Recovery Student Spotlight- Genera

Natalie Altenburg Links

It is finally September!  From going back to school to the Fall season approaching, September brings us many things.  One incredibly important thing that September also brings us is National Recovery Month!  This Recovery Month, we wanted to give DePaul students in recovery a space to share their experiences with recovery and mental health to help educate the greater DePaul community.  Each week, we will be shining a spotlight on one student in recovery to talk about what recovery means to them, debunk the many myths surrounding mental health and recovery, and much more.  Without further ado, let’s introduce our first recovery student, Genera*! 

Genera is 21 years old and just finished her Psychology degree this past spring.  She identifies as being in recovery mainly from cannabis and alcohol use, but also mental health and domestic abuse.  Genera attends DePaul’s weekly Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) meetings (which are now virtual) to help support her recovery. 

Tell us about the Collegiate Recovery Community at DePaul 

When asked about what comes to mind when reflecting on the CRC, Genera first thinks of the word “friends.”  She explains that she feels that the CRC is a place where she can get support from those in the community.  In fact, she sees the CRC as her “home group,” meaning she attends other recovery meetings but DePaul’s CRC is home base. While she does note that she came into her first CRC meeting feeling a fear of being judged, that fear was squashed and she now feels quite close with everyone and enjoys attending meetings each week. 

Help us debunk some myths about recovery 

On the topic of judgement, there are a few myths about mental health and recovery that Genera wants to debunk.  The first of these myths is that having a mental illness or being in recovery is uncommon.  She noted that many people identify as being in recovery and mental health disorders are relatively common.  Similarly, she also spoke about how cannabis is a drug and can, in fact, be addictive.  Many people do not consider cannabis to be a substance that can be addictive, however, Cannabis Use Disorder is a diagnosable condition.   

Another myth she wants to debunk is the idea that recovery is “scary.”  She wants to make it clear that it is not scary, and neither are those who identify as being in recovery.  When it comes to recovery itself, Genera points out that recovery is a process, not a simple destination that one “gets to” like many people believe.  She describes the recovery process as a journey that is not linear.  This nonlinear journey, she explains, is one that those in recovery are always on and working towards. 

Genera wants other DePaul students who may be interested in joining the CRC to know the weekly meetings are both helpful and fun. Since joining herself, Genera has invited a friend to come with her to a CRC meetings, promising that they would like it.  She even went as far as to promise her friend that if they did not enjoy the meeting, she would buy them dinner.  Needless to say, she has yet to buy them dinner. 

What do you want the world to know about recovery and the CRC? 

First, Genera wants everyone to know just how wonderful she believes the CRC is.  She notes how welcoming the meetings are and the fact that they are free, making recovery more accessible. She also wishes more people knew about the CRC.  She believes that because of the stigma that surrounds recovery and mental health, people tend to be more secretive about being in recovery and seeking out help with recovery.  Genera wishes that more people knew about the CRC because she believes that the connections she has made during meetings and the support that these connections have provided her have saved her life.   

Finally, Genera wants the world to know that people in recovery are strong.  In explaining the strength of those in recovery, she emphasizes that anyone can be in recovery.  Not only can anyone be in recovery, anyone can be in recovery from anything.  From substance use to mental health to an unhealthy relationship, she believes that anyone can work towards recovery. 

If you would like more information about DePaul’s Collegiate Recovery Community, feel free to email the Office of Health Promotion & Wellness at hpw@depaul.edu.  Check back next week for another Recovery Student Spotlight interview!  Happy Recovery Month! 

*Name is shared with permission 

 

Planning During a Pandemic

Natalie Altenburg Links

About six months ago, nearly everyone experienced a change of plans in some way, shape, or form.  For many DePaul students, the plans of going to in person classes, sports practices, club meetings, and having outings with friends were no longer a possibility.  In fact, the quick, drastic change in and of itself may have been just as daunting as no longer being able to do all the things we are normally used to doing.  Going into autumn quarter, plans for a new school year also look different than they have during past years.   

In a Psychology Today article, writer and psychotherapist, Bryan E. Robinson describes the connection between uncertainty and anxiety in the context of the current pandemic.  He explains that due to the way our brains are made to help us survive, any situation that gives indication of lack of certainty creates a feeling of stress.  The brain wants to keep us safe, meaning that if something unexpected happens, it makes it seem like more of a threat than it might actually be and causes us to question if we are able to safely get through it.  With changing plans and constantly questioning the certainty of the near future, it is easy to see how this consistent stress and anxiety can work its way into aspects of our everyday lives and begin to affect the quality of our daily living.  

This sense of unpredictability may be starting to spike as we reach back to school season as it can be hard to plan for the upcoming school year and even harder to think about the possibility of another plan being changed.  If you feel uncomfortable because of the possibility of plans changing, here are a few things that may be helpful: 

  • Focus on what you can control.  For some, having a predictable routine is helpful for feeling like they have a stable schedule.  This may look like creating consistent morning and night routines and taking breaks from schoolwork or technology around the same times every day. 
  • Find ways to get what you feel like you are missing from plan changes.  For example, the idea of taking online classes may work fine for some people when it comes to learning the material, but the social aspect of going to classes is what they miss.  If this is the case, it is always possible to contact classmates to set up study and discussion sessions via video chat.   
  • Take time for self-care.  Stress is stress.  Whether you are stressed out by the start of the school year being different from past school years or you feel like you are missing out on fun events, it is important to address your physical and emotional needs.  Dedicating time for self-care activities every single day can help with easing the stress that this uncertainty may bring.  It may help to work self-care practices into your daily schedule to ensure that you take time to do these practices and to give yourself another consistent thing to plan on. 
  • Talk to someone.  If you feel as though the negative emotions of the constant change of plans over the past six months has become too much for you to handle on your own, reach out to someone.  For some people, talking to a friend about their stress is helpful.  For others, it may be more beneficial to reach out to a therapist for guidance with adjusting unhelpful thinking patterns.  Do what you think is best for you!   

It goes without saying that this is a stressful time.  Beginning a new school year is stressful enough without a pandemic.  However, HPW wants to help support you and ease as much anxiety as possible.  Whether it be through 1:1 appointments or helping you find support that fits your needs, we want to do everything we can to reduce as much stress during this time as possible.  Be sure to connect with us via email, phone call, or social media.   

Take care, DePaul! 

Wellness Wednesday: What Does COVID-19 Etiquette Look Like?

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(Graphic provided by HPW)

How do I ask someone to step back because they are not standing within 6 ft away from me?

How do I prompt someone to put their mask on?

What if someone ignores the guidelines of wearing a face covering and keeping social distance, what do I say or do then?

These are all good questions to consider and it is something that we must think about especially if we want to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  It is important to create and set your boundaries to keep yourself and others safe. Reflect on what your boundaries are and how you want to enforce them when you are inside and outside of your home. It is also important for us to reflect on how we will respond to someone crossing our boundaries. On Chicago’s NPR News Source, Elaine Swann, a lifestyle & etiquette expert, was interviewed and shared some awesome tips about COVID-19 social etiquette that we want to highlight on today’s Wellness Wednesday post.

 

(Photo provided by Malaka Gharib/NPR)
  1. Protect Yourself.
  • If you are leaving your home and going out in public, wear your face covering and have your hand sanitizer and/or gloves nearby.
  • If you ask kindly for a person to step 6 feet away from you and/or wear a mask and they do not, protect yourself by turning your face away from that person, stepping away from that person and/or walking in a different direction.
  1. Show mutual consideration.
  • Use the words “we” and “us” when asking or telling someone to step back or wear a face covering. For example, “It is possible if we can put some space between each other while we wait in line?” Showing mutual consideration puts the focus on the concern for safety and health for the individual that you are asking.
  • Scolding, yelling, calling people out and saying things like “step back!” or “get off me” will most likely cause the problem to escalate. If we ask in a kind manner, individuals are likely to be more open to listening respecting our boundaries.
  • Use I-statements for maximum effectiveness and state your needs clearly. This especially effective when communicating with those close to you who care about understanding where you’re coming from. Rather than “you’re being inconsiderate by not wearing a mask,” try saying “I feel unsafe without us both wearing masks; can we both agree to wear one?”

 

(Photo provided by Malaka Gharib/NPR)
  1. Try not to take it personally.
  • We understand that it can be really frustrating when you see individuals who are not following the health and safety guidelines for the pandemic. Please refrain from policing people’s behaviors, unless your safety is at risk. If you see someone that is not following the pandemic guidelines, take a deep breath and focus on protecting yourself and your family. Keep the focus on adjusting your behavior rather than trying to control others.

 

(Photo provided by Malaka Gharib/NPR)
  1. Don’t Assume.
  • Do not assume that everyone is following the guidelines. If you get invited to a gathering, ask questions in advance. For example, you can say: “I wear a face covering when I’m around others because I am concerned about everyone’s safety.  Will you be practicing social distancing and wearing a face covering?” After their response, ask yourself if you are comfortable in attending. If not, just reply saying, “thank you for the invitation, but I will not be able to make it.” Refrain from forcing them to change their plans for your comfortability. Make the decisions that is best for yourself and

Take Care DePaul is more than just taking care of the DePaul community, it is about taking care of the people around us. If you find these tips helpful, Take Care DePaul by sharing them with another person.

Take Care, DePaul!

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Wellness Wednesday: What Does Consent Look Like on Zoom?

Benjamin Tholotowsky Wellness Wednesdays , ,

Consent is essential. It always has been and always will be. In the digital age, consent is arguably more important than it ever has been. Digital consent and digital privacy go hand in hand. Sharing media is even easier now than it was pre-smartphones and the internet. With the click of a button, our data is essentially immortalized on the internet forever. Internet privacy is a cause that many are passionate about, and understandably so. The law is always evolving and digital privacy is a new frontier. Everyone has their own level of understanding of how the internet works, and also possess their own reasonable expectation of privacy on the internet, so it’s important to be mindful and respectful of that wherever and whenever possible. With so many things going digital these days we are seeing that the only option for collaboration may be to host an online event, meeting, appointment, etc, instead of an in-person get-together. The stakes are raised even higher when encounters like confidential appointments are held over digital conferencing platforms such as Skype or Zoom. So how do we respect another person’s privacy? Well, there are many ways and consent is a big part of that process!

It’s always best, and ensures that all attendees are on the same page, to ask for consent before recording a meeting or an online encounter. In the event that the encounter must be recorded then you should send out an initial disclaimer to the attendees before the event making them aware of your plans to record just as you would do if you were in-person. For example, let’s understand that some people may be okay with a photographer or videographer documenting an in-person gathering with various faces showing while others may not. Luckily, in-person there is an ability to speak up and also the ability to leave if you are feeling uncomfortable. For the most part, this is true in the digital space as well. In an online encounter, starting with an initial disclaimer that the event will be recorded reduces the chance of any confusion later on. Better yet, ask for consent before recording, especially if the meeting or event is one that does not necessarily need to be recorded in the first place. By sending out an initial disclaimer this gives the option for prospective attendees to skip the live event entirely and possibly have the opportunity to access the recorded event later on! By asking for consent to record at the beginning of the event you are also bringing it to the attention of the attendees one more time and giving them the opportunity to share any apprehensions, hide their video, mute their microphone, or opt-out altogether and leave the event. 

Once the digital event is underway there are still other ways to stay mindful and be respectful of others’ expectations of privacy. If one would prefer to leave their webcam off, we need to realize that they may be in an environment that they do not feel comfortable sharing with others. It could be as simple as a dirty bedroom, or maybe they’re on a busy bus or train. Just because they choose not to show their face does not mean they aren’t paying attention. The same applies to a microphone – it’s possible that there are loud machines nearby or noise that would detract from the event or meeting if heard by the rest of the attendees, so they chose to mute it. By not having an in-person event, and making it digital, you are giving individuals the opportunity to attend that otherwise may not have had the ability to attend.  

As with anything, there will be those that abuse their privilege of privacy and autonomy. There may also be situations where attendees will be required to keep their microphones and webcams on, for instance when taking a standardized test. In most cases, the average online event is not a confidential one and the thoughts and recommendations mentioned above apply to the average low-to-medium-stakes digital encounter and these rules are not absolute. On the flip side, facilitators appreciate and enjoy seeing the faces and hearing the voices of the attendees too. It makes it easier to engage with the audience and it makes it feel less like talking to a wall or an empty room. So keep that in mind as well! When in doubt, aim to treat everyone with the respect they deserve and be mindful that the current situation is not a typical one and many of us are learning as we go. Remember to take care of yourself, take care of others, and take care, DePaul! 

Mental Health During COVID-19: Your Health Comes First

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(Photo provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

Watching the rising rates of the coronavirus in your state, learning about different signs and symptoms of COVID-19, along with hearing about the COVID-19 deaths causes so much worry, stress, fear, and anxiety.

Being in a pandemic is stressful.

Not having a job during a pandemic is also stressful.

Staying home while working at home can be overwhelming.

Hearing or witnessing racial injustice brings tears and frustration.

There are many things that we cannot control, but there are things that we can control. Focusing on what is in our sphere of influence can help lessen our stress. We can do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home as much as we can, having hand sanitizer nearby, practicing social distancing while wearing a face mask or cloth covering, and by washing our hands frequently. These are all necessary actions that are needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While taking these protective actions to care for ourselves and others, we can also take care of our mental health, which is very important, especially during this difficult time.

Unmanaged stress, fear, and anxiety can negatively impact our daily activities. For example, it may lead to disruptions in our sleeping and eating patterns, increased use of substances, difficulty concentrating, worsening of a mental illness or a health condition, and in general adding more stress. Coping during a pandemic is truly important. How do we do that?

First, it is important to be self-aware of your body and your emotions. Be knowledgeable of how your body responds to stress, fear, and/or worry. You may experience more headaches, or you may have a decreased appetite. Everyone responds differently to stress, so it is important to know your body. In addition, it is important to know what you need when your body is responding to stress. You may need more family time and/or more time alone or you may want to try other self-care behaviors like practicing mindfulness— self-care looks different for everyone.

The next thing is to accept yourself–accept all of you. Strive for progression, instead of perfection. Find ways to show care and love for yourself. Celebrate small victories.

Here are some healthy ways to cope provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

 

  • Take care of your emotional health.Our emotional injuries are just as important as our physical injuries. Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family. Focus on grounding yourself by trying mindfulness exercises.

 

  • It is okay to take a break. Zoom calls all day? Insert short breaks in between. Take a break from reading and watching the news. Set digital boundaries and reduce your screen time by engaging in activities that do not involve a screen such as reading a book, cooking, painting, spending time outside.

 

  • Take care of your physical body.
    • Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate, do yoga
    • Try to eat nutrient-dense, well-balanced meals and stay hydrated
    • Exercise regularly.
    • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Know what to do if you are sick. Contact your medical provider if you are sick and/or get tested for COVID-19 if you may have been exposed to someone who has had COVID-19.

 

  • Know where and how to get treatment and other support services and resources, including counseling or therapy (in person or through telehealth services).

 

  • Connect. Although you cannot see your family and friends as often as you like due to the pandemic, you still can connect with them virtually or through sending letters. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. They can keep you accountable as well and you can also tell them what you need from them. You can also join a new safe community, healthy space such as a book club, or the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC).
    • At HPW, we have the Collegiate Recovery Community which is open to any DePaul student who identifies as being in recovery from substance use, mental health issues, or eating concerns. It is such a great support network, especially during these times. CRC meets virtually on Thursdays from 5 PM -6:15 PM. If you are interested in joining, feel free to contact Katie Bellamy at kbellamy@depaul.edu.

 

Check out our blog and website for helplines and resources or reach out directly for 1:1 support.  

The Office of Health Promotion & Wellness encourages you to take some time and reflect on the healthy ways to cope listed above. We also want you to take care of yourself first so that you can take care of others. Send this to another Blue Demon to spread the message.

 

Take Care DePaul!

How to Fight “Zoom Fatigue”

Natalie Altenburg Links

Since social distancing and online learning began many months ago, the seemingly simple solution to these new social and learning obstacles has been Zoom (or really any other video chat program).  However, if your days have included going from Zoom call to Zoom call with lectures and socially distanced get-togethers and game nights, there’s a chance that you have experienced some amount of exhaustion from being on call after call.  This exhaustion is known as “Zoom fatigue”.   

There are many ideas about why people are experiencing Zoom fatigue.  In general, most seem to think that it is a combination of too much screen time and the pressure that video chatting puts on us socially.  For example, it is harder for the brain to process non-verbal cues when it is using a video on a screen as the only way of receiving these cues.  Simply put, picking up these cues on a video is less natural than doing so in a face-to-face conversation, causing more stress on the brain.  These factors, along with the fact that video chatting is the primary way class lectures and meetings have been taking place the past few months, are cause for physical and emotional exhaustion.   

With many DePaul classes being online this coming Fall, it is important to have strategies to protect ourselves from Zoom fatigue.  Here are a few ways to prevent and combat Zoom fatigue: 

  • Take breaks from your computer (especially between calls).  Use these breaks to take care of personal care needs.  This could include making yourself a meal, going outside for a walk, stretching, or even just drinking a glass of water.   
  • Change up your work environment.  Even if you are on calls in your bedroom or living room, try to change up the room itself or the specific spot you sit to take calls so that the room feels different from when you are on call to when you are relaxing.  This could look like changing the lighting of the room or sitting at a desk instead of on your bed.  This change will help your brain differentiate when it is time for work and when it is time for relaxation.  
  • If possible, use audio only and only have your video on when you are speaking or contributing to the conversation.  This way, it is easier to focus on what is being said, as opposed to what you are doing or what you look like during the call. 
  • Find ways to socialize other than through video chatting to ensure that “hanging out” with your friends and family is still fun.  This could include writing letters or having “Netflix Parties”.  This is a great time to get creative with ways to connect with friends and family! 
  • Be mindful of your technology use habits even when you are not on video calls.  Be aware of your social media scrolling habits to reduce the amount of distressing news you may be consuming.  Also known as “doomscrolling”, endlessly looking at news and media about distressing topics can negatively impact mental health, so it is important to keep track of and adjust these habits.  Similarly, the blue light that is emitted from our screens can have negative effects on sleep patterns, as well as other areas of health.  This may be reason to consider setting limits on technology use.   
  • As always, pay attention to your needs.  Take time every day for self-care activities to care for your mental and physical well-being.  Have a list of things you can do at any time to allow yourself to take a break and focus on your health. 

The uncertainty of what this upcoming academic year will bring is likely to cause some nervousness and anxiety as we prepare to (virtually) return to classes.  Now is a great time to assess your own worries and create a plan for adjusting to these changes and managing the emotions that may come from these changes.  By beginning with learning how to reduce your chances of Zoom fatigue, you are already taking steps to learning how to create healthy habits regarding technology use.  Continue to take time to develop your own self-care practices so that you have healthy tactics to turn to that will help you handle stress and its effects.  Remember, HPW is always here to help you with becoming your healthiest self, either through 1:1 support or providing resources.  Remember to Take care of yourself, take care of each other, take care DePaul!  

Wellness Wednesday – Looking Back At 30 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Benjamin Tholotowsky Wellness Wednesdays

 

Signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush, the American with Disabilities Act became landmark legislation that broke down barriers for those living with disabilities in the United States. The ADA National Network writes, “The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.” On this 30th Anniversary we are reminded, and celebrate, this civil rights law that was put into place to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities as those without. The CDC found that the U.S. population has nearly 62 million individuals who identify as having a disability which “impacts major life abilities”. That’s roughly 1 out of every 4 people. Chances are very high that you know somebody with a disability, or maybe you identify as having a disability yourself. The more we learn about individuals living with disabilities the better we will be at meeting their needs. It comes from a place of empathy and understanding – realizing that accessibility might not have a major effect on oneself at this very moment while being mindful of the disparity that is ever-present and working to be inclusive whenever and wherever we can. 

Amazing progress has been made in the last 30 years since the passing of the ADA, with additions and refinements to the act that came in 2008, as well. But it’s important to see that the Americans with Disabilities Act is not just about those with disabilities, it’s for society as a whole. An article written by a Special Education Professor at the University of Florida states, “… the promise of ADA cannot be fulfilled unless those without disabilities act on its “clear, strong, consistent and enforceable standards.” There are still countless places like hotels, restaurants, shops, and classrooms that are lacking in accessibility. Private homes are often far from accessible, though do not fall within the enforcement of the ADA. Employment numbers reported by the U.S. Department of Labor shows unemployment rates twice as high for someone identifying as having a disability versus someone who does not identify as having a disability. Studies show that minorities with a disability have greater health disparities than those with a disability who do not identify as a minority. With 30 years under our belt, we are better able to look at the progress we’ve made and keep moving forward in a way that is constructive and will benefit every member of society – those with disabilities and those without. Though, this should not take away from the fact that there is still work to be done. Fairness is not making every step the same height. Fairness is scrapping the steps and constructing a ramp instead.

DePaul is committed to providing equal access and reasonable accommodations to all students and faculty and strives to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities at the university. The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) has services available to those with diverse physical, learning, medical, mental health, and sensory disabilities; and is the go-to on-campus resource for those looking to support our diverse learning community of both students and faculty. DePaul offers scholarship opportunities to those with disabilities and provides resources in locating and securing both full-time and part-time employment for a population that is typically marginalized. DePaul’s Office of Health Promotion and Wellness acknowledges the health challenges and disparities faced by those who have a disability and want to remind our DePaul community that our resources are always available. 

Take Care, DePaul!

 

References: 

https://adata.org/factsheet/ADA-overview

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0816-disability.html

https://offices.depaul.edu/student-affairs/about/departments/Pages/csd.aspx

https://theconversation.com/fulfilling-the-promise-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-81426

https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/DisabilityEmploymentStatistics.htm

Jones GC, Sinclair LB. (2008). Multiple health disparities among minority adults with mobility limitations: An application of the ICF framework and codes. Disability and Rehabilitation. 30(12‐13):901‐15.

Wellness Wednesday: Sun Safety

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(Photo by DoDo PHANTHAMALY)

In honor of Black, Indigenous, People of Color Mental Health Awareness Month, this Wellness Wednesday will be catered to people of color because there is a lack of public health promotion and resources for people of color. Today’s focus is on physical wellness because as we know, the many facets of wellness, including physical health, that impact and relate to mental health. 

While Chicago’s summer weather continues to get hotter and hotter, we need to remember to stay safe while being out in the sun. Public health education and interventions that are being promoted today, especially on sun protection behaviors, are only targeting white individuals (Calderon et al., 2019). The Office of Health Promotion and Wellness at DePaul is here to change that and provide a holistic education that is inclusive to all, especially people of color.

It is reported that skin cancer incidence rates are lower for Black/African Americans and Hispanics compared to White people (U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group, 2017). Although it is uncommon for people of color to get skin cancer, BIPOC are often more likely to experience poorer and/or severe outcomes when it comes to skin cancer. Research also states that when people of color get skin cancer, it often appears delayed and at an advanced stage (Calderon et al., 2019).

This is an issue because BIPOC folks already have higher mortality and mortality rates compared to white folks. The causes of this health inequity are undetermined, but further research is being conducted.  We also want to acknowledge that are health inequities that are linked to poor health outcomes (National Academy of Sciences et al., 2017). However, one one-way BIPOC can prevent skin cancer is to engage in sun protection behaviors.

Individuals with darker skin complexions have some type of sun protection because of their melanin, however, they are still prone to developing skin diseases as they get older (Bradford, 2009). Caroline Robinson, M.D., who specializes in alopecia, preventative skin care, and ethnic skin dermatology, states that sun damage on darker skin tones can cause inflammation of the skin which can result in hyperpigmentation and/or acne (Denton-Hurst, 2020).  In conclusion, darker skin complexions need protection too.

Sun exposure is one the leading factors to skin diseases so, below are some sun safety tips for everyone, including BIPOC that the American Academy of Dermatology Association have provided:

 

  1. Seek shade if possible 
  2. Wear protective clothing
  3. Wear sunscreen that is water-resistant, have broad-spectrum protection, and have a sun protection factor.
    • For BIPOC, wear sunscreen that is SPF of 30 or greater. For white individuals, wear SPF at least 15 or greater.
    • Apply sunscreen to the bare skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors
    • When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours and after sweating or after being getting out of a body of water
  1. Stay away from tanning beds and/or sunlamps. They can cause skin cancer due to the harmful UV rays.

As mentioned before, the purpose of this article is to shed a light on the health disparities, bring awareness to mental illnesses, and to stress the need to improve access to mental health treatment within underrepresented communities. Take Care DePaul by sharing this with another Blue Demon.

 

More Articles to Read:

 

Take Care DePaul!

Black, Indigenous, People of Color Mental Health Awareness Month

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“Once my loved ones accepted the diagnosis, healing began for the entire family, but it took too long. It took years. Can’t we, as a nation, begin to speed up that process? We need a national campaign to destigmatize mental illness, especially one targeted toward African Americans…It’s not shameful to have a mental illness. Get treatment. Recovery is possible.” -Bebe Moore Campbell 

The month of July is Black, Indigenous, People of Color Mental Health Awareness Month (BIPOC MHAM). For this month, we want to honor Bebe Moore Campbell who made this all happen.

Bebe Moore Campbell (1950-2006) was a Black American author, co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles, a national spokesperson, a journalist, teacher, and a mental health advocate who was passionate about learning, researching, and sharing the mental health needs of the Black community and underrepresented communities. At age 56, she passed away due to having brain cancer. To recognize her legacy and honor her, The U.S. House of Representatives designated July as “Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.”

For this month, we also encourage you to participate in the BIPOC MHAM. It serves to shed a light on the health disparities, bring awareness to mental illnesses, and stress the need to improve access to mental health treatment within underrepresented communities, such as Black/African Americans.

For many centuries, BIPOC individuals have experienced trauma in all aspects of their lives. BIPOC individuals are less likely to have access to health services and receive care. There are also more likely to receive poor quality health services and to end health services prematurely.

We must #TakeCareDePaul by working with one another to dismantle systems that perpetuate discrimination, work against health equity, and places blame on BIPOC communities. Learn more at mhanational. org/july.

How Can You Support?

  • Research about the health disparities in Black, Indigenous and POC communities
  • Spread awareness about the health disparities in Black, Indigenous and POC communities with your friends and family
  • Enhance public awareness of mental health and mental illness in BIPOC communities
  • Support BIPOC communities who do not have access to health care
    • Use and/or share Mental Health America’s Tools 2 Thrive, which is located in their toolkit, that serves to help better equip BIPOC communities to address their mental health.

Also, follow @HealthyDePaul and @OMSSdepaul on Instagram for more education and resources for this month.

For additional education and resources, please feel free to check out Mental Health America’s 2020 Campaign for BIPOC MHAM.  #BIPOCmentalhealthmonth

Take Care DePaul!

We Need Love + Healthy Relationships Right Now

Image caugust9 Links

If I had to state one thing that I took for granted before this pandemic is hanging out with my friends and family. As an individual who is pretty involved on DePaul’s campus and a high honor roll student, I realized that I put my health first and then school involvement second and then hanging out with my friends’ part last. Now, that I have been quarantined for over 3 months, I have been doing so much reflection on how I can walk out this pandemic as “New Christine”.

Now that I am living back at home with family, I realized how much I missed spending time with them. The other day, I tried to reflect back on the last time I physically hung out with someone (not including work, school, or club activities/events), and to be completely transparent with you it is hard to even recall. But I am not writing this to complain, I am writing here to encourage you to use this time to spend some time with the individuals that you live with during this pandemic.

What are some things to do? I have written and have done plenty.

1. Host weekly check-ins with housemates (Photo by Daria Shevtsova)

Many things are happening in this world and it can be a lot to digest. But I encourage you to check-in with housemates, have one day to just check-in about your feelings and work, school. We need one another especially going through these tough times.

2. Play some board games and/or puzzles together (Photo by cottonbro)

Whip out those old board games and puzzles that are hidden or purchase some games and play with your housemates.

3. Create a book club (Photo by Burst)

Purchase a book that you all are interested in reading and create a book club! Invite other friends and family virtually and meet weekly to reflect on a chapter.

4. Create a YouTube channel together (Photo by Andrea Piacquadio)

Become YouTube famous with your housemates! What are some things that your family can do to virtually to help other families?

5. Get those old instruments out and start a family band (Photo by nappy)

Get musical with your housemates and make some songs with one another. Make an album and/or prepare for a virtual concert. For those who do not have musical talent, I encourage you to teach yourself or take online lessons on how to play an instrument with one another.

6. Have Movie Nights (photo by JESHOOTS.com)

Pop some popcorn and have weekly movie nights with your housemates. Then after you watch the movie, reflect and rate the movie with one another.

7. Download TikTok, make a quarantined themed video and go viral (Google)

Have some fun with your family by making a TikTok video with your family. TikTok enhances your presentation skills, acting skills, and dancing skills!

8. Have zoom, skype, facetime family calls (Photo by Anna Shvets)

Video call some of your family friends and check-in on one another. You can also play some virtual games.

9. Write letters (yes, actual letters with paper and pen) to people outside the home (Photo by bongkarn thanyakij)

Let’s get back to writing letters to our family and friends who live outside the home. Make someone’s day together.

10. Make some baked goods, have a baking contest or a cooking contest or just cook together (Photo by August de Richelieu)

Make a meal together or have a cooking contest. This can teach you how to strengthen your cooking skills but also learn a new recipe. Another idea is to take turns with cooking.

11. Write a play staring your friends or family everyone can perform their part via a video call (Photo by Andrea Piacquadio)

Create something powerful like a movie or a play with one another and then perform it virtually with people outside the home.

 

The list continues and I bet there are other activities that are not listed that you and your family have done before, that’s great! These are just some things that I do in my home and I wanted to share it with YOU. Why? Because it has helped with strengthening my relationship with my parents and we are getting a lot closer than ever.

Take Care DePaul by sharing it with your friend so that they can have healthy relationships with their housemates. Why does this matter? Because what we need is LOVE right now and love is a required substance to healthy relationships.

I encourage you to get creative and try some of these things so that you can walk out of this COVID-19 with healthy relationships AND newly developed skills and talents. Do not let COVID-19 take you out. Take COVID-19 out together because we are all in this together.