Prior to the pandemic, we recognized that our collegians needed more mental health resources and purchased the Behind Happy Faces programming. We were able to bring those resources to you thanks to individuals donating to the Theta Phi Alpha Foundation for mental health programming. We are always thankful for the support of our membership!
Now we have been in a global pandemic for over a year! I don’t know about you but I am tired. Life was stressful prior to the pandemic and the added layer of stress is a significant burden. We have had to figure out how to do many things differently and change is stressful. However, I have also come to appreciate the accessibility of video calling: Facetime, Zoom, Google Meet, etc. With these tools, I have made new friends and re-established old friendships! As we continue to work through this pandemic I am trying to focus on what I can do or what I can control. Have you been able to find any silver linings from the pandemic?
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) is amplifying the message of “You Are Not Alone” and encouraging connections for the month of May. They are focusing on the healing value of connecting in safe ways. You are not alone in Theta Phi Alpha. I encourage you to connect with your sisters, your friends. Theta Phi Alpha is about sisterhood and friendship, please take advantage of those connections.
The JED Foundation is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. Their focus for May is, “Whatever Gets You Talking”. They are encouraging you to open the door to begin conversations. The JED Foundation suggests opening lines for when you reach out to your sisters, your friends.
During this difficult time, let’s commit to practicing self-compassion as a practical way to take care of our mental health and well-being.
NAMI offers a text option if you are in crisis: text “NAMI” to 741741
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