacks, 1999)	Couldn't Function Couldn't Function Nearly half of all college students have felt so depressed they couldn’t function at least once during the school year. (American College Health Association, NCHA, fall 2005)	Lead Cause Lead Cause Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. (based on The Big Ten Student Suicide Study, 1997)
One in Ten One in Ten One in ten college students seriously considers suicide. (American College Health Association, NCHA, spring 2005)