Managing Your Mental Health During Challenging Times
The Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) acknowledges that current global, national and local challenges, as well as the recent national election results, have left many feeling a mix of emotions ranging from relief to uncertainty and even fear. While some may feel relieved or even celebratory, others may find these times particularly difficult.
It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or distressed.
While International Stress Awareness Day (November 6) is behind us, it is still important to prioritize your mental wellbeing during these times. 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 overall wellness. Even the smallest step can improve long-term mental and emotional resilience.
Accessible Practices for Mental Healthcare
Accessing necessary resources and activating our support systems can sometimes feel daunting. Consider these two simple strategies to help you reach your goals.
- Try Mindfulness and Meditation Practices:
Evidence supports the positive impact of mindful and meditative practices on stress reduction, mental clarity and overall well-being. Explore these options:
-
- CommonHealth’s Stress Management Playlist
- NOVA Campus Recreation Yoga and Meditation (Mind Body FLOW)
- Free App for Guided, Mindful Meditation | Healthy Minds Innovations
- How We Feel App from Dr. Marc Brackett, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
- Your own favorite mindfulness and meditation practice!
- Leverage Your Available Resources:
If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety or other mental health challenges, 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 you just need to talk, TimelyCare is there for you anytime, anywhere. More information on 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 their November Workshops, including :
- Conquering Fear and Anxiety
Presented by EAP for Anthem
Tuesday, November 12 from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m., Zoom webinar
- Conquering Fear and Anxiety
3. 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. Within every challenge lies an opportunity to deepen our wellness practices and strengthen our connections.
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