Mental Health Matters

MHTF – Mental Health Task Force Newsletter

Vol. 1, Issue 2 – September 2021 – download PDF HERE

Mission

The Mental Health Task Force at Westchester Community College is a multidisciplinary team of faculty, staff, and students who use a holistic, public health framework to assess the current culture and services related to student mental health. The Task Force’s development and utilization of a strategic plan will support the goal of enhancing the quality and accessibility of mental health and wellness services, information, programs, and resources across the Westchester Community College community.

September is Suicide Prevention Month!

WCC faculty and staff can take the free QPR training to learn ways of supporting someone struggling with thoughts of suicide. Sign up here

WCC students can sign up for our Help a Friend Training to learn ways of supporting their peers through these thoughts and feelings. Sign up here

Welcome

“Back to campus,” “back to normal,” “the new normal,” — however you are referring to this time in your life as a WCC community member, we are with you! Maybe you are excited for this new chapter of reemergence. Perhaps you are feeling anxious, uncertain, or overwhelmed. However you are feeling right now, you are not alone. Change is scary and after 18+ months of isolation, fear, and loss, it is understandable that you may not feel prepared for the next phase of our Westchester Community College journey.

The Mental Health Task Force at Westchester Community College has been committed to the wellbeing of our entire campus community. As a team of faculty, staff, administrators and student representatives, we have engaged in honest and open conversations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of our community. We assessed concerns about return to campus and brought our recommendations to WCC’s Pandemic Response Team. The Mental Health Task Force will continue to assess and address College policies, procedures, and general practices as they pertain to the mental health and wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff. The title of this newsletter is no coincidence your mental health really does matter.

No matter what your role is on/off campus, student, faculty, staff member, there is an opportunity for you to connect with others and advocate for mental health awareness. Please stay tuned for more exciting initiatives sponsored by WCC’s Mental Health Task Force. Check out our website at www.sunywcc.edu/MHTF for more information or connect with us by e-mailing MHTF@sunywcc.edu.

Spring 2021 Update

The Mental Health Task Force has had a busy Spring 2021 semester working on various ways to promote conversations and education around mental health. An important goal the MHTF had was to launch a website and e-mail address, which both went live in March:

Website: https://www.sunywcc.edu/student –services/mental –health –services/mental health –task –force/

E-mail: MHTF@sunywcc.edu

The website is designed to share information specific to the MHTF with the college community. The e-mail address is meant for initiatives pertaining to the MHTF. The MHTF is excited to have these new ways of promoting mental health to our fellow Vikings.

As part of the college’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, the MHTF is launching 75 tips on ways to sustain and improve positive mental health practices. This is a continuation of our “Mental Health Tip of the Month” feature and will continue throughout the college’s milestone anniversary year.

Also in March, we completed the JED Campus Life Skills Inventory. This inventory allowed us to see what programs we offer that discuss various life skills, such as mindfulness and stress management, and gaps we can possibly fill with programming in the upcoming academic school year. Related to programming already in place, several support groups and trainings for students were held regularly throughout the semester, such as Healthy Relationships Group, Grief Support Group, and Help a Friend Training. For faculty and staff, the Personal Counseling Department continued their successful Supporting Students in Distress Training, with a renewed focus on how to help support students in a remote environment.

Finally, in May, the MHTF publicized free mental health crisis intervention training for faculty and staff sponsored by SUNY which focuses on how to help someone dealing with suicidal ideation. The training centers on three steps, QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer. The training takes less than an hour and results in a two-year certification.

Here’s how faculty and staff can sign up:
Go to the QPR account page: https://www.qprtraining.com/setup.php
Enter “SUNY” in the “Organization Code” field.
Create your free training account using your @sunywcc.edu email address.
Follow the instructions to complete the training.

In the News

MICROAGGRESSIONS:
An Uncomfortable Conversation but a Necessary One

On May 25, 2021, Westchester Community College was fortunate to have J. Luke Wood, one of the leading experts in microaggressions, speak to our college community. The discussion consisted of defining microaggressions as well as discussing the framework that he developed with Frank Harris III.

If you were unable to attend the presentation, we urge you to read “How to Respond to Racial Microaggressions When They Occur” written by J. Luke Wood and Frank Harris III which discusses in more detail the framework they developed, called R.A.V.E.N.

The term microaggressions was first coined in the 1970’s by Chester Pierce who stated, “racial microaggressions are the subtle forms of racism that are communicated to people of color through messages that degrade and demean them.” Many cases of microaggressions occur when comments such as, “you are so articulate” or “you do not look Latinx” are directed at a person of color. What may seem to be a compliment by non-BIPOC individuals may actually be perceived as an insult to a person of color. Microaggressions are not only comments, but can be actions and/or behaviors as well such as assuming a person of color has cheated on a paper/exam because the teacher may have lower expectations of students of color. Another example of a microaggression is a store employee following a person of color while they are shopping because the assumption is they will steal items.

Microaggressions can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health. In a recent article by Elizabeth Montoya (2021), she discusses the effect of microaggressions on one’s health, especially mental health. Montoya states, “Microaggressions negatively affect the individual’s mental, emotional, and physical health. Over time, these microaggressions create inner conflict and chronic stress; this only increases their risk for the onset of traumatic stress symptoms and depression.”

Because of the challenges faced by people of color every day, Wood and Harris (2020) “developed the R.A.V.E.N.–a framework that is particularly useful when responding to microaggressions that occur in public (physical and online) spaces. The R.A.V.E.N. is a five-step approach that entails 1) Redirecting the conversation or interaction, 2) Asking probing questions, 3) Values clarification, 4) Emphasizing your own thoughts, and 5) offering concrete next steps… The R.A.V.E.N. is not intended to be a sequential process but rather a framework to guide thinking and actions to disrupt racial microaggressions when they occur. The framework also works best when actions and statements are unconscious in nature and not intentionally racist as the latter requires a direct and stern response.”

Wood and Harris believed that individuals might benefit from having the R.A.V.E.N framework to consider what they would do when either experiencing or witnessing microaggressions. Otherwise, most are likely to do nothing. “Microaggressions are harmful, so don’t be a bystander…do something.”

How to Respond to Racial Microaggressions When They Occur

May 5, 2020: by J. Luke Wood & Frank Harris III
https://diverseeducation.com/article/176397/#

The Effects of Microaggressions on One’s Health – Morning Sign Out at UCI

March 9, 2021: by Elizabeth Montoya s

Upcoming Events

For Students

Navigating the New Semester
Tuesday, August 24, at 2:00 p.m.

Helping a Friend Training
Wednesday, August 25, at 1:00 p.m.

Navigating the New Semester
Thursday, August 26, at 4:00 p.m.

Relationships Group
Every Tuesday at 5:15 p.m., starting September 7

COPING: Mental Health Support Group
Every Thursday at 6:00 p.m., starting September 9

Wellness Screening
Wednesday, September 22, at 11:30 a.m.

Wellness Screening
Thursday, September 23, at 4:30 p.m.

Navigating the New Semester: A Follow Up- Wed. Sept 29th at 11:30 AM
Wednesday, September 29, at 11:30 a.m.

Parenting Students Workshop
Wednesday, September 29, at 5:30 p.m.

Success from Head to Toe- Thurs. Oct 7th at 4:30 PM
Thursday, October 7, at 4:30 p.m.

Help a Friend Training
Wednesday, October 13, at 11:30 a.m.

Stress Management Toolbox- Wed. Oct 27th at 11:30 AM
Wednesday, October 27, at 11:30 a.m.

Help a Friend Training- Thurs. Nov 18th at 4:30 PM
Thursday, November 18, at 4:30 p.m.

Stress Free Finals Week- Dec. 6th – Dec. 10th

For Faculty/Staff

Employee Wellbeing Support with NY Project Hope
Thursday, September 2, at 4:00 p.m.

Supporting Students in Distress Training
Thursday, September 16, at 4:00 p.m.

Employee Wellbeing Support with NY Project Hope
Thursday, September 16, at 4:00 p.m.

Employee Wellbeing Support with NY Project Hope
Thursday, October 7, at 4:00 p.m.

Supporting Students in Distress Training
Thursday, October 21, at 4:00 p.m.

Employee Wellbeing Support with NY Project Hope
Thursday, October 21, at 4:00 p.m.

Employee Wellbeing Support with NY Project Hope
Thursday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m.

Employee Wellbeing Support with NY Project Hope
Thursday, November 18, at 4:00 p.m.

Employee Wellbeing Support with NY Project Hope
Thursday, December 2, at 4:00 p.m.

Mental Health Tip of the Month

As the summer begins to wind down, it is time to think about switching gears into back-to-school mode. This time of year typically brings excitement as well as feelings of anticipation, worry and even stress, particularly as our community continues to grapple with the challenges we endured during the pandemic. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to set yourself up for success in the coming school year.

Create a routine – setting up a daily routine can help organize and manage your time.
Prioritize sleep – good sleep habits help maintain physical and mental health. Getting plenty of sleep can reduce the effects of stress on the body and help boost the immune system.
Eat a healthy diet – including fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Healthy food can boost your energy levels, ability to focus and memory function.
Check in with a campus counselor – WCC provides an amazing support system for students. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Stay connected with others – Get involved with student clubs, sports or activities. Social connection can decrease anxiety and depression and help us regulate our emotions.
Practice mindfulness – Activities such as meditation and deep breathing are proven to be helpful in managing stress.
Reward yourself – Whether this is your first or last semester or somewhere in between, you made it here. You are on the right pathway to reach your goals.

Send Us Your Tips

Are there certain things you do to help your mental health?
What do you do for self-care?
How do you show yourself some self-compassion?

We want to hear from YOU: students, faculty, AND staff.

In honor of the 75th anniversary of Westchester Community College, the Mental Health Task Force is collecting mental health tips from faculty, staff, and students. Our goal is to collect 75 mental health tips to be published in an upcoming newsletter.

Please submit your tips here: : 75 Mental Health Tips Submission Form

We are excited to learn more mental health tips from everyone.

Past Newsletters

Vol. 1, Issue 1 - April 2021

MHTF - Mental Health Task Force Newsletter

Vol. 1, Issue 1 - April 2021 - download PDF HERE

Mission

Meet the Mental Health Task Force - MHTF

The Mental Health Task Force (MHTF) at Westchester Community College uses a public health framework to address issues like mental health, suicide prevention, and substance use within the WCC community. The work of the MHTF focuses on a campus cultural shift towards education, de-stigmatization, and prevention. The framework utilized by MHTF is the JED Holistic Model.

MHTF Members

Pat Sheehan, LMHC (Co-Chair), Personal Counseling Department
Kristy Robinson, LCSW (Co-Chair), Personal Counseling Department
Dr. Shawn Brown, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategic Operations
Dr. Rachele Hall, Department of Student Involvement
Dr. Ray Houston, Dean, School of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering
Dr. Karen Taylor, Dean, School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Adam Frank, Dean, Student Life
Ashlee Pierce, Viking ROADS Opportunity Program
Dorothy Posada, Strategic Marketing and Communications
Blakeley Lowry, School of Health Careers, Technology and Applied Learning
Jade Watts, Personal Counseling Department
Walesca Marmolejos, LMSW, Personal Counseling Department
Sophia Piñeiro, Student Support Services
Gianna Jimenez, SGA President 2020-2021

In the News

Are you prepared?

As a school dean I often receive emails and sometimes texts after hours, it is part of the position I hold. In early December, I received a text on a Monday night around 8:00 p.m. from an instructor explaining that she had a student who had thought about suicide over the weekend and the student was reaching out to her and what advice could I give. My immediate reaction was, “I got this, I am a member of the WCC Mental Health Task Force, I know what to do” but, I soon realized I was not prepared to handle the situation. I went to the college website and looked under Personal Counseling for the phone numbers of agencies. (Thank God, we now have Personal Counseling right on the front page, so I didn’t have to search.) I talked with the professor as to whether the student was in immediate danger and if so then she should call 911. The instructor said the student’s home situation was not good and calling 911 could make it worse. So, I ended up giving the faculty member some numbers of agencies that the student should call that night. The student agreed that she could and would make a call. I know that as a school dean, I cannot be prepared for everything that comes my way, but this situation really hit home and I decided that I was never going to be underprepared again for a life and death situation. That is when I signed up for the Mental Health First Aid Training course. It is an intense training that lasts six hours and every hour was worth my time. Throughout the day we discussed types of mental disorders and read scenarios of situations and how to handle them. I learned what mental health first aid is, what mental health first aiders do, the ALGEE action plan, and to put the important phone numbers in my phone. The Personal Counseling Department offered two of these Mental Health First Aid Courses – one in December and the one in January that I participated in – virtually of course. In my course, there were full-time faculty, adjunct faculty, and staff. I thought a good cross section of people on campus. However, I also thought that we as a college, as a community who cares about our students and each other that this course should be mandatory for all. Even without the added stress of the Pandemic, there are people hurting and being stigmatized for having mental health challenges. While I hope I am never in the situation of a late-night text asking for help from a student contemplating suicide, at least now I know what to do. Wouldn’t you like to be prepared also? Karen Taylor, Ed.D. Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Upcoming Events

For Students

COPING: Mental Health Support Group Thursday’s at 6:00 p.m. through May 13
Healthy Relationships Group Tuesday’s at 6:00 p.m. through May 11
Grief Support Group Wednesday, April 14 at 11:30 a.m.
Help a Friend Training Thursday, April 15 at 5:00 p.m.
Success from Head to Toe Group Wednesday, April 28 at 11:30 a.m. Zoom Link Meeting ID: 947 5978 4148 Passcode: 906753

For Faculty/Staff

Supporting Students in Distress Training Thursday’s at 6:00 p.m. through May 1

Mental Health Tip of the Month

Do you ever feel as though your muscles are so tense that you sometimes feel pain? Ever suffer from “brain fog” where your thoughts may be unclear or unable to focus on the tasks at hand? If you answered yes to any of these questions, just breathe. Did you know that simple, slow and deep breaths can help alleviate tension, pain, brain fog, and so much more? Many times, we do not realize how often we hold out breath or do not breathe properly throughout the day. Breathing properly actually helps with the lack of oxygen that can contribute to the things I mentioned above. In fact, breathing exercises can have physical and mental benefits when done on a regular basis. The following are some of the physical benefits of breathing exercises: Encourages full oxygen exchange Reduces tension in the body Helps eliminate toxins from the body Helps reduce pain Boosts the immune system The following are some of the mental health benefits of breathing exercises: Helps relieve stress Helps you to practice mindfulness and be in the present Promotes good sleep Reduces anxiety Helps boost mood If you would like to feel the benefits of deep breathing for yourself, please try one of the following breathing exercises: For all of the exercises, you can either be sitting, standing or in any comfortable position. You can have your eyes open of closed. AND they can be done anywhere and anytime! Box Breath (4-4-4-4) Breathe slowly in through your nose for a count of 4; hold your breath for 4 seconds; exhale the breath slowly through the mouth for a count of 4; hold your breath for 4 seconds. Repeat these steps a few times as needed but no more than 5 times. 4-7-8 Breathing Breathe slowly in through you nose for a count of 4; hold your breath for 7 seconds; exhale the breath for 8 seconds with an open mouth. Repeat these steps as many times as needed. Remember, when you are starting to feel some anxiety, stress, or other discomforts, just breathe.

Contact Information

MHTF@sunywcc.edu

Westchester Community College, State University of New York