EOI & TITLE IX GUIDANCE: May 2023

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the EOI Office wants to take this opportunity to raise awareness about some of the mental health issues that sometimes follow discrimination, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. These mental health challenges may create barriers to students, faculty, and staff members as they attempt to manage their school, work, and life responsibilities while also coming to terms with the treatment they have experienced.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a complex and often overwhelming experience that can be incredibly challenging for those who are going through it. It's a feeling of intense worry and unease, often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heartbeat, sweating, and trembling.

For many people, anxiety can feel like a never-ending cycle of fear and apprehension, as if their mind and body are constantly on high alert, looking for potential threats or danger. This can make even simple tasks or activities feel daunting and exhausting and can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness as the person struggles to manage their symptoms. 

As an empathetic listener, it's important to understand that anxiety is not a choice, and that those who experience it are not weak or flawed. Instead, they are facing a very real and often debilitating challenge and may need support and understanding in order to navigate their way through it. With patience and empathy, we can help those with anxiety feel seen, heard, and valued, and help them find the resources and tools they need to manage their symptoms and live a full and meaningful life.

Depression

Depression is a difficult and often painful experience that can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or background. It's a feeling of intense sadness and hopelessness that can be difficult to shake, and can impact every aspect of a person's life, from their relationships to their work or school performance.

For many people with depression, it can feel like they are stuck in a dark hole with no way out, and that nothing they do can make a difference. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and despair, and can make it hard to find the motivation or energy to do the things they once enjoyed.

As an empathetic listener, it's important to recognize that depression is not a choice but a challenge that requires support and encouragement. Displaying empathy and compassion can provide a significant boost to those suffering from depression by making them feel listened to, acknowledged, and aided in discovering the necessary resources and techniques to manage their symptoms and experience an improvement in their well-being.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complex and often devastating illnesses that can impact students and employees alike. They are a form of mental illness that involve a range of behaviors and attitudes towards food and body image, and can have serious physical, emotional, and social consequences.

For those who struggle with eating disorders, they may feel trapped in a never-ending cycle of guilt, shame, and self-hatred, as they try to control their body and weight through restrictive eating, purging, or other harmful behaviors. These behaviors can take a significant toll on their physical health, as well as their relationships and daily functioning.

As a compassionate listener, it's crucial to comprehend that those with eating disorders are not at fault, and their struggles do not stem from weakness or vanity. Rather, they encounter a daunting and genuine challenge, which may necessitate assistance and empathy to overcome. Expressing empathy and kindness can make those with eating disorders feel acknowledged, respected, and appreciated, and aid them in accessing the resources and strategies required to restore their health and well-being.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, military combat, physical assault, or a life-threatening accident. It's a complex and often debilitating condition that can have significant impacts on a person's emotional and physical well-being.

For those with PTSD, the traumatic event can feel like it's happening over and over again, as they experience flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts related to the event. They may also feel anxious, irritable, or on edge, and may avoid places or activities that remind them of the trauma. These symptoms can interfere with daily life, work, and relationships, and can cause a great deal of distress and frustration.

As an empathetic listener, it's important to understand that PTSD is not a sign of weakness or a personal failing, but rather a normal response to an abnormal situation. Those who experience PTSD may need support and understanding to help them cope with their symptoms and recover from their trauma. By showing empathy and compassion, we can help those with PTSD feel heard, validated, and supported, and help them find the resources and tools they need to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Resources

While EOI does not endorse any online services, research shows the following support groups provide services that may be of assistance to those suffering from mental health challenges:

BetterHelp - an online therapy platform that offers access to licensed therapists through messaging, phone, or video calls.

Talkspace - an online therapy platform that offers access to licensed therapists through messaging, video, or voice calls.

Crisis Text Line - a free 24/7 text-based crisis support service for those experiencing a mental health crisis or in need of emotional support.

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline - a free, confidential helpline providing information, resources, and support to individuals struggling with eating disorders and their loved ones.

PTSD United - an online community and resource center for individuals living with PTSD, providing support and education on PTSD and related issues.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) - an organization that provides information, resources, and support for individuals living with anxiety and depression.

SAMHSA National Helpline - a free, confidential helpline providing information, referrals, and support for individuals struggling with mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

Cases Update

Total EOI Cases

Current EOI Cases 2022-2023*

 *Cases as of May 5, 2023

EOI Office Staff Directory

Director and Title IX Coordinator
Marlynn Jones, Esquire
marlynn.jones@unf.edu

Title IX and Civil Rights Investigator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Fantei Norman
fantei.norman@unf.edu

EOI Investigator
Leslie Hicks
leslie.Hicks@unf.edu  

EOI Coordinator
Courtney Monts
c.monts@unf.edu