Positive affirmation and validation from peers and advisors for several years now has been a source of heightened anxiety and depression. This has largely occurred since this positive reinforcement and encouragement has been reconfigured from a source of comfort and guidance to being seen by me as a new level of expectations that people have imposed on me, and that I in turn need to meet and continue to strive past in every aspect of my professional life. Breaking this “pattern of disbelief” in recasting positivity as negativity has been greatly aided by therapy. It has become easier to see phrases like “you can do this” and “you continue to break new ground and set new bars” as beneficial to my mental health rather than debilitating and crippling. While my imposter syndrome is still alive and well, I am now better able to take these encouragements in a positive way rather than as something always needing to be surpassed.
Author: bromer
Anecdote #3
I have PTSD as a result of an abusive childhood, and grad school has in many ways exacerbated the symptoms that I experience on a daily basis. Just a while ago, a professor behaved in an unnecessarily aggressive and dismissive manner towards me, and made me feel publicly humiliated. While other students would also find this experience upsetting, I found it triggering. Luckily, I have been going to therapy for years, and the skills I learned in dealing with “crisis situations” like these were very helpful in averting a full-blown panic attack. Grad school is tough, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions often have an even tougher time without others realizing it. That’s why I’ve always thought that the most important thing in academic and professional life is to be kind, even when you have to be critical.
Anecdote #2
A huge anxiety of mine is public speaking, which my program requires a lot of. At its worst, I would be completely wracked with anxiety before a presentation — I couldn’t sleep the night before, worked myself up to the point of extreme nausea the morning of, and in the hours/moments before a talk, my heart would pound so hard and fast that it was literally all I could hear. During the actual talk, I couldn’t control my voice, pacing, eye contact, or fidgeting. Worst of all, these extremely stressful experiences made me unable to enjoy the act of sharing research that I’m passionate about, or to be psychologically present while getting feedback and answering questions about it. Eventually I saw a psychiatrist and got prescribed medication (beta blockers), which help tremendously with the physiological symptoms of anxiety I would otherwise experience before a talk. No more pounding heart in my ears! I could actually slow down, engage with my audience, and have an enjoyable time presenting. This has been an absolute game-changer for me. After opening up about how much beta blockers have helped me, I’ve heard from others who also take them when they need to — including a very impressive professor who told me he takes beta blockers before high-stress presentations, even after being successful in the field for many, many years. Practice and exposure helps a lot and their importance can’t be under-stated, but I personally needed the extra help of medication, and I’m so relieved I was able to overcome my own internalized stigma to try something that has completely changed my relationship to public speaking.
Reading List
Below are recommendations for books relating to mental health. Please feel free to comment with any recommendations of your own to add to this list!
Mad at School
Rhetorics of Mental Disability and Academic Life
Foreword by Tobin Siebers
Description: Explores the contested boundaries between disability, illness, and mental illness in higher education
“Mad at School explores the contested boundaries between disability, illness, and mental illness in the setting of U.S. higher education. Much of the research and teaching within disability studies assumes a disabled body but a rational and energetic (an “agile”) mind. In Mad at School , scholar and disabilities activist Margaret Price asks: How might our education practices change if we understood disability to incorporate the disabled mind?Mental disability (more often called “mental illness”) is a topic of fast-growing interest in all spheres of American culture, including popular, governmental, aesthetic, and academic. Mad at School is a close study of the ways that mental disabilities impact academic culture. Investigating spaces including classrooms, faculty meeting rooms, and job searches, Price challenges her readers to reconsider long-held values of academic life, including productivity, participation, security, and independence. Ultimately, she argues that academic discourse both produces and is produced by a tacitly privileged “able mind,” and that U.S. higher education would benefit from practices that create a more accessible academic world.Mad at School is the first book to use a disability-studies perspective to focus on the ways that mental disabilities impact academic culture at institutions of higher education. Individual chapters examine the language used to denote mental disability; the role of “participation” and “presence” in student learning; the role of “collegiality” in faculty work; the controversy over “security” and free speech that has arisen in the wake of recent school shootings; and the marginalized status of independent scholars with mental disabilities.”
– https://www.press.umich.edu/script/press/1612837
Even If You Can’t See It: Invisible Disability and Neurodiversity
By: Sejal Shah
Our 2019 Mental Health Month Keynote Speaker, author Sejal Shah writes about coming to terms with living with a major mood disorder and the complex cultural, practical, and emotional ramifications of that experience while a graduate student and as an academic.
Shah, Sejal. “Even If you Can’t see It: Invisible Disability and Neurodiversity”. Kenyon Review Online, (2019).
Admission: Madness and (Be)coming Out Within and Through Spaces of Confinement
Abstract:
This article examines, through a performative narrative, an installation artwork that I created in May 2008 titled Admission. This artwork and reflective writing embodies a form of creative inquiry into issues surrounding and the intersections of (be)coming out, nonvisible disabilities, and representations of mental illness. Deleuze and Guattari’s concepts of becoming and the rhizome inform my investigation into (be)coming out, not as an event thought of as a singular moment defined through a fixed notion of the subject, but as an ongoing process of creating connections between subjects understood as multiplicities. In its conclusions, this article proposes that the kind of inquiry characteristic of artmaking can offer unique opportunities for understanding the complexities of the intersections of subjectivity and (be)coming out as a person with a mental illness
Eisenhauer, J. Admission: Madness and (Be)coming Out Within and Through Spaces of Confinement. Disability Studies Quarterly 29, (2009).
Leading with Panic. Why Leaders Need to Talk More Openly About Anxiety
By: Sanjit Sethi
Excerpt:
“Just over twenty years ago I was diagnosed with severe anxiety / panic disorder. I have been careful to only share my struggles around this illness with a few family members and close friends. That is, until now. I am a father, husband, son, brother, curator, artist, and president of a remarkable college of art and design. I have decided to speak about this now because I am witnessing an epidemic across our academic institutions, workplaces, and communities regarding anxiety and mental illness and believe we can no longer speak about this in the third person.”
Sethi, S. Leading with Panic. Medium https://medium.com/@sanjitsethi/leading-with-panic-bb6e076f4145 (2019).
Yale Will Not Save You
Excerpt:
“”I went to Yale” is shorthand for I have schizoaffective disorder, but I’m not worthless.”
Fatigue
By: Jennifer Acker
Description:
A work about chronic fatigue and its affects on her life as a writer and in academia as an editor and teacher.
“An inspiring true story about the twists of fate that challenge a couple’s expectations of love, marriage, and reliance.
Jennifer Acker and her husband had been married for eleven years when she was blindsided by a mysterious and undiagnosed incapacitation. Accustomed to their independent routines, they will have to reform both their lives to accommodate the enervating illness. As Jennifer’s sense of self falls away, however, the couple is struck again. Her husband’s “frozen shoulder” all but locks one side of his upper body, leaving him in excruciating pain, partially immobilized, and as dependent on Jennifer as she is on him. But their needs are not in competition. In communion and reciprocal caregiving, they learn to love—and to explore—each other anew.”
Common Academic Experiences No One Talks About: Repeated Rejection, Impostor Syndrome, and Burnout
By: Lisa Jaremka, Joshua M Ackerman, Bertram Gawronski, Nicholas O Rule, Kate Sweeny , Linda R Tropp, Molly A. Metz, Ludwin Molina, William S. Ryan, & S Brooke Vick
Abstract:
Academic life is full of learning, excitement, and discovery. However, academics also experience professional challenges at various points in their career, including repeated rejection, impostor syndrome, and burnout. These negative experiences are rarely talked about publicly, creating a sense of loneliness and isolation for people who presume they are the only ones affected by such setbacks. However, nearly everyone has these experiences at one time or another, and thus talking about them should be a normal part of academic life. The goal of this article is to explore and destigmatize the common experiences of rejection, impostor syndrome, and burnout by sharing a collection of short personal stories from scholars at various stages of their career with various types of academic positions. Josh Ackerman, Kate Sweeny, and Ludwin Molina discuss how they have dealt with repeated rejection. Linda Tropp, Nick Rule, and Brooke Vick share experiences with impostor syndrome. Finally, Bertram Gawronski, Lisa Jaremka, Molly Metz, and Will Ryan discuss how they have experienced burnout.
Jaremka, L. et al. Common Academic Experiences No One Talks About: Repeated Rejection, Impostor Syndrome, and Burnout. Perspectives on Psychological Science (2019).
Should Suicidal Students Be Forced to Leave Campus?
By Rachel Aviv
Excerpt:
“After three days in the hospital, W.P. was preparing to leave when his mother was informed, through a phone call from Princeton’s director of student life, that W.P. was no longer allowed to attend classes or return to his dorm. At a meeting the next day, two university administrators, who had reviewed some of W.P.’s medical records, expressed concern about the fact that he had checked himself out of the hospital a day early, against the hospital’s recommendation. They noted that this was his third suicide attempt in three years. (The previous two times he had been home with his parents, and, he said, the suicide attempts were pleas for attention.) The administrators urged him to voluntarily withdraw from the university for a year, so that he could get intensive psychiatric treatment. They explained that in cases where students pose a threat to themselves this was “always the outcome.” They told him that if he didn’t take a leave of absence he would be involuntarily withdrawn, which would be reflected on his transcript. They also instructed him that he was not permitted on campus.”
Aviv, R. Should Suicidal Students Be Forced to Leave Campus? The New Yorker. (2014).
A Prominent Economist’s Death Prompts Talk of Mental Health in the Professoriate
By: Emma Pettit
“Alan B. Krueger, a titan in economics, died by suicide last weekend. As colleagues and admirers mourned, they also engaged in a conversation about mental illness in the professoriate and how professional success does not suppress personal struggles.”
Pettit, E. A Prominent Economist’s Death Prompts Talk of Mental Health in the Professoriate. The Chronicle of Higher Education (2019).
How Colleges Today Are Supporting Student Mental Health
By: Amy L. Eva
“Colleges and universities are addressing well-being in students with new and innovative approaches.”
Eva, Amy L. How Colleges Today Are Supporting Student Mental Health. Greater Good (2019).
2019 Art Reception Kickoff and Welcome Address
Thank you for all who joined us for the opening of Unique Minds: Voices Through Art!
Stop by from now until November 29th to view the exhibit! For information on the pieces and statements from the artist, click here!
Dean Sarah-Jane Leslie, Dean of the Graduate School, delivering welcome remarks
Dr. Calvin Chin, director of Counseling and Psychological Services, delivering welcoming remarks
Chanika Svetvilas, exhibit organizer and curator
Sarah Marie Bruno (left), Mental Health Awareness Month and Graduate Mental Health Initiative lead organizer and Chanika Svetvilas (right), “Unique Minds” Art Exhibit curator and lead organizer
Artist Joachim Spruch with his works, “Mars” (left) and “Burning Bushes” (right)
Artist Bhagyashri Guhagarkar with her work, “Find Yourself”
Sweety Mehta introducing her work, “Peace in the Mind”
Bhaumik Mehta introduces his work, “Om”
Artist Kat Cope (left) with her work, “Warped and Weft”
Artist Jill LeClair (right) with her work, “All in a day”
Anandi Ramanathan introduces her work, “Happiness blooms from within”
Chanika Svetvilas introduces her work, “Dare to Listen”
2019 NAMI Tabling
Throughout this week and next (November 4-15th), representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will be on campus tabling and sharing resources in Frist. They would love to meet you!
NAMI African American Community Together NOW (AACT-NOW) Group
NAMI Chinese American Mental Health Outreach Program in New Jersey (CAMHOP-NJ)
NAMI Poetry Contest
2019 Art Exhibit
Unique Minds: Voices Through Art
Artwork by 16 Princeton students, staff, and community who translate what mental health awareness means to them in recognition of Princeton University’s Mental Health Awareness Month for the month of November.
Thank you for coming to our opening reception on Monday November 4, at 4pm in the Frist 200-level Gallery!
Opening Reception Photo Gallery
Alex Williams
“Bridge”
Photograph
17″ x 11″
Anandi Ramanathan
“Happiness blooms from within”
Watercolor And Pen
2019
14″ x 11″
“You are the key to your happiness. Come out and fetch your happiness with what makes you happy”
Anonymous
“Destress Distress”
Sharpie on paper
2018
8.5″ x 11″
beth E jarvie
“#lookup: Summer”
Photography reclaim handmade mount
2018
16″ x 24″
“My photography is based on paying attention to your surroundings, keeping your head up and looking to find the beauty in the simple, sometimes overlooked moments, objects, and experiences that surround us every day.
The #lookup series of images are an invitation to tilt your head and appreciate the intersection of sky and architecture; nature and humanity. a reminder to look up from technology, to keep your chin up in life, embrace a positive attitude, and enjoy the happiness these moments can kindle.”
Bhagyashri Guhagarkar
“Find Yourself”
Acrylic on Canvas
2015
16″ x 20″
“It is very important to find yourself. Sit, relax and get away from all distractions around you. Focus on yourself. Think about who you are, what you are passionate about, what makes you truly happy. Know your strengths. Dive deep and discover yourself!
Sit down, relax and focus on your breathing. Dive deep and discover yourself! Find out who you truly are, what keeps you going and makes you happy. Find your interests and what you love to do. Include them in your routine and see the positive change!”
Bhaumik Mehta
“Om”
8″ x 11″
“Peace and tranquility is something that is not easily attainable. That is why I seek it to the best of my ability and hope to spread the message to as many people as possible.”
Chanika Svetvilas
“Fill in the Blank”
Mirror Plexiglas
2018
11″ x 14″
Chanika Svetvilas
“Dare to Listen”
Digital print on semi-gloss
2019
16″ x 12″
“My interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work currently focuses on mental health difference, the diversity of its lived experiences and the stigma, discrimination and prejudice encountered. I utilize narrative as a way to share experiences to disrupt stereotypes and to reflect on contemporary issues and intersectionality.”
Ellen Warren Aiken
“Reach out, connect”
Mosaic: marble, travertine, shale, beach stones, coral, slate, smalti
2019
7.5 ” x 7.5″
“Natural materials and their subtle palettes are my inspiration. I use them to express my feelings and derive joy and a sense of well-being from this creative process.”
Gaea Lawton
“In the nation’s service and the service of each other.”
Pencil and Marker
2019
12″ x 16″
“Mental health issues can be constricting. Negative thoughts can feel binding, trapping, and inescapable. Princeton is doing all it can to help those with mental health issues escape these ties, but these efforts will not work until we as individuals acknowledge our responsibility to lend a helping hand to those who we see hurting around us. Everyone holds the responsibility to look out for one another and help free each other from whatever binds are constricting us.
Princeton is doing all it can to help those with mental health issues heal, but these efforts will not work until we as individuals acknowledge our responsibility to help those who we see hurting around us.”
Jill LeClair
“All in a day”
Acrylic on canvas
2016
20″ x 20″
“We have responsibilities and interests that we are constantly juggling and finding time for. We have our home life and our work life, and we try our best to fit in some nature and exploration in between, especially to counter what may make us feel “robotic” at times. The bright colors suggest that joy can still be found, however, in this swirling repetition and sometimes chaos of living.”
Jill LeClair
“Spin Cycle”
Mixed media (paper and acrylic)
2019
18″ x 24″
“Gyration of mental state; a spinning top reaches perfect balance or will topple; there can be swirling of darkness and light, and light spinning into “gold” on the best of days.”
Joachim Spruch
“Mars”
Acrylic on canvas
2018
16″ x 20″
“This ones is called “Mars”. We think of Mars as the red Planet. What kind of Trees would grow on Mars. Would the Sky still be blue? This is my Vision of Mars.”
Joachim Spruch
“Burning Bushes”
Acrylic on canvas
2018
16″ x 20″
A Burning Bush only turns red in Fall. Most of them for a short period of time. This is a fantasy Burning Bush looking like Lava is coming out of it. Spewing Fire everywhere. Maybe forever and not just in Fall.
Joachim Spruch
“A Force”
Acrylic on canvas
2018
16″ x 20″
“A Force coming up from below, like waves. Just not in blue. In Black cause it’s stronger then Blue.”
Karissa Lowe
“Where You Are”
Photography & Digital Art
“I get so stressed about what comes next, I forget to notice where I am now.”
Kat Cope
“Warped and Weft”
Encaustic, woven print fragments, plaster, kozo fiber, etc.
2009
28”x 16”
“The pattern of the weaving represents piecing together fragmented memory. In this case the fragments represent memories that are patched together in an attempt to create a new reality. Recalling and reconfiguring memories will not erase the traumatic loss of my father in childhood, but the process acted as a way to cope with the absence.”
Sonia Murthy
“The Fruitful Darkness”
Digital print on photo paper
9.5″ x 11″
Spriha Gupta
“March”
Acrylics with recycled magazine, cheesecloth.
2017
24″ x 30″
“”March” talks about bringing people together from all walks of life for a cause that we all feel strongly about-about being human, being accepted, about change , about the struggles we all face at different stages of our life. Mental health is so important and we need to find that connection from our mind to our heart to the soul and we cannot achieve this alone. A community comes together to create that platform and reminds us that each one of us is important.”
Spriha Gupta
“Detached”
Acrylics with leaves, feathers and tissue paper
2019
36″ x 48″
“”Detached” talks about how man is not an island and cannot survive alone. Mental health is so important and we all need to talk about it and help those in need. Just as a bird can’t fly without its wings; humans cannot survive without other humans and we need to have the strength to reach out and grow with the support of others when needed. While creating this painting I also thought of the Phoenix and how it recreates itself from the ashes. We can recreate a whole new self if we are aware and feel no shame to reach out.
I am a self -taught, visual artist bringing new aspects to the medium of art by using textures and recycled products to create organic forms on canvas. The textures created invite you to have a sensory experience while engaging your thoughts at the same time.
I want art to create a space for conversation and a look within; exploring the various layers of the world we inhabit and reminding us of the beauty that lies within each of us. “March” and “Detached” remind us that we cannot exist alone and though every day can be a struggle it becomes a little easier when we face it together as a community.
I honor the belief that art has no boundaries regardless of man-made walls and being limitless in nature, the colors and forms flow from one space to. Let us celebrate our unique minds and body without any barriers as the world exists because of us.”
Sweety Mehta
“Peace in the Mind”
16″ x 20″
“My name is Sweety and art is my passion. Meditating and giving time to take care of the body have greatly enhanced spiritual strength. A peaceful mind is the key to happiness.”
Chanika Svetvilas
“Perscription of Support”
Interactive exhibit work
Chanika Svetvilas
“Self Affirmation Balloon”
Interactive exhibit work
Welcome!
Welcome to the website for Princeton’s Mental Health Month! Please stay tuned for the full website (on November 1st), which will include a calendar of events, mental health resources, and more!