MyShockerHealth Newsletter: Issue 10

MyShockerHealth Newsletter • Issue 10 • September 25, 2025

Welcome to the myShockerHealth newsletter!

September is here and so is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month! This edition will concentrate on depression and ways to help manage symptoms and Hope Fest, an event to highlight suicide prevention and Hope Kits. Student Health can prescribe anti-depressants for students and find the perfect medication to meet your needs!

Links to the most current newsletter will be posted through WSU newsletters, social media, and our website, wichita.edu/shs. Enjoy!

For content requests: student.health@wichita.edu

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In this issue:

Tools to help determine your antidepressant medication needs
Depression and physical symtoms
More steps, less depression
Foods that help fight depression
What is Genesight testing?
What is the best treatment for depression?
Employee Corner: Counseling Services

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Antidepressant Medication Needs

Depression medication is a trial and error process. There are specific symptoms to treat vs side effects vs cost vs what works along with your other prescriptions. Anti-depressants can likely take 4-6 weeks to become fully effective, sometimes frustrating people waiting for relief. The Mayo Clinic has a nifty tool to help you determine some medications that might work for you and to discuss with your medication provider. For WSU students who feel they could benefit from an antidepressant, call Student Health today! Our providers are very trained in mental health and can help you find your ideal medication (Mayo Clinic).

Tools to help you determine some medications that might work for you

Depression and Physical Symptoms

Treating depression in patients is a holistic approach by most healthcare providers. There are physical symptoms of depression that are evaluated as well. Some examples may include sleep problems, chest pain, digestive problems, etc (WebMD).

Examples of physical symptoms can be found here

More Steps, Less Depression

Walking daily can reduce depression! There are many studies that show regular walking can reduce depression symptoms. At minimum, 5,000 steps are beneficial to your mental health (NPR).

Getting your steps in can reduce depression

What is Genesight Testing?

So you have tried 3 different antidepressant medications and none of them help improve your symptoms? Student Health Services offers genetic testing for WSU students called Genesight Psychotropic test, which shows how your genes may affect medication outcomes and be more likely to work for you! There are requirements and some health insurances plans do not cover genetic testing. However, there are patient assistance plans available for the cost of the test. Make an appointment to discuss with our Student Health providers (316) 978-4792. (Genesight).

For more information about the blood test

What is the Best Treatment for Depression?

There is a wide variety of treatment options for depression. A combination of medication and counseling has proven to have the best results. Don't forget your resources for psychological counseling on the WSU campus.

Students can make an appointment with:

Counseling and Psychological Services by calling (316) 978-4792. There are many providers to choose from and options of in-person vs telehealth and group or individual therapy. Go to www.wichita.edu/CAPS for more information.
WSU Psychology clinic is for individual assessment or therapy needs of WSU students/employees and community members: https://www.wichita.edu/academics/fairmount_las/psychology/labs/WSUPsychologyClinic.php
WSU WISE clinic for anyone including children and adults who are looking for counseling needs. https://www.wichita.edu/academics/applied_studies/wise-clinic/index.php

HOPE Fest

Hope fest 2025 is Saturday, September 27th starting at 10am at the Rhatigan Student Center on the main WSU campus! Join WSU HOPE Services and Suspenders 4 Hope, along with other Sedgewick County community mental health partners, to support mental health and suicide prevention by walking the campus and building your own HOPE Kit. Resource booths are available with community resources and HOPE Kit items that could help you or someone you know in a time of crisis!

Table with HOPE flyers and buttons with hands grabbing

Employee Corner

WSU employees have the option of using free counseling services through their Employee Assistance Program for State of Kansas benefits eligible employees and their dependents. These short-term personal counseling sessions might be all you need to address your issues or concerns

State of Kansas Employee Benefits

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