Introduction In Part 1 we explained how negative thoughts influence depressive symptoms and how depression is due to a brain health issue (a weakened frontal lobe) which can influence behavior and impulsivity. Impulsivity leads to bad habits such as alcohol and drug abuse alongside poor food choices, decreased exercise, increased screen time and decreased social interaction. This creates a negative cycle where bad habits and depressive symptoms influence each other. This downward cycle occurred with Millennials … [Read more...] about Millennials: Depression, the Pandemic and Hope: Part 2
Life in the Academy
Do You Have a Mentor?
Do you have a mentor? My guess is that many of us in academia would quickly respond with, “Yes.” I think we've grown accustomed to using the word “mentor” as a way of talking about our advisor, our professor, our dissertation chair, or even our boss. An advisor may help you decide what semester to take Calculus I and make sure that you've fulfilled all of your general education requirements. A professor may open your eyes to Max Weber or 18th-Century British Poetry. A dissertation chair may help you determine … [Read more...] about Do You Have a Mentor?
Millennials: Depression, the Pandemic and Hope (Part 1)
Recently, ESN hosted a webinar on Cultivating Mental Health in Grad School in response to the mental health crisis evident in universities and our wider society that has been exacerbated by COVID-19. We are grateful to Grace Chung and Cahleen Shrier for this two part series addressing this crisis and the distinctive hope we have as followers of Christ I. Introduction Millennials have had an increase in diagnoses of depression since 2013 (Blue Cross, 2019). Some individuals suffering from depression have a compromised … [Read more...] about Millennials: Depression, the Pandemic and Hope (Part 1)
Event Announcement: Cultivating Mental Health in Grad School
Graduate school in normal times is a stressful experience for many. A study in 2018 found 39 percent of the respondents experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of depression. This compared to 6 percent of the general population. These are not normal times--a two-year long pandemic with lockdowns, isolation, changing protocols on campuses and personal losses. Add divisive politics, racism, climate concerns, and war, and even the most optimistic among us have days we struggle. Another research study in mid-2020 at … [Read more...] about Event Announcement: Cultivating Mental Health in Grad School
Sign Up for 4/5/22: Preparing for Graduate School Online Event
Sign up today at bit.ly/gradprep422 We're delighted to present a panel on getting ready for graduate school. Please join us or invite students or friends. ​​Preparing for Graduate School Spiritually & Practically Tuesday April 5 @ 8-9pmEDT/7pm CDT/6pm MDT/5pm PDT Are you starting graduate school this fall or considering it for the future? Would you like to know how to thrive in grad school? Join us to hear tips on adjusting to the workload, finding community, and flourishing in graduate … [Read more...] about Sign Up for 4/5/22: Preparing for Graduate School Online Event