ADDICTION NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS A MENTAL DISORDER, NOT A WEAKNESS Sam Lauria is a sophomore journalism major, who is also the assistant opinions editor at The Statesman. For decades society has portrayed addiction as a disease defined by weakness. Addicts are defined as amoral individuals who will do anything to get their next fix. They are often ignored by those around them as they are considered to be selfish and uncaring toward loved ones. Though it is often overlooked, addiction is a mental illness that requires a great deal of effort and attention to overcome. Instead of receiving this attention, however, addicts are regarded by society as the lowest of the low, grouping and giving them the same treatment as criminals. Stigmatizing addiction is dangerous – it needs to be addressed that people with addictions suffer from severe substance abuse disorder. When addicts are confronted with their problems, they are dismissed by others. Addicts are often told to “just quit” or to “try harder” if they slip up along the way. It is not that simple. Addiction affects people’s brains by tricking them into thinking that the substance they are abusing will allow them to be happy. A person will unknowingly lie to themselves in order to justify their habits without ever realizing the severity of their dilemma. Addicts are not bad people; they just need help. Addiction typically stems from experiencing trauma and loneliness. In most cases, addicts turn to drugs because they need a way to cope with their trauma. They have gone through long periods of emotional hardship within their lives while being unable to properly manage it, or have people to talk to. Addicts often feel like they are trapped in their own minds without anyone ever realizing they are in distress. Once they get a hold of a particular substance, the side effects of their trauma seem
By Sam Lauria
to disappear. Addicts finally feel like they are in control of their own lives. Eventually they realize that their substance of choice only provides temporary relief. They take larger doses to relive the same euphoric effect that originally freed them from their pain.
“Rehab has a 30 percent success rate while about 70-80 percent of its participants drop out before they complete their time.” - American Addiction Centers
Addiction slowly creeps into their lives. Instead of alleviating a person of their trauma, addiction just becomes another facet of it. The worst part is that most addicts are aware of their struggles, but are completely unable to stop — something that people fail to recognize. In response to addiction, people such as law enforcement, medical professionals and loved ones often suggest help from rehabilitation facilities. Although it seems like
a good alternative, the rehabilitation system is incredibly flawed. Systems such as the Twelve Step Program, which has been in place since the 1930s, rely on religion in order to help patients treat their addictions. While the 12-Step Program has been known to fail, it is still the preferred method that most rehabilitation centers and hospitals use to treat addiction. Other methods such as therapy, which helps addicts learn to do things in moderation, have a higher success rate. These methods are grounded on science and logic, but are still neglected by many mainstream practices. Instead of looking at addictions as a mental disorder, rehab treats it as a lifestyle that can be easily avoided if the process is followed. Rehab has a 30 percent success rate while about 70-80 percent of its participants drop out before they complete their time. The lack of improvements to this system further showcases how much addicts are ignored by society. Addiction takes a large toll on a person and sticks with them for the rest of their life. Instead of ignoring them or labeling them as a nuisance, we should pay more attention to addicts’ problems. Their struggles are real and, most of the time they cannot overcome them on their own. If you know someone who may be struggling with substance abuse, do not neglect them or label them as a lost cause. Instead, show them that you care about their health. Offer to stay by their side; let them know that you will always be there to help them. Yes, there may be bumps in the road but the worst thing that someone could do to an addict is abandon them. Most of the time, addicts turn to drugs because they feel alone. Showing them that someone actually cares about them could very well be the guiding force that will push them towards sobriety.
HOW A STONY BROOK STUDENT ARTIST COPES DURING A PANDEMIC Grace Noonan always paints in color. Her drawings are crisp and vibrant, with her artistic affinity inspired by the likes of anime and Disney. Moving more into the digital art world, Noonan uses an array of brushes and techniques on her iPad to make her illustrations. Her favorite tool is the undo button — a tool she can not do without and a tool that 2020 could probably do with. “The whole first month was just me internally panicking,” Noonan said. “The feeling of not knowing what’s going to happen next is the worst feeling.” Like many others, junior biology major Grace Noonan felt a lot of uncertainty at the start of the pandemic. Many people pivoted to new creative interests as a means to cope, or worked on perfecting ones they already had. For Noonan, a Long Island native, the lockdown gave her a chance to brush up on her art and try new styles she might not have considered until later in the future. “I think having quarantine and making me sit down on the couch for five hours a day really pushed me to try something different,” she said. Noonan credits her father as a big influence on her artistic endeavors. He does design work at an architectural firm and his critical eye has always been of help to improve her drawings, especially as a beginner.
By Deidre Redhead
“From a young age, he would teach me things about perspective,” she said. “He was a big inspiration for me to get started in art.” Noonan began drawing when she was in the seventh grade. She started making pencil sketches of her favorite characters from online tutorials. When the animated Disney blockbuster “Frozen” came out a year later, she drew all things Frozen, using step-by-step drawing tutorials. It was not until high school that she started making digital art after briefly partaking in painting at one point. Now she uses pop culture icons like K-pop and BTS for her colorful and vibrant artwork. While going through a pandemic, Noonan never wanted her drawings to lean into negative or sad depictions, even if that’s what she was feeling. That playful style of art she has always kept became even more important to her. “Even though I was feeling those negative emotions, I use art as an escape,” Noonan said. “The long hours that I’m drawing, I’m in a different world.” Noonan is also the president of the Stony Brook University Art Club, where she manages everything from emails to event spaces. Not all of their members are on campus, so the club has hosted many virtual art events like Bob Ross and Disney character painting sessions.
Being in the club as a non art major has helped her de-stress from the academic pressures of being a biology student. Other than art, she cited her biology background as something that helped her through the pandemic. Though it was difficult to constantly be aware and know firsthand of the pandemic’s severity, being informed helped her keep friends and relatives updated. Her biology background granted her a deeper understanding of the scientific jargon associated with the virus. “It was twofold,” Noonan said. “I know the impact it can have but then also, I know when articles and data come out, I can somewhat explain it to my family and friends.” Noonan is inspired by the connections that her mother has established with patients as a nurse practitioner. Her goal is to integrate her passion for art and love of helping others into her work within the medical field. “If people are confused on what’s happening to them, I could be able to illustrate to them,” Noonan said. “I combine all those things to become the best doctor I can be.” Noonan hopes that future art puts a spotlight on the good that people have done during the pandemic. “People who do art about first responders, healthcare workers essential workers will show that in the face of this pandemic, a lot of us have come together,” Noonan said. “A lot of art is going to reflect how we overcame these obstacles.”
STUDENT CREATED SOCIAL WORK PROJECT, GIFTS OF GAB, HELPS EASE SOCIAL ISOLATION DURING THE PANDEMIC By Steven Keehner
Students at Stony Brook University have created Gifts of Gab, a social work project that aims to ease social isolation through remote conversation. A research article on the project, entitled “Isolation in the midst of a pandemic: social work students rapidly respond to community and field work needs,” was released in the Aug. 20 edition of the Social Work Education academic journal. Written by a team of Stony Brook professors and students, the article discusses the changing world of social work amid COVID-19. It delves into alternatives for field placements, including remote work, and how Gifts of Gab ties it all together. Formed this past March, the project seeks to address one of the pandemic’s greatest side effects: loneliness. “It feels like years ago,” Katie Carr, the founder of Gifts of Gab and a recent graduate of Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare, said. “I was at the Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead; there was talk of COVID-19, but I didn’t think it would take my placement away. It did. It was one of the first to get called off. I couldn’t even do it online.” Still wanting to complete her necessary weekly field placement hours, Carr came up with an idea to help herself and her peers complete their required hours while also helping others through phone calls to those feeling socially isolated. Carr wanted to create a platform for those in need of social interaction that would provide a meaningful discussion with a volunteer on a weekly or monthly basis. “I wanted to be mindful of not getting anyone sick, while still being helpful,” Carr said. “The socially marginalized have been even more marginalized from the coronavirus.” Carr, who struggled with social isolation while taking online courses last spring, felt she had to do something to help others experiencing the same issue. “There is a lot of research showing that people who are lonely have a higher risk and a whole assortment of negative health consequences,” Dr. Zachary A. Morris, an assistant professor within the School of Social Welfare at Stony Brook University, said. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic forced people into social isolation, three in five Americans reported that they considered themselves
lonely. Health professionals are now warning people to keep an eye on their social health in the midst of decreased social contact during the coronavirus. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that social isolation is not only unhealthy, but “a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity,” especially in older adults. While COVID-19 has hurt the socially isolated, it has also caused a struggle for professional counselors. Leigh Fisher-Teche, a counselor at the Metropolitan Lighthouse Charter School in The Bronx, said working with students in the Individualized Education Program or who are experiencing socio-economic issues have made her job more difficult than she ever imagined. “It’s challenging to provide support and counseling at home,” Fisher-Teche said. “I work with a variety of students; they can’t always talk to me in front of their families about their problems, goals and aspirations. We can do a lot better to support our families — to support their needs better.” Carr, who has experience with web design, put together what is now GiftsofGab.org. The name is a play on the phrase “gift of gab,” which according to Merriam-Webster, is “the ability to talk glibly and persuasively.” Once created, she then sent her website to a person she considers her mentor: Dr. Carolyn Peabody. Peabody is a clinical associate professor and assistant dean for Eastern Long Island Sites at Stony Brook. She’s also one of the founding members of Gifts of Gab. “I was expecting a paragraph when she told me that she had an idea,” Peabody said. “Instead, she sent me a complete website.” With a full project outline, including concepts and protocols, Carr sold Peabody on the idea. Carr and her newly formed team worked to spread the word of their service — this included reaching out to over 300 groups who would benefit from the program, like libraries and retirement homes. Student companion Emily Dragone, a graduate student in the School of Social Welfare who made phone calls to her “Community Companions,” describes its team-based culture as a part of what makes the project so unique. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, she was completing her field placement at Hempstead
High School. Soon after that ended, she was connected to Gifts of Gab. “I was in that first group of interns; it was exciting to be a part of that team,” Dragone said. “Katie was always putting ideas out there. I learned how to work on websites, make newsletters, and be involved with something from start to finish.” Another volunteer with the group, Robyn McGee, doubled down on these claims. To her, many field placements result in a simple oneon-one experience, which can result in feeling underutilized or doubtful of their own abilities. As she explained, Gifts of Gab is a team effort. “Weekly supervision on Thursday mornings allowed for the team to discuss and plan outreach, share resources, and offer suggestions,” McGee said. “It was constantly evolving and adapting to serve as many as possible, as effectively as possible.” Carr’s ideas about leadership, combined with the team members’ individual skill, resulted in a strong, team-based atmosphere for the project. “The team put their strengths together to make a better group effort,” Carr said. “You shouldn’t lead from above. Rather, you should lead next to.” So when Peabody was contacted on brief notice about a feature in the Social Work Education journal, she trusted Carr to make the proper decision. “As soon as I told Katie [Carr], she was immediately interested,” Peabody said. “We had a short time frame, and I didn’t think we could do it, but it was her determination that got it done. She invited Prof. Morris and Emily Dragone along, and we all wrote it together. Honestly, it was a lot of fun.” Dragone said that she is most proud of how the research article on Gifts of Gab might benefit future similar programs. In the eyes of Morris, one of the two professors on the team, the most noteworthy thing about the project is its ability to teach its student companions the ability to react to sudden change. “Whenever we can support our students, we need to encourage those opportunities to allow them to flourish,” Morris said. “They’ve built this from the ground up in a team setting. I have a 96-year-old [family member] that gets a call once a month from Gifts of Gab; they’ve adapted to what we’re facing today.” But for volunteers with the group, like McGee, the most rewarding element of it all is the sincerity from the websites users. “Connection is social work,” McGee said. “Recognizing and serving the vulnerable is social work. Gifts of Gab reinforces the importance of the engagement that we seek with every client we serve, but in a new and limited fashion.” And though companions come and go, she loves that she’s helping others. “It’s been a glorious experience that I am not ready to give up just yet,” McGee said. “I ask myself whether it is selfish of me to stay on: is it an urge of mine to continue serving my remaining companion, or the gift of learning from Dr. Peabody and Katie [Carr], but I’ll stay as long as they’ll have me. I was born with the gift of gab, so it just makes sense.”
THE CONSEQUENCES OF ROMANTICIZING MENTAL ILLNESSES By Anya Marquardt
Anya Marquardt is a sophomore English major with a minor in journalism. Mental health has been a controversial topic in the media for decades. It pops up across every form of media, from television shows and movies to popular applications like Instagram, Facebook or Tumblr. The romanticization of mental health occurs when one portrays a mental disorder as “glamorous” or “beautifully painful.” This viewpoint also normalizes mental disorders as something that is attractive and bitterly desirable instead of recognizing that disorders are real issues that affect people’s lives in many ways. It has been amplified by social media. While this has led to more awareness about mental health, misrepresentations can do more harm. The normalization of mental issues may not be obvious to people at first, but it is constantly surrounding us, especially in everyday speech. Words that have been naturalized in casual conversations feed right into this. For example, someone may say, “I’m really depressed because my friend isn’t calling me back.” The word “depressed” should not be used in this context. Chances are that the use of “depressed” may draw sympathy from the listener, or cause them to grow concerned. Depression is a serious mental disorder that is characterized by persistent depressed moods or loss of interests in activities, which causes significant impairment in daily life. The key word here is “persistent.” One negative experience does not mean that someone is “depressed,” and it certainly does not mean that someone has depression. I have personally seen this too many times in my life, and have felt the anger and frustration of hearing others complain about something as critical as mental health. I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and panic attacks, which I have struggled with for most of my life. It hurts me to see people claim to have mental disorders out of proper context. One of the most common misconceptions I have seen are students saying that they have severe anxiety because they are nervous about an exam they need to complete. Though feeling anxiety before an exam might be a common emotion, this is a common occurrence; it is most definitely not a sign of a mental disorder. An anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. As someone who has been clinically diagnosed with these disorders, I feel these symptoms way too often. Sometimes, they are strong enough to keep me from going to an event that I was previously looking forward to, or they are even strong enough to make me feel physically ill. Over forty million people suffer from an anxiety disorder in the U.S. per year, and it is not right for people to downplay these issues in order to gain sympathy and attention. It is even more harmful to those with mental disorders. On top of this, throwing around these terms in normal conversation promotes false information about mental disorders. We cannot educate people about the real impact of mental illness if they are misrepresented. A huge component of the widespread romanticization is the media that we constantly consume. An extremely incorrect and offensive form of romanization is seen in the book that was turned into a popular Netflix show, “Thirteen Reasons Why.” The Netflix series, which ran from 2017 to 2020, followed Hannah, a teenage girl who commits suicide and leaves behind a box of recordings which
contain 13 reasons why she decided to end her life. Her suicide is portrayed as an act of revenge against her former classmates, when in actuality, suicide is rarely planned out in a vengeful way. On top of this, there is close to no recognition of the involvement of mental illness in suicide, though 46% of people who commit suicide have a diagnosed mental illness. The show made suicide look like a viable option for teens and a way to attract attention to themselves. Hannah also narrated the entire show posthumously, which leads people to see Hannah’s perspective, even though this depiction of suicide is portrayed as a vengeful act. Many psychological and mental health organizations condemned the show, with the National Association of School Psychologists saying, “Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies.” This romanticization could lead to seeing mental disorders as something that can be easily diagnosed. Tons of websites publish quizzes where people can answer questions and find out if they have a mental disorder. Psychcentral.com offers a quiz named “Do You Have a Personality Disorder?” BuzzFeed also posts multiple quizzes about mental disorders, with one entitled “How Anxious Are You?” Someone scoring a high response on a quiz like this is just a hop and a skip away from that person declaring they have a mental health disorder because “a BuzzFeed quiz told me so.” The internet should not tell you that you have a mental disorder and neither should social media. With celebrities like Sophie Turner and Chris Evans, who have spoken out about having mental health issues, it is very easy for their followers to relate to them after reading photo descriptions or tweets and finding that they have experienced a similar situation once or twice. If someone is posting about a mental disorder, they should make sure people know the difference between feeling a certain way and having a diagnosed mental disorder. Feeling sad sometimes doesn’t mean you have depression, and feeling worried about a test doesn’t mean you have an anxiety disorder. It is great to see that we are starting to normalize mental disorders and show that they are not something to be ashamed of. However, we are sending an adverse message in the process. Normalizing mental disorders among those who do not face them is not the way to show that having a mental disorder is okay. We need to find a balance between recognizing that mental health issues are important, while not romanticizing them in the process. If you feel like you may be struggling with mental health issues, you should reach out to a mental health professional. These are people who can actually answer the questions you have and properly diagnose you if needed. Do not rely on articles and self-diagnose yourself with a mental disorder that you do not actually have. Do not rely on a show or movie that portrays someone with a mental disorder to make you declare that you have a disorder. The romanticization of mental health is harmful to all of us, whether you have a mental disorder or not.
STONY BROOK STUDENT CARINE GREEN REFUSES TO LET THEIR MENTAL HEALTH FALTER By Lajiere Blake
There is no doubt that the world has changed. Over the last year, the world has been hit by a global pandemic, there have been numerous murders of Black people at the hands of police and the upcoming November election has added to the political tension in the United States. Few are unaware of these harsh realities — including Carine Green. Green is a Black student at Stony Brook University in their junior year with a double major in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and political science. In Green’s years at Stony Brook, they have established themselves as a dedicated and tenacious student. Green is the president of House of Shade, a club catered to Stony Brook’s Black LGBTQ students. Green is also part of Stony Brook’s chapter of the National Black Law Students Association and is the culture editor at the student-run publication The Press. “I’m an extrovert, I need human contact,” Green said. Their extroverted energy helps them maintain a strong connection with the campus community. But this very same energy was restricted in March when New York State Gov. Cuomo declared that all state universities and colleges were to implement distance learning. The change to online education was not easy. Green stayed on campus, a decision that only advanced their descent into mental disarray. The lack of human interaction took a toll on Green’s mental health. “Every day, I would get up, get my breakfast, get my lunch, get my dinner and then I would you know, watch these shows, do this homework, and it was really just about keeping myself sane,” they said. No longer could Green hang out with friends in dining halls or interact with the community they had cultivated within the House of Shade — Green was now alone, in the physical sense of the word. During Green’s time in student housing during the pandemic, they noticed rancid conditions. “The ceiling was cracking,” they said. “When they got the room evaluated, they actually told me like if the water damage extended to the ceiling, it could have just fell in on me. The school did not take it seriously.” This only worsened Green’s ability to cope mentally. All of these changes rolled up into a feeling many people know well — depression. “I felt like very, you know, sad all the time, very depressed. That kind of carried over to seeing all of what was happening with the black community and Black Lives Matter,” Green said. The death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in May lit a match that sparked outrage and unrest across the country. Floyd was a catalyst for the deep-seated emotional turmoil many Americans were experiencing during the time — turmoil caused by job loss, income scarcity and death from a virus that people knew little about. Brownsville, a neighborhood in Brooklyn and Green’s home, was impacted too. Green recalls seeing footage of a violent police interaction that took place a few steps away from their grandmother’s house. The potential for danger worried Green and they quickly reached out to their family to ensure they were safe. “It was just coupled with the loneliness I felt, then on top of that, the worry that something bad might happen to someone quite loved that made things exponentially worse,” Green explained. Like most, Green decided to take their frustrations out onto the street. “I debated for a long time going to protest in the city,” Green said. Since Green had never been to a protest before, the decision to join wasn’t easy. With cardboard signs with slogans like “police silence equals violence” and “all Black lives matter” scribbled across it, Green traveled into New York City for their first protest. Although the walking, heat and large crowd were a lot to get used to, Green enjoyed the experience. They noticed an immediate boost in their mood — genuine happiness. “It felt very freeing, I felt very liberated; I felt very in control for once,” Green declared. This feeling extended through the rest of the summer and into the fall 2020 semester. Although Green felt disenfranchised and irritated with the university, they still chose to hold on to joy. Green is somehow able to push through the chaos. “Just knowing that I’m part of so many different things, that I have people actually counting on what I do. It inspires me. It drives me to do better to be better,” Green said.
The Statesman Spotify
A mirage of motivating music straight from our editors’ playlists. 1. “What’s Up Danger (with Black Caviar),” Blackway, Black Caviar 16. “fever dream,” mxmtoon 2. “9 to 5,” Dolly Parton 17. “no tears left to cry,” Ariana Grande 3. “Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift 18. “99 Problems,” JAY-Z 4. “Beautiful Now,” Zedd, Jon Bellion 19. “Where The Skies Are Blue,” The Lumineers 5. “Now or Never,” Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige 20. “SUPERBLOOM,” MisterWives 6. “It’s Time,” Imagine Dragons 21. “Survivor,” Destiny’s Child 7. “The Pretender,” Foo Fighters 22. “Dancing Queen,” ABBA 8. “200 FOR LUNCH,” Gunna 23. “Underdog,” Alicia Keys 9. “Yeah, No.” Elle Winter 24. “POWER,” Kanye West 10. “Body,” Blood Luxury, Brando 25. “Sunday Best,” Surfaces 11. “I Am Enough,” Daphne Williams 26. “Just like Heaven,” The Cure 12. “Give Yourself A Try,” The 1975 27. “Let’s Go Crazy,” Prince 13. “Heavy,” Birdtalker 28. “I Like That,” Janelle Monáe 14. “Fighter,” Christina Aguilera 29. “Born This Way,” Lady Gaga 15. “Mr. Blue Sky,” Electric Light 30. “Island in the Sun,” Weezer Orchestra
You are never alone. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 En español: 1-888-628-9454 Stony Brook University Counseling and Psychological Services: (631) 632-6720 Stony Brook University Krasner Psychological Center: (631) 632-7830 Stony Brook University Student Accessibility Support Center: (631) 632-6748 Stony Brook University Title IX Office: (631) 632-6280 TrevorLifeline for LGBTQ youth: 1-866-488-7386
AS COVID-19 NEGATIVELY IMPACTED MENTAL HEALTH, CAPS WENT REMOTE By Maya Brown and James Bowen
When a majority of the student body evacuated campus and classes shifted to an online format, Stony Brook University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) transitioned quickly to a remote format for the rest of the year. Remotely, they have been providing telehealth counseling, virtual pictures of pets in the Pet Away Life Stress (PALS) program and continued 24/7 service to help students cope with their struggles during the global health crisis. Dr. Jenna Palladino, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the Renaissance School of Medicine, said that COVID-19 has caused an increase in anxiety, depression and isolation. A Kaiser Family Foundation poll conducted in mid-July showed that 53% of adults in the U.S. reported that their mental health had been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over COVID-19, compared to the 32% first reported in March. “Mental health is so important during the pandemic foremost because of the significant losses that so many in our community have suffered,” Julian Pessier, the director of CAPS said. “As well as the disruptions that everyone has endured to our normal coping routines and the rapid changes to how we engage in our academic, professional and social lives.” With the help of Information Technologies support teams, CAPS was able to train and equip its staff for a virtual presence and has served over 1,500 students through telehealth counseling — a method using face-to-face telecommunications technology over the internet for psychotherapy sessions — since March. “Once the technology aspect was figured out, the most challenging aspect, for both therapists and their clients, was finding the right time of day, a quiet private space and the best format to make sure that despite all of the disruption in our lives that counseling remained a place where productive reflection and introspection could take place,” Pessier said. The telehealth format created new barriers for people who were already suffering from mental illness, according to Pessier. He said one of the differences between telehealth counseling and in-person counseling is that therapists might miss some of the nonverbal aspects of communication with clients, such as body language. However, Palladino said that telehealth counseling can be just as effective as in-person counseling. “We found that telehealth has actually been more accessible for people than when they had to come in the office and has really proven to be very effective and helpful in this time,” she said.
During the pandemic, socialization has been limited. Social isolation and loneliness played a large role in impacting mental health. Consistent evidence links social isolation to negative health consequences, such as depression, suicide and dementia. Palladino said that the one of the best ways humans cope with stress is by socializing with others. Without socialization, stress can sometimes worsen or even cause anxiety and depression. “During these past six months, I think we have relearned some important familiar lessons ... we need people in our lives that we can let down our guard with, to be vulnerable, to have it be okay to not feel okay,” Pessier said. “Whether that happens with a therapist, a friend or a family member, we need to make and allow space for all of those parts of ourselves.” With mandatory stay-at-home orders, school and business closures and strict social distancing guidelines, the pandemic made it harder to socialize with one another and made in-person counseling impossible. “For students there is the loss of having the therapist’s office be a temporary escape and boundary from whatever they are struggling with in their lives,” he said. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, CAPS would bring pets from PALS to campus particularly around finals time to help relieve student stress. They kept that going after the campus closed by posting photos and videos on their website. Students can schedule initial consultations for telehealth counseling online, call CAPS to speak to a counselor and use CAPS After Hours, which is available 24/7. CAPS is also still offering virtual support spaces for graduate, undergraduate, health professions, LGBTQ*, Women of Color and Chaotic Backgrounds. In these groups, people with similar experiences come together and aim to provide each other with encouragement and support. A range of workshops is also being offered to students through CAPS, including how to cope with anxiety, mood fluctuations and relationship challenges, and how to improve sleep quality. CAPS is also working with the Center for Prevention and Outreach to host programs and activities on SB Engaged. Deteriorating mental health conditions can also lead to the risk of suicide, according to Dr. Adam Gonzalez, the co-director at the Center for Disaster Health, Trauma & Resilience at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. He said that suicide prevention efforts are important during the pandemic. “When you see changes in behaviors of people withdrawing more, that can be a sign or a signal that maybe something’s wrong with that person,” Gonzales said. “Maybe that person is struggling and reaching out to that individual could be helpful.” According to a June 2020 survey from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 25% of young adults aged 18-24 seriously considered suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. In comparison, in a 2018 survey, only about 11% of young adults reported serious thoughts of suicide during that year. Gonzalez also spoke about mitigating potential self-harm by identifying suicidal actions and behaviors in students. “If individuals are more irritable, more short, short fuse and short tempered, that could be another sign,” he said. “Nonverbal signals are also important to pay attention to. We talked about withdrawing both socially, from communication, and then also from activities.” Signs of isolation, Gonzalez says, could lead to potential self-harm. He says some of the ways to be helpful to people suffering from potential suicide include constantly asking direct questions and actively listening. “Sympathy is feeling bad for somebody. Empathy is feeling bad with them; it’s all about how can you connect with that other person around how that other person might be feeling and what their experience might be,” Gonzalez said. “So it’s really trying to fully understand what’s going on with that person, and what their lived experiences [are] like, right now.” Palladino said that feelings of depression and anxiety are normal. “There is treatment and support that can help with this. I hope that if people are feeling this way, they reach out because this is a very normal experience right now,” she said. To contact CAPS, students can schedule initial consultations online through the CAPS website, call at (631) 632-6720 to speak to a counselor, or call CAPS After Hours at (631) 632-6720. Students can reach the national suicide prevention hotline at (800) 273-8255.
ADDRESSING STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH DURING REMOTE LEARNING By Xenia Gonikberg
Xenia Gonikberg is a sophomore journalism major. While the pandemic has impacted everyone’s lives in many ways, students have arguably gone through the most changes during this time. Online schooling has led to a substantial increase in anxiety among students as they navigate the challenges of remote learning along with other personal or family problems. Many students feel like the shift to remote learning was more of a hindrance than a blessing as it disrupted the quality of education. Other students have a lack of motivation or desire to do any work since many classes are not in person. Most importantly, many students suffer from an increasing number of mental health issues because they don’t have access to the same counseling resources as before. It is important that these issues are addressed and that students are made aware of what mental health resources are available to them during this critical time. Some of the main fears that students are facing regarding online learning and the current state of the world revolve around personal and financial situations. These include worries about job security, toxic family lives and feelings of isolation from not interacting with people. The drastic shift from being social and communicating with others to not being able to leave the house is incredibly jarring. Not being able to spend time with friends can give rise to intrusive thoughts, leading to anxiety and in extreme cases, depressive episodes or suicidal thoughts.
With heightened levels of anxiety, many students like myself have had trouble focusing on school. It is difficult for me to pay attention in class and I tend to go on my phone during lectures. I also do not enjoy classes as much as I used to since I am not having the in-person experience that I had before. I gain the most out of my education when I am able to have in-class discussions with my professors and peers, so with most classes online, it is harder for me to contribute by posting on discussion boards the same way I would contribute by speaking in class. Many students believe that remote learning is not giving them the same quality of education as in-person classes. Oftentimes, students find it difficult to focus because they have access to technology without somebody monitoring them. Some students also do not have access to a reliable internet connection, which makes online school even more difficult. These unforeseen problems have made adjusting to online learning that much more difficult. Remote learning has negatively impacted students in more ways than one. A disruption in students’ academic routines that once gave them comfort is threatening to their mental health. According to a study done in California schools, 32% of students need more mental health resources as a result of the pandemic. The pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for students who now have to seek new methods of coping with the pressures of a different learning environment amidst a global health crisis. Many researchers agree that the pandemic could have long term impacts on students moving forward, especially those who struggle with school. These impacts include students falling behind or even getting held back as a result of the lack of hands-on education. A lot of students like myself have felt the negative effects of online school. Spending the whole day online on Zoom or doing schoolwork can take a huge toll on mental health, so it is important to communicate with professors to be more aware of class expectations.
I find that when I make a to-do list and try to be as organized as possible, it significantly alleviates my stress. I create a list of the tasks I have to do for the week so that I can stay on top of my work, given how easy it is to get distracted and miss deadlines with remote learning. When I feel myself experiencing symptoms of anxiety about doing schoolwork, I try to take a break from my computer and do something that I enjoy, like listening to music or spending time with friends while social distancing. Both of these things help me manage my anxiety and stay focused. On top of creating an organized schedule and prioritizing the activities that are stress-relieving, it is important to not forget the tools available in online psychological services. Many therapists and mental health nonprofits have moved their resources online, and some organizations, like the Trevor Project for the LGBTQ+ community, have hotlines to call that are open for 24 hours.
For Stony Brook students, online appointments can be made for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), where students can speak to trained professionals over the phone or on Zoom. While the popular PALS program has shifted online, videos of adorable service dogs and cats are available on the website. Many students are struggling with increased anxiety during this tumultuous time, but schools like Stony Brook are trying to adapt to these changes through online resources designed to help students. Anxiety is a constant battle that many people face daily, and this pandemic has only exacerbated pre-existing mental health struggles. Students are having to navigate a stressful time while managing their own wellbeing, which means that support from those around them is needed now more than ever.
IT IS OK TO NOT BE OK By Steven Keehner
Steven Keehner is a junior majoring in journalism and history. A few weeks ago in a Zoom class, my professor, trying to normalize the abnormal situation that is the COVID-19 world, asked an icebreaker. “How is everyone doing?” they said. I stated how I’m usually feeling: tired. Then came the magical response. “Well, if you’re tired in week three, then you better be ready, because you’re going to have a difficult semester!” I wanted to say, “Well, when your depression and anxiety keep you from sleeping without taking Benadryl every night, you get tired a lot.” But I didn’t. Why would I? That’s not what normal people do, right? Right? I speculated about that brief, 20 second interaction every day since it happened. I’m past being annoyed by the eye roll-worthy response I received. Rather, I thought about my lack of a response; I wasn’t going to get defensive and insult them. Why was I so hesitant to be honest? We have reached a point where raising questions about social and/or economic issues are no longer things that will brand you as a godless communist, seeking to tear up the fabric of American society (for the most part). Despite this, many are still living within this facade that mental health issues equate to being weak. This is where my problem emerges. With any issue, sometimes we need to get directly to the point. Last month was National Suicide Awareness Prevention Month, and it seems more relevant to state this now: There is nothing wrong with having mental health problems. It’s okay to not be okay. If we’re going to call for social justice and the destruction of the societal norms that hold us back, we need to accept that internal overhaul is crucial for any external changes we may seek to achieve. Now, when talking about mental health, there comes an obvious issue: Not everyone understands it. I am not trying to limit or control discussions around mental health. But, like how an able-bodied person can’t understand the difficulties of a disabled person, someone who hasn’t struggled with mental illness may not understand the experiences of those who do. I have long suffered from severe depression and anxiety. With therapy, medication (thanks Zoloft) and a lot of great people, I’ve turned what was an everyday reality into one that is much more episodic. But treatment doesn’t prevent me from experiencing anxiety and depression. Sometimes sadness makes lying in bed sound so much better than anything else. I still have a pit in my stomach that makes me certain I’m disappointing my loved ones. I still experience frustration from knowing that I must live with my messed up self forever, and that nothing will ever change that. Giving up on everything sounds so appealing sometimes — to pack up my bags and walk away from everything gives me more inner peace than I would like to admit. It can be re-
ally difficult sometimes. I don’t bring this up to draw sympathy; I mention it because there is always more happening behind the surface. For those of you who are struggling, I want to let you know that you aren’t weak or a waste of space because you feel how you do. Instead, I want you to reclaim your pain, because only you can do it for yourself. This doesn’t mean going outside and shouting it to the clouds; it comes down to being honest with yourself. We shouldn’t be forced to shy away from ourselves anymore. For so many years, I ran away from my dark thoughts. I assumed that everyone did so — if I conceded, that would make me lesser than others. I thought if I chose not to suffer, then I wouldn’t. What happened instead, was that I not only suffered more, but I hurt the people around me because they saw someone who wanted to be sad. My other point in bringing this up is for those who don’t have these issues: We need to normalize our mental health as something we can talk about. Speaking about mental health shouldn’t be something exclusive to those who suffer. If someone is sad for any reason, they should be able to express that without being pushed into a box labeled “weirdo.”As human beings capable of love and compassion, we need to be
prepared to ask someone, “Are you okay?” with the willingness to accept that the answer may be “No, I’m not.” One should have the mental and emotional skillset to listen and empathize, because giving someone the platform to speak is enough to make their day. Though Suicide Prevention Month ended with September, we should remember the reality of suicide year round. One of the top killers among college-aged students is suicide, and as people are socially isolating themselves due to the pandemic, many are struggling without their usual support system. Suicide, unlike some other causes of death, is preventable. If you or a loved one seem to be struggling, do not be afraid to ask how they’re doing or reach out for help. Even if someone is doing alright, still check in with them! The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be contacted at (800) 273-8255 for resources and solutions. For the Stony Brook community, the Counseling and Psychological Services offer free and confidential services to enrolled students. It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to suffer in silence. It may be dark today, but you will never know how great life can be unless you’re here to live it.
SBU HUMANOLOGY PROJECT BATTLES MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA Students in Stony Brook University’s chapter of the Humanology Project aim to break the stigma against mental health one story at a time with the online Unsaid Project. The Unsaid Project collects anonymous submissions from anyone who wishes to share their feelings about mental health and mental illness. Stories and anecdotes are posted on an online gallery in the Humanology Project’s website as text message-like pictures. The Humanology Project has gathered 84 submissions since the project’s inception on Sep. 15. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Aug. 14 that symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and stress disorders “increased considerably” in late June this year in comparison to 2019. Forty percent of adults reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, like suicidal ideation and increased substance abuse. “Having and maintaining a safe space for people to be able to vent if they’re not ready to personally open up to a friend or go to therapy is our goal,” Cassie Mastroianni, senior psychology major and the chapter’s project outreach chairperson, said. “Because that’s really hard for people to get themselves [to do]. Having an anonymous platform for that, I feel like it could be really helpful for a lot of people.” Shaina Shiwdin, a senior biology and psychology double major and the chapter’s treasurer, believes the Unsaid Project will bring “light to things that are unsaid” because of the stigma surrounding mental health. The project revolves around “continuing a conversation or starting a conversation”
By Niki Nassiri
about mental health, according to Shiwdin. The messages posted so far range from confessions about coping with mental illnesses and stress, to words of encouragement. Some confessions read like texts to a friend. “I may not know what you go through every day but I’m always here for you,” one message featuring an indigo background said.
The group was inspired by artist Rora Blue’s Unsent Project, after Humanology Project Vice President and senior psychology major Aamna Atif found it over the summer.The Unsent Project is a collection of unsent text messages to first loves gathered from anonymous contributors. Other organizations, like More than Lyme, have collaborated with Blue to create their own versions
of the Unsent Project. Aatif was interested in creating one based on mental health. According to Aatif, Blue was too busy to help with their project but gave full consent for the Stony Brook chapter to launch their own version. Like the Unsent Project, the Unsaid Project asks the contributor to pick a color that they associate with their message. There are 22 different colors that a contributor can choose from. The Unsaid Project relies on crowd behavior theory, which suggests that a group of people focused on the same event imitate the actions of others, according to the American Psychological Association dictionary. “Once one person sees [the Unsaid Project], and [thinks] oh, well this person opened up about their issues, maybe I should try and write something too,” Mastroianni said. The Humanology Project hopes that the Unsaid Project can spread awareness and help those struggling with unseen mental illnesses — and help those people feel less alone. After reading the entries, which are often emotional, Shiwdin talks to her boyfriend, friends and families about how she’s feeling to help cope. “In that way, it’s nice because that’s what [the Unsaid Project] is for,” Shiwdin said. She also stressed the importance of the project happening in “a critical time” during the pandemic, and the changes in society allowing for public conversations about mental health. “For me, personally I just want people to know that someone out there cares,” Aatif said. “Having the platform anonymous lets people get their frustrations out and they know someone’s going to read it and someone’s going to see it.”