Recognizing the Importance of Mental Health in a Difficult Time

Saturday was World Mental Health Day, so designated by the World Health Organization for “raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.” Always a day of significance, World Mental Health Day seems even more important this year, and in 2020, WHO is calling for more investment in mental health services around the globe. This call certainly is echoed within higher education and across Virginia’s community colleges, as documented in the recommendations on student mental health services in the system’s recent Power of Possible Task Force.

The World Health Organization reports a global increase in anxiety and other mental health concerns since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic for many reasons: personal loss due to COVID, extended illness, social isolation, financial insecurity and more.  These stressors have been exacerbated by incidents of racial injustice, burdens on parents and caregivers and the continuing deterioration of public dialogue. 

Fair to say: some days (and sometimes many days), it can all be a bit too much. But too often our push to “put on a brave face” and “stay calm and carry on” masks the need for real help and support.

A key goal of World Mental Health Day involves de-stigmatizing mental and behavioral health concerns and recognizing that these illnesses are no different from physical illnesses or diseases. As someone with family members who live with chronic mental health concerns, I have seen firsthand how the fear of stigma and judgment can lead to silence.

So, let’s change this script: make information about mental health services easily accessible. Add it to your syllabus or Canvas shell; make it a standing agenda item in department and office meetings. If you see someone struggling, check in with them: open the door for a conversation. If you feel comfortable doing so, remind them of the services available: our students can contact NOVA’s new Office of Wellness and Mental Health and our employees can reach out to Human Resources to access our Employee Assistance Program and other services. Let them know that it’s always okay to acknowledge you’re not okay; that’s called being human.

At this stressful moment, every act of kindness and grace is a priceless gift. I thank you for your generosity of spirit on both fronts: our NOVA community is stronger because you care!