October Mindful Mondays at Elmira College
Elmira, NY (10/04/2021) — October is National Emotional Wellness Month and in honor of the occasion, and because we feel strongly about ensuring our students feel safe and supported, we are running a series of articles called Mindful Mondays. In these Monday morning articles, you will find tips and advice about how to stay mentally fit and what to do when you feel less than mentally strong.
This week's article is focused on alerting you to the resources available on campus, an upcoming wellness presentation, as well as area stress-reducing resources you might take advantage of when needed.
Among our aims as a campus community is to reduce the stigma around mental illness, which in itself can lead to increased feelings of loneliness and reduce the likelihood people will seek out care. When it comes to experiencing mental health concerns, no one is alone. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults aged 18 and above experience mental illness. And the pandemic has directly impacted people's sense of wellbeing. According to the CDC, symptoms of anxiety disorder and depressive disorder increased considerably in the United States during April-June of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019.
If you are feeling stressed, frustrated, irritated by others, missing people from home or have other emotions you are grappling with, please take advantage of the below resources.
But you don't need to feel stressed or anxious to benefit from good "mental hygiene." Subsequent articles in this series will focus on everyday practices that benefit everyone, from eating and sleeping better to identifying what you are grateful for each day.
Resources:
- Sign up for in-person, telephone, or virtual counseling by reaching out to Dr. Kevin Murphy, counselor, at kmurphy@elmira.edu.
- Counselor Kevin Murphy will present, "Tired of Feeling Miserable? Let's Do Something About It" from noon-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23, in the GTL Lecture Hall. All are invited.
- Leverage the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce to find area spas, massage therapists, nature centers, yoga studios, and other businesses focused on helping you relax, meditate and treat yourself