Dear Howard University Community,

This year has been one of the most mentally challenging periods many of us will experience in our lifetimes. While each of us have different habits and preferences, we are all social beings. We need human contact to sustain us.

Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has deprived us of so many of the interactions we had grown accustomed to. Requirements for quarantining and social distancing have prevented us from connecting with and embracing one another. Whether we miss encountering friends and colleagues on campus or seeing family members who live in other states and countries, we have all made sacrifices.

This national crisis has had a profoundly personalized impact on each and every person. As we have learned about the important measures that we must take individually to limit the spread of the virus, we are also learning that taking care of ourselves is one of the best ways to care for those around us. Our own health, both mental and physical, is intertwined with the wellbeing of the loved ones and strangers in our midst.

This month, as the pandemic has grown more severe and dangerous, we are preparing for a very unusual Thanksgiving and holiday season. Cases of coronavirus are rising and setting new daily records locally and across the country, once again straining our health care resources and leading to increased hospitalizations and deaths. Even as news about the safety and effectiveness of a few vaccines appears to be promising, we cannot let down our guard now. We must brace ourselves for a difficult few months. We have to limit the spread of the virus and take appropriate action to sustain our own personal wellbeing and the health of our loved ones.

Here are some ways Howard continues to provide mental health assistance for our community:

• Peloton and Beyoncé have teamed up to provide two-year Peloton Digital memberships to students at 10 HBCUs, including Howard University, providing access to a full library of fitness classes through the Peloton App that can be used with or without equipment. 
• COVID-19 Recovery & Resiliency Project, a partnership with the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health to provide education and short-term psychological support to frontline health care practitioners and D.C. residents.
• The Office of the Dean of the Chapel continues to offer the Wellness Collective, an experience to nourish the mind, body, spirit and soul. The next installment on Monday, Nov. 23 is entitled “Managing Anxiety: Navigating the Virtual Holidays.”

In addition, the University Counseling Service (UCS) continues to provide clinical services. Students can call 202-806-6870 or email HUCounseling@howard.edu to request an initial appointment. Same-day appointments are available when needed.​ The crisis line is open to all students (202-345-6709) from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours during weekends and holidays.​ 

UCS has also been creating programs and content throughout the pandemic for our community to learn about mental health issues and coping strategies. 

• The Equilibrium Podcast focuses on Black men’s mental health. Episodes are available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and Stitcher. ​
• “Still I Rise” is an HU community email series providing info on UCS operations. 
• “The Drop In” is a recurring virtual space for students to process ongoing changes to the socio-political and social justice climate. ​
• UCS collaborates with HU student organizations regularly to address emotional wellness.​ MYTH Mondays focuses on navigating toxic home environments​.
• The USC YouTube channel has tackled subjects such as “HBCU Mental Health in the Age of COVID-19” and “COVID-19 and the Black Community​.”

These are just a few of the ways our institution has responded to the growing needs that have arisen during the past year. Of course, the pandemic has exacerbated society’s mental health challenges among other ailments. From the opioid crisis to the rise of youth suicide, the trends across the country have spiked significantly since March. Regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity, mental health is imperative and often overlooked. But especially now, with an external threat as pernicious as the coronavirus, we cannot afford to neglect our own mental welfare. 

As COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black men and women, we must do all we can to not only fight the virus, but to champion mental health for communities of color. Death caused or influenced by mental challenges has long devastated the African-American population. In 2017, suicide was the second leading cause of death for those age 15 to 24. The death rate from suicide for African-American men was more than four times greater than for African-American women, in the same year. 

During the upcoming month, we should all be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health distress. Fatigue, tension, frustration, loneliness, sadness and anger are not feelings that should be shamed or deemed abnormal. With the right coping mechanisms, these feelings can be understood and managed.

If you are experiencing any of these feelings, here are some coping strategies you can use. 

Stay in or Seek out Therapy

The pandemic has caused many people to suffer in ways they had never experienced before. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I have encouraged many friends and family members to reach out to a therapist to discuss their challenges and discover remedies to get better. You can meet with therapists online to avoid going in person.

It is not lost on me that access and affordability are injustices that impact if and how members of our community seek mental health care. UCS offers a wide range of counseling and psychological services to assist currently enrolled students. We are working to expand those services to account for the increased need. Upon referral, psychiatric services are also available. For a list of service offerings, crisis services and details on how to make an appointment or refer someone else for counseling services, please visit the UCS website. Other databases for mental health care providers include www.psychologytoday.com, www.therapyforblackgirls.com and samhsa.org.

Mindfulness

In addition to professional mental health care, mindfulness can be a valuable mental wellness tool. Certain practices can be particularly helpful as we all continue to adjust to our unusual schedules. Calm and The Safe Place apps are useful resources.

Don’t Rely on Drugs and Alcohol

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends avoiding reliance on drugs and alcohol for comfort. While the prospect of escape can be appealing, substance use can ultimately worsen your issues. There is a 20% overlap between people with anxiety or mood disorders and substance use disorders, and substances can exacerbate symptoms. If you feel you need a relaxation aid, you can instead turn to an accountability partner, mindfulness tactic or other healthy coping mechanisms.

Set Realistic Expectations

The pandemic has caused many of us to enter a period of stasis, where we feel unmotivated to pursue certain tasks, opting instead to try and await a return to normalcy. While we shouldn’t set unrealistic expectations, neither should we remove any incentive to pursue our goals. This uncertainty is likely to cause anxiety, stress and depression, as well as feelings that we lost a year of life and productivity. Exercise can be a great outlet and an opportunity to pursue small, attainable goals for ourselves that we can accomplish from home.

I wish you all the best in this difficult time.

Excellence in Truth and Service,
 

Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA
Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery
President