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Kristen talks to a residence life professional from Canada in this episode where we discuss the issues with asking our higher education staff to work harder instead of working smarter. Listen in to learn more about their story, including how they first discovered their depression through physical symptoms and with the diagnosis of their primary care physician, and how they learned to care for themselves by recognizing the limits on their energy.   Show Notes: If you recognize these symptoms, you may be experiencing depression. Consider seeking help from a licensed therapist or your primary care doctor (from Mental Health America): Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex Restlessness, irritability Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders) Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions Fatigue or loss of energy Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless Thoughts of suicide or death Online screenings for depression or other mental illnesses Spoon Theory Resources for higher ed professionals wanting to learn more about mental illness The Committed Project bookshelf

In this episode, Kristen talks with Gavin Henning about his experience with depression – including the long journey to discovering that the problem for him was actually depression. Gavin discusses his career in higher education from hall director to faculty. He also discusses how, despite his experience with depression, he’s been able to hold such positions as the president of both College Student Educators International (ACPA) and the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS). He shares with us his experience trying to cope with his depression with alcohol abuse. Give this episode a listen to find out more about Gavin’s path in higher ed with depression.   Show Notes: Gavin’s post for The Committed Project New England College University of New Hampshire Dartmouth College Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education College Student Educators International (ACPA) Kristen’s PechaKucha talk

In this episode, I talk with Sylvester Gaskin, who has written for us before at The Committed Project about his anxiety, his supportive partner, and his experience at conferences. We talk about having anxiety as a man of color, how our partners and network make all the difference in providing us the support we need, and what the positive aspects of having anxiety in higher ed can be. Sylvester also talks about why it’s so important that he not only share his story, but that he attach his name to it, as well, so that other young professionals of color can see that there is someone like them, and if he can do it, so can they. I’m not gonna lie to you here – this one made me tear up a little. So grab your tissues and take a listen to our next episode.   Show Notes: Iowa State University Friley Hall (not Franklin – Kristen’s memory sucks) University of Arizona NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education)   Show Transcript (PDF)

In our first full episode, I get a chance to talk to a woman who is a Ph.D. student in counseling and experiences depression. Throughout her life, doctors have diagnosed her with a number of different illnesses, but as she has gotten older, they have begun to recognize that depression is the correct diagnosis. (more…)

A few months ago, a good friend of The Committed Project, Laura Pasquini, suggested to me (Kristen) that I listen to a podcast called Sincerely, X. This podcast told stories from anonymous contributors around many controversial subjects and allowed them to share their perspective and their ideas with how to make things better for everyone. Laura asked me, what if you did something similar with Committed? (more…)