Say It Out Loud = Tackling Tough Topics Together LSUS Counseling Services

We are joined by Dr. Cran Lucas, Emeritus Professor of Biology with LSUS, to discuss viruses, pandemics, vaccines, and more.  We try to break down how viruses and pandemics occur, how vaccines are developed and how they work, and attempt to dispel some myths around fears and concerns of those hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Welcome to Season 2!  We are starting off this season by evaluating where we have been over the past year with the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, including discussing vaccine hesitancy as a top health concern.  We dig into the various reasons why many individuals struggle with choosing to be vaccinated, and seek understanding and compassion in the process.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of alcohol and tobacco have increased, as have overdoses from illicit drugs.  Many factors have contributed to increased substance use and abuse, including grief and isolation, changes in support systems, lack of normal accountability parameters and structured life, not to mention added stress from family obligations and economic pressures, as well as the body's trauma response to a long-term stressor like a pandemic. Some of the unexpected consequences of evolving from a light drinker to riskier levels can be hard to reverse.  Certain demographics, including younger people, appear to me more at risk.  Our special guests from Restoring Light Counseling - Alden Murphy, Lauren Moody, and Amanda Veuleman - bring light to some things to look for and strategies for healthier coping.

We’ve all been there. Lack of motivation.  Indecision. Distraction. Procrastination. Desperation. Emotional breakdown! Obviously this unhelpful pattern in our college careers has a great impact on our mental health. No matter your major, learning how to prepare and organize, manage time effectively, and gain knowledge of resources available and how to use them efficiently (work smarter, not harder) – will not only make your life easier, but make you more successful academically and professionally. We are here today to discuss what NOT to do – and alternatives on how to be your best and live up to your sense of integrity and work ethic – when it comes to the research process. And who better than the individuals who see students in the middle of their research crisis, several faculty members from Noel Memorial Library!

With special guests: 


Brian Sherman, Dean of Noel Memorial Library
Jessica Hawkes, First Year Experience and Undergraduate Success Librarian
Sarah Mazur, Head of Resource Management and Discovery

In observance of World Bipolar Awareness Day, we provide information on this serious mental illness, including statistics, symptoms, common impact on work, relationships, and daily life, as well as hope for coping. We are privileged to speak with Sarah Wynn, an LSUS student who has struggled with bipolar disorder. While this mental illness can have lifelong challenges, it does not have to be a life sentence. As Sarah states with passion, “Waking up with bipolar every day is a struggle, but I am glad to have that struggle.”

College is hard enough for the “average” student. Learning how to balance the academic pressures of multiple classes, with trying to maintain a social life, and possibly work and family obligations, all while trying to figure out who you are and who you want to be….these are some of the hugest existential challenges any of us can go through in early adulthood. For some unique students who may be dealing with additional personal challenges, whether with their physical or mental health, or perhaps a developmental disability or some physical limitation, dealing with these added stressors and impairments can make focusing on academics and staying on track even more difficult. But they don’t have to be barriers to achieving your goals and dreams. We are here today to discuss the mental, social, and emotional impact of going through college as someone with limitations. We are joined by Yolanda Price-Mitchell, Disability Coordinator at LSUS. And we also have two special guests with us who are a testament to resilience! Bianca Stakes, a graduate of LSUS who is also staff member here in our media department. And current student Tanton Stanford. Both are here to share their experience and leave us with a sense of hope!