Posted on Friday, January 08, 2021
During these uncertain and often traumatic times, it is important to take care of yourself, said Dr. Kelly Veal, Program Coordinator of Clinical Mental Health and Counseling. She also is owner of a private practice that engages in counseling, coaching and consulting.
“So many people get caught up in caring for others that they forget how imperative self-care is,” she said.
The ever-changing nature of COVID has wreaked havoc on future plans, while the barrage of troubling news from the pandemic to politics only adds to anxiety, she said.
"That sense of not being in control of your life is frustrating and exhausting,” she said. “That’s why taking time for yourself is so vital.”
Dr. Veal will be leading a virtual lunch-and-learn session called “Self-Care is Not Selfish! How to Balance Your Life in 2021” at noon Jan. 14.
“Too often people feel it is selfish to do things for themselves,” she said. “In fact, the opposite is true. When we learn to put self-care first, we can be better equipped for our careers, families and service work.”
Across campus, other efforts to address well-being are underway.
The CMHC faculty has been active in hosting events on its Facebook page on topics such as social justice and racial inequality.
Dr. Andrea Mueller, Instructor of Music, has been working with a professional counseling expert to speak on a Zoom call in the spring.
“My dear friend, Archie Messersmith-Bunting, is offering a virtual event called, ‘It’s Okay Not to Be Okay,” she said. “He is a gifted speaker and facilitator, and this is a topic he is extremely passionate about, particularly during these extra difficult times.”
More information will be released as details are nailed down.
Meanwhile, the campus Counseling Center offers sessions either in person or virtually through Microsoft Teams or Doxy.me. To make an appointment, contact Bobbi West-Stemple at 706-880-8269 or email bwestste@lagrange.edu. Mental health issues addressed include depression, anxiety, anger management, stress management, self care /wellness, addiction, trauma, relationship problems, grief and homesickness.
The office is open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays. After-hour assistance for students is available by calling Campus Safety at 706-880-8911 or by reaching out to Resident Assistants or Area Managers. Officers or residential support staff are able to refer cases to the appropriate personnel.
More and more in today’s uncertain world, being aware of your own mental health is crucial, Dr. Veal said.
“It is actually very healthy and unselfish to take care of ourselves first,” she said. “We can’t help others if we aren’t in a good place personally.
For more information and to register, visit here.
Once registered, participants will be sent details for joining the Zoom meeting.
Baseball's McKinley Erves was featured on the Today Show's website Wednesday. His friends chipped in to buy colorblind glasses for his 22nd birthday, and his Twitter video went viral. Watch his response here.
Olivia Hanners, a Political Science major, presented her paper, “Child Soldiers” at the Georgia Political Science Association in November. She was named a finalist for the Pajari Award for best undergraduate paper and presentation at GPSA.
Dr. Lydia Rosencrants, Chair of Business and Nonprofit Studies, recently had a comment published in response to a LinkedIn news story about delays in students returning to campus.
Check LC Connect for Virtual CE events and instructions. For in-person events, all COVID guidelines apply.
Monday
Virtual: Depression is one of the common issues that many individuals are facing daily. Come learn about the effects of depression, and ways to cope with and reduce its impact.
Helping others is second nature to Nia Johnson. Johnson suits up for the LaGrange College women's basketball team and studies Political Science. The time that she devotes to those two areas exceeds most full-time jobs. https://www.lagrangepanthers.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/releases/20210105nbd7l0
For the second year in a row, LaGrange College has been ranked a Top 5 school and a "Best Value" by U.S. News & World Report. Learn why.
Behind the scenes: Revamped program teaches unique trade to THS students – LaGrange Daily News, Jan. 5, 2021
Category: Faculty, Students, College, Events
Keywords: mental health counseling depression
