May is Mental Health Month and Tri Delta will join the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. NAMI’s “You are Not Alone” campaign features the lived experience of people affected by mental illness to fight stigma, inspire others and educate the broader public. Tri Delta is proud to be at the forefront of this conversation and movement.
Now more than ever before, it is important for the mental health community to come together, for Tri Deltas to stay connected and show the world that our sisterhood is stronger together than we could ever be apart. During this time of uncertainty, Tri Delta is always here, and you are not alone.
In our continual efforts to help women develop a healthy mind, body and spirit, Tri Delta has developed new resources for our members to educate themselves and others on mental health.
COVID-19 AND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
- The words we use matter, and our language can impact our mental health. Reframing our thoughts can be a powerful way to improve our mental health. Learn more about how you can shift your perspective.
- This is a time of heightened emotions and distress. The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 can be overwhelming and taking care of our emotional health remains important. One place to start is by reflecting on this self-compassion exercise.
- As Tri Deltas, we are surrounded with a network of more than 240,000 members worldwide. Remember to check in on your sisters and show up for each other by utilizing the V-A-R approach, created by Active Minds. The letters correspond with three steps: Validate-Appreciate-Refer. Click here to learn more.
BEHIND HAPPY FACES
Thanks to a generous grant from Tri Delta’s Foundation, we are proud to partner with the Human Power Project to provide their nationally recognized curriculum, Behind Happy Faces. The online Resource Series is designed to prepare officers and volunteers to support members in their mental health journeys and navigate difficult situations.
- Click here to access the Collegiate Officer Series.
- Click here to access the Advisor Resource Series.
The program also includes six peer-led lessons which are designed to:
- Introduce a new perspective that emphasizes the need to take care of our mental health, much like our physical health
- Reframe the conversation around mental illness
- Teach members how to approach a friend or sister who is struggling with her mental health
- Provide members with the tools and resources to refer a friend to a mental health professional
- Reduce the stigma around seeking help for mental health challenges
- Increase problem-solving skills and ability to seek social support
If your chapter is interested in hosting a virtual Behind Happy Faces lesson this summer, please contact harmreduction@trideltaeo.org.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
If you find yourself needing additional resources, or need assistance supporting a friend or sister, there are resources available to you.
- Call the SAMHSA helpline at1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
- Connect with a professional from your campus.
- Visit mhascreening.org to take a mental health screen.
- Join an upcoming webinarfrom Active Minds.
- Read more about Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event.
- Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
It is natural to feel stressed, worried, anxious, angry. Remember that you are not alone, and your sisters are here for you. When we turn to each other and stay connected to our sisters and activities that make us feel grounded, we can find the strength and support to navigate this time of uncertainty together.
Questions about Mental Health Month can be directed to harmreduction@trideltaeo.org.