Your sense of emotional, psychological, and social well-being directly impacts your ability to lead and perform at consistently high levels of output. Good mental health enables us to make better decisions, relate authentically with others, and achieve personal and professional goals.
That’s why it’s necessary to learn more about mental health: why it’s important, how to maintain it, and where to go for help when you feel in need of assistance.
On this page you’ll learn more about:
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Research and statistics that illustrate the extent of the current mental health crisis.
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Strategies you can use to bolster and support mental health for yourself and others.
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NSLS members who are providing mental health resources for their communities.
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Free mental health resources for people struggling in multiple areas.
MENTAL HEALTH: A CURRENT CRISIS
On many college and university campuses, a mental health crisis is brewing. Made worse by the pandemic and the intense stressors it has brought upon everyone, this crisis may negatively impact the ability of institutions to retain students and help them graduate.
This mental health crisis can impact anyone; however, many experts note the disparate impact of contemporary life, systemic racism, and conflicting messages more on minorities.
Dr. Obari Cartman, a psychology professor at Georgia State University and the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies at Northeastern Illinois University, discusses the ways in which the content people consume shapes their attitudes toward themselves and others. He notes that it’s important for all of us to be cognizant of the ways in which our work affects the mental health and well-being of others.
Olympic athlete Raven Saunders discusses her own experiences with depression and other mental health challenges. She also explains how the stigma surrounding therapy and seeking help keeps people from getting the care they need.
HOW TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
Learn five ways you can help improve and reinforce mental health, including best practices such as communicating support publicly, helping to identify students who are struggling, and referring them to available resources.
Good mental health requires a comprehensive, holistic approach to well-being. Dr. Corey Yeager explains that how we talk to ourselves impacts our mental health and how to replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk.
Robin Arzón is the VP of fitness programming and head instructor at Peloton, as well as a bestselling author. She shares her experience transitioning from a career that didn’t meet her needs to one that fulfilled her. She also discusses ways to create healthy routines based on foundational habits, and best practices that maintain resilience and mental health.
Teacher and author Zee Clarke explores the importance of mindfulness and breathwork, and how these practices create an effective strategy to reduce stress, regulate your nervous system, and improve mental health. She also discusses the experience of many people of color with higher rates of health challenges that are directly correlated with racism.
NSLS MEMBERS ADVOCATING FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Katarina Garcia experienced firsthand how postpartum depression affects new moms, so she set out to create a nonprofit to help others facing the same struggle. She secured $25,000 in funding from the Victoria’s Secret PINK with Purpose Project and founded Remember Mom, which offers in-person and virtual support groups for new moms.
Yi Meng observed that anxiety and depression increased as a result of isolation during COVID. So, she worked to reduce feelings of loneliness by bringing a human touch to the solitary activity of online shopping via CoCarting. Friends and family can add items together, vote on possible purchases, and pause to socialize via live video and chat.
See how others are forging new paths to excellence and well-being.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health but aren’t sure where to turn, these free resources are a great place to start.
For Anxiety
Having a support system if you’re struggling with anxiety is important. On Anxiety Social Net, you can create a profile and connect and empathize with others who are also dealing with anxiety and anxiety-related disorders.
For Depression or Bipolar Disorder
You can join a support group in person or online by visiting the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance website.
For Postpartum Depression
If you’re struggling with mental health after giving birth, you can find virtual and in-person support groups on Postpartum Progress and Remember Mom.
For Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm, or if you’ve lost a loved one to suicide, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has the resources and support groups to help.
For Veterans
For injured veterans, those with PTSD, or even families of military personnel, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has the resources to help, including:
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Readjustment counseling
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Military sexual trauma counseling
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Bereavement counseling
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Outreach and education
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Substance abuse
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Screening for mental illness
