Fall 2024 Edition

WellFest 2024- Loyola's first ever WellFest happened on September 18th! This event included many exciting highlights and fun activities, such as live Zumba, yard games, Taharka Brothers ice cream, therapy dogs, DIY trail mix bar, and most importantly, campus wellness resources! Attending students and campus partners made this event memorable and lots of fun for all! Connection and community wasfelt by all. Be sure to look out for our spring wellness event - Healthy Hounds Day!

As an NCAA Division I institution, Loyola is home to over 450 intercollegiate student-athletes (more than 10% of its student body) who compete across 17 different programs. Due in part to their intense scheduling demands and the hyper-visibility of their lives, student-athletes navigate stressors that can uniquely impact their mental health and emotional well-being. These can include stress-filled weeks attempting to balance full courseloads and personal lives with daily practices and workouts, team meetings and film review, injury rehabilitation, travel to and from competition, and the emotional highs and lows of a competitive season. It also includes the many pressures elite athletes face in and out of their sport to perform at a high level consistently. With all of this and more bearing down on them, it is no surprise that athlete mental health continues to garner increased awareness on a national and global scale.

In recent years, Loyola’s Counseling Center has worked to strengthen and expand its partnership with and support of Loyola Athletics. With several licensed sport psychologists on staff and a full team of therapists who work individually with student-athletes, the Counseling Center offers a robust and unique mental health services model designed to support Loyola Athletics. This work has largely focused on three aims: increasing the visibility and accessibility of existing mental health resources for athletes, tailoring new services and programming to meet the unique needs of this community, and fostering a “culture of mental well-being” across Loyola Athletics.

Partly due to these efforts, student-athlete utilization of Counseling Center services has risen significantly in recent years. Data show that approximately one third (33%) of Loyola varsity athletes access mental health support through the Counseling Center each year, using the full range of services (Let’s Talk sessions, group therapy, individual therapy, emergency and consultation services, and referral support). The Counseling Center has also developed various new initiatives, including: numerous psychoeducational presentations and workshops for teams each year; a drop-in support group for athletes coping with long-term injuries (“Mind, Body, Connection”); and a consultation series for Loyola’s coaches (“Coaches’ Corner”). Recently, all 50+ Loyola Athletics staff and administrators, including coaches and sports medicine, completed suicide prevention training facilitated by Counseling Center staff and an additional training on “Trauma Informed Sport Environments” will take place later this year. Furthermore, beginning Fall 2024, the Counseling Center’s training program for local graduate students launched a new track focused on student-athlete mental health services, with three trainees entering the track in its inaugural year. Finally, a summary of some of the “Mental Health and Sport Psychology Services” available to Loyola athletes can also be found on a new page of the Loyola Athletics website.

This year, Active Minds -- a mental health awareness and advocacy club on Loyola's campus -- started a fundraising team supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Each year, the AFSP holds Out of the Darkness (OOTD) Walks where individuals and teams can raise money for the AFSP and participate at the event. OOTD events have many tables with different resources, activities, and merchandise you can purchase to further donate to the cause.

The AFSP is an organization that promotes mental health awareness and advocacy by funding research and prevention initiatives about suicidal ideation and dying by suicide. For example, $10 raised supports AFSP wristbands to promote positive conversations about mental health to increase mental health awareness; $250 provides the funds for the AFSP to recruit and train volunteer advocates to inform and educate public officials about mental health needs and suicide prevention; $1,000 enables the facilitation of youth suicide prevention outreach and programming.

The organization also provides resources to those who may be struggling with suicidal ideation, as well as resources for those who have lost somebody to suicide or have a loved one who has attempted to die by suicide. These resources can be found on their website.

The Loyola University Active Minds team will be participating in the OOTD Walk on October 26, 2024 at Canton Waterfront Park. So far, the team has raised over $2,500 of our goal ($3000). If you would like to support the AFSP and Loyola's fundraising team, click here for more information.

With the increase in social media use, many young adults are turning to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for mental health support and advice. According to Forbes, the hashtag #mentalhealth has over 75 billion views on TikTok, and over 46.3 million posts on Instagram.

However, it is important to recognize that while social media has the power of normalizing therapy and destigmatizing mental health, much of the information shared is inaccurate or harmful. 83.7% of mental health advice on TikTok is misleading, and 14.2% of the content includes information or messaging that can be damaging, according to a recent study. This misinformation and “over pathologizing of mental illness on social media” — as explained by Dr. Jessica Rabon, licensed psychologist and mental health influencer — has led young adults to self-diagnose. Mental health disorders look different for each person, and social media support is not equivalent to therapy, and should not replace it.

Here are some tips and tricks for recognizing a credible mental health influencer.

1. Look for the creator’s credentials and/or experience

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Psychologist (PsyD and PhD)
• Mindset coach
• Life coach
• Psychology Expert*
  
• Mental Health Advocate*

For example:

• Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) — for unlicensed ACSW and licensed LCSW
• Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) — for licenced Psychologist PsyD or PhD
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) — for AMFT or LMFT

6. Follow more than one mental health influencer to get a diverse outlook. This way, you have the ability to cross-reference the facts you are receiving, you will have the opportunity to see where there may be overlapping information, and you can figure out which topics to research further.

*Folks using terms such as "expert" or "advocate" may not have specific experience or expertise since you don't have to prove credentials to use such language. Please do your research on their content and compare it to the content of other folks.

Check out these links for more information!

NPR

Forbes

National Alliance on Mental Illness

See below for some reputable mental health influencers.

Disclaimer: While the social media channels we recommend have been reviewed to ensure general authenticity and ethical presentation of mental health content, these recommendations do not serve as an endorsement by the Loyola University MD Counseling Center and the messages and thoughts of the creators is solely their own.

Therapy is something that has been stigmatized since the beginning of its existence. Some people have avoided seeing a therapist due to this stigma, but in the last decade the misconceptions and myths about therapy have exponentially decreased. As a result, people are more inclined to reach out to therapists for help. The CDC notes that between 2019 and 2021, the number of people aged 18-44 who saw a therapist in the last 12 months increased from 18.5% to 23.3%.

Although more people are seeking therapy in recent years, many are still hesitant to go. People are reasonably unsure about what to expect, or may have had negative experiences with therapy in the past. Therapy 101, spearheaded by Loyola’s Counseling Center, is a public health campaign aiming to educate students about what to expect from therapy, how to prepare for your first appointment, and how to build a relationship with your therapist. Therapy 101 aims to further destigmatize and normalize going to therapy, and hopes to demystify the therapy process. The goal of this campaign is to encourage more students to take charge of their mental health through therapy.

Therapy, while it does function to help us feel better, is also a place for hard work and growth. This can be challenging and overwhelming, but clients are never alone in their therapy journey. In therapy, clients are able to talk about their feelings and work through them, as well as reflect on their sense of agency and empowerment. The main purpose of therapy is to provide a safe space for people to share and explore their struggles, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The therapist will act as a non-judgmental listener who will help the client work through their experiences in a healthy way. Additionally, the therapist can help clients find effective coping strategies to manage strong emotions and other emotionally charged scenarios.

To make the most of a therapy session, it is important to recognize the important first step of taking charge of one's mental health journey by taking the initiative to go to sessions. Some helpful tips: It’s important to arrive on time, and to have open communication with your therapist/counselor. The client should try to be open, honest, and vulnerable in sessions, even though it can be intimidating. The client is encouraged to apply what they learn in therapy to their everyday life to help foster growth and positive change.

Check out the Counseling Center website for more information about Therapy 101, and for other resources and informational videos!

Brené Brown

Brené Brown is an author and podcaster who discusses several mental health topics, including setting boundaries, doing the best you can with what you have, and accepting imperfection. Her books and podcast episodes encourage audiences to reflect on their mental health and learn skills that help better their lives.

Some of her books include: Rising Strong, The Gifts of Imperfection, and You Are Your Best Thing.

Click here to learn more about Brené!

Pat Cassidy (he/him) serves as the inaugural Director of LGBTQ+ Student Services. He has worked at Loyola since 2015 when he started as a Program Coordinator in Messina. In the years following, he held a variety of different roles in the Center for Community, Service, and Justice before stepping into his current position in July 2024. Pat holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Providence College and a master’s degree in spiritual and pastoral care from Loyola’s former Pastoral Counseling program. After his undergraduate studies, Pat lived and worked in Punta Gorda, Belize for two years as a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. He approaches his work with students and community with an asset-based lens and an eye towards systemic change. Though he is a Connecticut native, he has called Baltimore home for the past 14 years and still can’t get enough of this city. Pat loves to bike through the city, try out different coffee spots, and eat all the good food all throughout Baltimore. Want to get to know Pat more? Pop by his office on the 3rd floor of the Student Center to say hello!

1) What is your favorite part of working for LBGTQ+ Student Services?

That’s a tough one! There are so many things that I love about this work. I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to be creative – dreaming and visioning what the work of this new department can look like for our campus community. Everything from styling the Pride Resource Room to be cozier and more welcoming, to cultivating partnerships with local LGBTQ+ organizations as an opportunity to connect students to more resources. It’s been so energizing for me as I love innovating and thinking about the big picture and then really getting to work to take the steps to bring those ideas to life. It’s also been such a joy to see student’s reactions when they hear about the department – everyone from incoming first-year students to seniors who have been hoping and advocating for this day to come. I feel very lucky and humbled to be a part of this work at Loyola.

2) What is something students should know about LGBTQ+ Student Services?

That we exist! 😊 We’re still very much in the “spreading the word” phase of the department launch. It’s been fun to introduce the department to different student leader groups and university departments to share about the work and the ways that we hope to engage, support, and partner across campus. I also want students to know that they can help shape the work of the department. We’re actively building out what the work of LGBTQ+ Student Services will look like for both the near and distant future and I want to be sure that students’ voices and experiences inform that process. So, if you’re interested in sharing your ideas, reach out! I’m always happy to grab coffee, meet up, and chat. Oh yeah, and I want students to know about our Instagram account (@loyolalgbtq) – give us a follow!

3) What is something that excites you about this school year?

I’m excited about the programming opportunities for the office. Seeing how many people were interested in the drag bingo event a few weeks ago was amazing. Having the opportunity to support local drag artists and create a space of visibility and celebration of queer identities was such an incredible joy – and a real success program wise too. Also, we can’t have ourselves peaking programmatically in September, so you know we’re going to bring it the rest of the year!

4) What or who inspires you?

I’m really inspired by the arts, especially anything that makes me feel something. Whether that’s music, a theater production, fashion, poetry – if it shifts something in me emotionally or makes me think differently or deeply, I’m inspired. It allows me to experience something physically in my body because of a new perspective, vision, or idea. I think that’s really special, and I think it’s something that we can all offer to each other in some way or another.

5) What is your favorite way to unwind at the end of the day?

I love spending time with my husband and dog just relaxing around the house, eating a good meal, and watching whatever show we’re currently binging. And if I can do all of that and be in bed, reading a book by 9pm…that’s the ultimate.

6) If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?

Mine would definitely be having the ability to fix anything with the snap of my fingers. Phone screen cracks – snap. Plane gets delayed because of a failed engine – snap. Our divisive government and the criminal justice system – snap, snap. Also, how fun would it be to just smash some dinner plates at the end of a long, hard day? SNAP!

7) What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

When I was a first-year in college, I started having celebrity friend dreams and they continue to this day. Every month or so, I’ll dream that I’m having dinner with Beyoncé, helping Kim Kardashian sort through the latest family drama, or in an executive meeting with Taylor Swift. Super casual, super normal - no fan-girling, just friends. The Beyoncé dreams are always my favorite because, well, Beyoncé.

Pro Bono Counseling

Phone Number: (410) 825-1001

The WARMLine: (410) 598-0234

Mailing Address: 5900 Metro Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215

An organization serving Maryland residents, Pro Bono Counseling supplies free counseling services since 1991. Many individuals are ‘falling through the cracks,’ as they have a high enough income to not receive extra benefits, but an income that makes quality mental health care inaccessible. Counseling services are often out of the budgetary limitations of many people, and therefore they are unable to get the help they are seeking. Pro Bono Counseling is addressing these needs of Marylanders by accommodating financial restrictions. The organization has a network of over 800 licensed therapists across Maryland, including counselors from the Loyola Counseling Department, who are donating over 11,000 counseling hours annually.

Pro Bono Counseling’s mission is to remove barriers and provide relief by connecting Marylanders to mental health support. However, their services do not stop with traditional counseling. Pro Bono Counseling also offers a WARMLine (410-598-0234), different from a hotline, which clients can use if they are experiencing emotional distress or an emotionally charged situation and are not sure if they need therapy, but need to talk through those feelings right then. The WARMLine is a great first step in taking charge of one's mental health care. Clients can speak to a real therapist in real time; at the other end of the line is a trained and licensed mental health professional ready with compassion and a desire to help.

Everybody deserves accessible therapy. Pro Bono Counseling is committed to serving the counseling needs of the Maryland community.

Click here for FAQs!

Have you seen green bandanas on students' backpacks around campus?

The Green Bandana Brigade’s goal is to spread awareness of campus, local, and national resources for students coping with mental health concerns. An individual with a green bandana on their backpack or in their office is identified as a safe, nonjudgmental person to approach with mental health-related difficulties. They know about available resources, and they can provide resource cards to assist others in getting help and support. None of us has to be alone in our struggles.

How do I join?

In order to earn a green bandana and become an advocate for mental health, one must complete a Vector online mental health training. At the end of the training, the participant will be presented with a certification of completion. Bring the certificate to the Counseling Center to receive your green bandana, set of resource cards, and you will be added to the GBB Bridge page!

Learn more about the Green Bandana Brigade online!

All Loyola undergraduate and graduate students can access free online mental health support with Togetherall, any time, any day.

Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you to explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment.

What is Togetherall?

• A community where members are anonymous to each other, they can share how they are feeling & support each other
• Accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Clinically managed with trained professionals available 24/7 to keep the community safe
• Self-assessments & recommended resources
• Creative tools to help express how you’re feeling
• Wide range of self-guided courses to do at your own pace

Sign up for Togetherall today!

My name is Onyi Kenine. I’m a junior here at Loyola and a psychology major. I’m the Student Body Vice President and former sprinter on the Women’s track team. I’m from Wilmington, DE where I live with my younger brother and my mom. My dream job is either an industrial-organizational psychologist, lawyer, or psychologist in a hospital or private practice in a big city. I enjoy traveling and my dream is to retire in either France or the Netherlands when I get older and do service trips around the world. Besides traveling I enjoy reading, exploring, and spending time with my friends.

I chose to be a Trained Peer on Togetherall because I want to be a comforting ear to people who are struggling. I’ve always had passion for removing the stigma around mental health as I’ve seen what it does to the people around me. I hope to help people feel a bit more at ease in this role and use this to take care of myself and my friends.

What inspired you to be a trained peer supporter with Togetherall?

I want to help people feel comfortable sharing their feelings as a part of their road to improve their mental health.

How do you maintain your own mental health while supporting others?

I try to set boundaries with the topics I see on Togetherall to make sure I'm fully able to help someone without putting my mental health at risk.

What advice do you have for people considering peer support in their recovery journey?

I think peer support is a nice way to feel heard without having to over explain yourself because most people understand you more than you think. It's also easier to speak to someone your own age than an adult.

What techniques do you find to be the most effective in supporting your peers?

To me validating and listening to what people have to say before responding is most effective to supporting my peers because sometimes people don't want solutions more just a sounding board.

What is something you have learned as being part of a peer support system?

Being a part of a peer support system has taught me that everyone struggles and it's okay to express your emotions to cope.

The Science of Well-being online course

This course, offered by Yale University, will offer a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. As preparation for these tasks, Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, bothersome habits of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change. You will ultimately be prepared to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life. The course is currently available for no cost.

Course summary

What is this course about? It is a course that allows you to explore the field of psychology and teaches us to be happier, how to feel less stressed, and how to thrive in college and beyond.

FAQ

• Takes Approximately 19 hours to complete
• Flexible schedule!
• Skills you’ll gain: Gratitude, happiness, meditation, savoring the moment

Website: www.loyola.edu/counselingcenter
Location: Humanities Building 150
Phone: (410) 617-2273
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loyolaumcc/