Managing Your Mental Health During Challenging Times

October 16, 2024 / Get Well

The Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) acknowledges that current global, national and local challenges are impacting many members of the NOVA community. It’s understandable that we may feel a variety of emotions during these times, including sadness, anxiety, fear, anger and uncertainty.

While World Mental Health Day may be in the rearview mirror, its message continues to resonate. Remember, it’s especially important to prioritize our mental wellbeing in challenging times.

In the spirit of this message, we encourage everyone to:

  • Take active steps to improve mental wellbeing for ourselves and our communities.
  • Connect with trusted individuals.
  • Reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

Regularly check in with yourself and others, taking small, intentional actions to enhance your overall wellness. Even the smallest step can improve long-term mental and emotional resilience.

Accessible Practices for Mental Health Care
Accessing necessary resources and activating our support systems can sometimes feel daunting. Consider these two simple strategies to help you reach your goals.

1. Try Mindfulness and Meditation Practices:

There’s significant evidence supporting the positive impact of mindful and meditative practices on stress reduction, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Explore these options:

2. Leverage Your Available Resources:

If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety or other mental health challenges, just know that resources are available.

  • NOVA Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW): Resources for Employees Who Are Struggling or in Crisis.
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program): All health plans offered to state employees and their dependents provide 24/7 access to EAPs.
    • Benefited employees have up to four free counseling sessions.
    • All NOVA employees can access online services at no cost between now and June 2025. Visit the Commonwealth of Virginia Anthem EAP website at www.anthemeap.com/cova.
    • TimelyCare: Available to ALL NOVA employees, TimelyCare offers a diverse network of providers who can meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for someone who understands your experiences or just need to talk, TimelyCare is there for you anytime, anywhere. More information for TimelyCare for Employees can be found on NOVAnet.
  • NOVA Office of Wellness and Mental Health (OWMH): Explore the Mental Health Provider Referral Database for local support.
  • NOVA Organizational Learning and Development Team (OL&D): Consider registering for these professional development workshops later this month:
    • Stress Management: Building Resiliency: Monday, October 21
      Struggling to balance work and home life? This Zoom webinar will help you recognize emotional and physical signs of stress, such as sleep disruptions and irritability. Learn practical tools to restore balance and enhance your wellbeing. 
    • Five Bucket Principles: Friday, October 25
      Is it possible to meet the competing demands of job, family and personal life? Yes! Discover the “five buckets” principle of work-life balance, focusing on priorities and managing expectations while making time for yourself. 

Additional Related Resources:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Reach out for free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors 24/7. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: For confidential referrals to mental health and substance use treatment, call 800-662-4357 (HELP).
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: Access confidential support services at any stage of recovery by calling 800-656-4673 (HOPE) or chat online at online.rainn.org.

Remember, taking care of your mental health isn’t just important — it’s essential. And we don’t have to face mental health challenges alone; wellness partners are waiting and available to help. Together, we can continue making mental health a priority for ourselves and the NOVA community as a whole.

Be intentional about noticing how you’re doing and taking steps to enhance your overall wellness and wellbeing. Every small step counts toward building a healthier, more resilient you.

Submitted by: 
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu