Addressing Mental Health During the Holidays

Pat Gleason
Director of Compliance & Housing

Greg Halloran
Compliance Specialist

Fraters, friends and family,

As final exams wrap up and the semester comes to a close, Tekes everywhere are feeling a sense of relief and excitement knowing that the long awaited winter break is FINALLY here. Chapter houses are being closed down, textbooks are being sold back, and members are heading home for a well deserved break from the demanding life as a college student. But mixed in with that sense of relief and excitement, it is very common for college students to also be experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety this time of the year.

The month of December can be one of the most demanding times of the year for our members. This is due to the immense amount of pressure they are put under from varying parts of their lives. Aided by Redbull and coffee, members have endured the stress of pulling all nighters to get through final exams, all while having to pack a suitcase to move home for a few weeks. At this point, anxiety is going through the roof; members wonder how they did on their final exams, and on top of all that, how the money they saved all summer has run dry before being able to go shopping for the holidays. This is all in addition to their normal routine of balancing their social life and finishing any TKE related tasks before the break starts. 

With all of this taking place at once, and mental health issues becoming further prevalent on college campuses, it is very important for each member of Tau Kappa Epsilon to utilize the time given during winter break to recharge their batteries and ensure that they are in a good place mentally before the spring semester starts. Throughout the break, members should be making sure to give themselves plenty of time to rest, have some fun and get back on a normal sleep schedule. As brothers in Tau Kappa Epsilon, we should remember to be our brother's keeper during the holiday season and check in on each other throughout the break to make sure we are taking care of ourselves.

From TKE's Compliance Team, we hope that you have a wonderful holiday season, a relaxing break, and a safe and happy New Year.

YITB,
Pat Gleason & Greg Halloran
TKE Compliance Team

If you believe you or a friend are struggling with a mental health issue, make sure you reach out and get the appropriate help needed by a trained professional.

Here are some resources on Mental Health Illness if you would like to know more:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

What is Mental Illness?
Mental Illness Facts & Figures

National Institute of Mental Health (NIH)

Getting the Right Help
Fact Sheet on Stress