Timely Reminder

With the end of the fall semester and the holiday season now in full swing I have been served a number of poignant reminders that not everything or everybody is “happy and gay” this time of year. It is, of course, very easy to get caught up in the excitement and joy of the season—the promise of time spent with loved ones, the happiness of gift giving, the celebrations and time away from work and/or school. But it is also the case that the end of the academic semester and the holiday season can be a time of great anxiety and distress for many. The stress of finals and planning for holiday gatherings, the guilt some have for not being in a position to buy those expensive gifts that their loved ones are hoping for, the sense of loss associated with those who are no longer with us during this season of family and friends, etc. Sadly, for many of us, the holidays are anything but joyful. I suppose that all of us are aware of this reality to some degree. Even those beloved holiday shows that are a part of so many family traditions (It’s a Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer) are all filled with many moments of angst, depression, deep sadness, and even suicidal thoughts. Our campus community has been prioritizing mental health this academic year and the need for aid/assistance within our community is staggering. Students, faculty, and staff are all reporting greater amounts of stress, anxiety, and depression than ever before. The new realities of the workplace, the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic, the disruption of our traditional patterns, along with the normal stresses of day-to-day life, have many individuals reeling. Fortunately, the university is working diligently to make resources available to those in need and current wait time for assistance is zero. Not everyone, however, is this fortunate. So, as we all go about our lives during this holiday season, and, for that matter, as we go about our lives on a daily basis, please remember that there are many who might be struggling. The bit of patience that you exhibit, that smile of recognition, that small act of kindness, may just be the thing that helps that individual get through their day. Please take a few moments to check in on your family and friends and to remind them that they are loved and remember that there is a new 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline now available nationwide for those in need of immediate assistance. I wish you all the happiest of holidays and a healthy and prosperous 2023!