Last year, we offered an article about the strangeness that surrounded the holidays due to the pandemic. And, while we are certainly still working through this public health crisis to a degree, our trips back home from school during the holidays this year may look a little bit more “normal” than they did last year. […]
At the end of October, with all the spooky themes and Halloween fun, it seemed like a good time to talk about dreams, nightmares, and how sleep plays into our mental health. It is generally recommended that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night. During the time we are asleep, our […]
During this “spooky” month of October, it seems appropriate to talk about fear. Specifically, how fear can affect decision-making and/or interactions with others. To begin, let’s chat a little about brain development. In utero, our brains develop from base to front, inside to outside. After the brain stem (which controls automatic functions like breathing, heart […]
World Mental Health Day was first established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1992 and is now observed on October 10th of each year. This year’s theme is “Mental Health Care for All: Let’s Make it a Reality.” As we continue to work through the global COVID-19 pandemic, it seems a fitting time to […]
The beginning of September marks Suicide Prevention Week, giving us a focused opportunity to learn and think compassionately about suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide), suicide attempts, and those we have lost. In the spirit of compassion, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some numbers and then, move in for a close-up view of “humanity […]
We all start our academic semesters with great hope (and probably a few nerves). We plan on going to class, being great students, making friends, and accomplishing a few goals. But, what do you do when that doesn’t happen? What do you do when you are a few weeks, or even a few months, into […]
As hot as it may be right now, before we know it the leaves will be turning, the air will be crisp, and we will be walking around our campuses with all the hope (and nerves!) that a new semester brings. One of the ways we develop hope and combat our nerves for any type […]
You know, I thought this was going to be an easy post to write. May was mental health awareness month, I am a therapist, and I just wanted to wrap up that time in a way that honored people. But, as soon as my fingers hit the keyboard, the feelings started. I’m going to try […]
*Special Note: This article is a preview of a live session that will be provided during MOM 2021 training on March 4th at 10:00am (link here). As we reach nearly a year into the pandemic, faculty and staff continue to face stressors we’ve never encountered before. In addition, we are being asked to be strong […]
The events that took place at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 were difficult to watch. It brought up concerns for our personal safety and the safety of our nation. It was the latest addition to safety-related crises we have known throughout 2020, not the least of which is the daily awareness of a […]