Mental Wellness

Hi everyone! I hope this post finds you well! My name is Caroline Steele and I am the Vice President of Panhellenic at Kappa Alpha Theta. In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, today I am writing to you about the Mental Wellness Committee we recently established in our chapter. This topic is near and dear to my heart, as I know it is for the entire Panhellenic Community. 

We chose the word wellness very intentionally and I will continue to use it throughout this post. Let me explain why. Mental wellbeing and wellness is defined as a state of mind where an individual realizes her own potential and abilities, can cope with the ups and downs of everyday life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a positive contribution to her community (Mind.org). Mental wellbeing encompasses, but is not limited to, a healthy relationship with people, alcohol, drugs, exercise, food, work, lifestyle, sleep, cleanliness, and state of mind. Nothing is wrong with the word Mental Health, but I love that wellness is a verb and a well-rounded state of being. 

With the current climate, increasing mental wellness difficulties, and post-pandemic reentry anxiety, I started this committee to serve as a network of support and guidance for our chapter. I never want a sister to feel like they have no place to go when they are struggling, so this committee exists as a vital prevention measure and lifesaving bridge to local mental wellness resources. Not to mention: 

  • Up to 44% of college students reported having symptoms of depression and anxiety.

  • Suicide is the third leading cause of death for college students.

  • Half of students reported feeling overwhelmingly anxious in the past year.

  • Nearly two-thirds of students who developed substance abuse problems also were found to suffer from mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

  • 32% of college women have an eating disorder.

  • College students are one of the top at-risk groups for chronic sleep loss and poor sleep quality, which can yield deleterious effects on health.


Members knowing that they aren’t alone and that someone is their ally could make all the difference, and that is all I could hope for the role of this committee. While we are not therapists or psychologists, our committee advocates for fostering a destigmatized, supportive chapter environment surrounding mental wellness and we help guide sisters through challenging moments both external (such as the pandemic crisis) and internal (such as recruitment or finals) to chapter life. So far, our committee has been received warmly and with excitement by our members! With weekly presentations at chapter meetings on topics about mental wellness and message reminders in our group chat, everyone has been very appreciative that we are opening the door for these important conversations. We have also hosted several events (group outdoor walks, an affirmation jar, and a board game/craft night to de-stress from finals), and we are excited for what we have planned for this fall semester! To see engagement from our members in what we have planned is a true sign of how badly we needed a committee dedicated to mental wellness. 

To close this post, I want to impart some mental wellness advice. PNMs, if you’re reading this, we all can’t wait to meet you! Know that the PHA community is genuinely supportive of your wellbeing, so if you’re struggling during recruitment (because it can be challenging!) please please reach out to your Rho Gamma for support or to get connected to resources because that is what they are there for!! Prioritizing your mental wellbeing so you can be your best during recruitment is super important.

PHA members, if you’re reading this, good luck with recruitment! I hope you take the same advice I offered PNMs but instead of reaching out to a rho gamma, please reach out to your fellow CARE sisters, advisors, or good friends when you need it. And, if you are interested in starting a wellness committee in your chapter, I would be happy to help in any way, so do not hesitate to reach out! 

Thanks for reading my post. Please checkout my footnote for some important mental wellness resources :) Enjoy your summer, get some rest and relaxation, and we will see you all in August!! Interfraternally, 

Caroline

Talk / Help Lines

These calls can be anonymous if you wish; you do not have to provide your name. These lines can be for any need—questions, concerns, how to help someone—it does not have to be life threatening. Real people, experts, will answer your call and get you the local help & advice that you need. Their goal is to make sure someone is safe while being the least intrusive possible for identity security. Do not be afraid to use these for any reason!

  • Douglas County Mental Health: 785- 843-9192 

  • Johnson County Mental Health: 913-268-0156 

  • Compassionate Ear Warm Line: (913) 281-2251

  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741

    • This will change to 988 in July

  • Crisis Text Line: Text 741-741

  • Lifeline Crisis Chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ 

Utilize & implement the model GRAPES for ourselves and to help others from JOCOMNH

Gentle with self (foster self compassion & growth, be your own BFF)

Relaxation (mindfulness, sensing, spirituality, gratitude)

Accomplishment (the small & the big, celebrate all victories, check expectations)

Pleasure (joy, fun, happiness)

Exercise (moving the body, does not have to be high intensity/duration)

Social (introvert/ambivert/extrovert, what fills your cup back up)

PHAPR