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The Emerald of Sigma Pi, Vol. CVII, No. 2, Spring 2024
THE EMERALD
OF SIGMA PI
I
VOLUME CVII, NUMBER 2
I
SPRING 2024
A Brotherhood
Like No Other
Jon Dodd (Rhode Island '84)
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Ways to Protect Mental Health
Spotlight - Zach Scheerer (SIUE '07)
Spotlight - Adam Dibble (Ferris State '03)
Chartering - Iota-Chi at Coastal Carolina
ATLANTIC
SHARK
INSTITUTE
News
IN THIS ISSUE
FEATURES
01
News from Sigma Pi
02
Upcoming Events
03
Fraternal Headlines
12
The Foundations
14
Partners
18
Fraternity Values
20
Communications
22
Chapter Reports
27
Accomplishments
28
Growth
30
Volunteers
32
Adytum on High
04
From the Archives
36
Sigma Pi Pride
37
Photo Finish
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
04
Chris Carter (Middle Tennessee '08)
A Brotherhood Like No Other
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Summer Clarkson
BUSINESS MANAGER
Jen Wyatt
CONTRIBUTORS
Alex Beaven (Pennington & Co.)
EN Mark
Drew Carpenter (Middle Tennessee '18)
CEO Jonathan M. Frost (UMSL '99)
Russell Kizior (Northern Arizona '17)
Jake Reed (Arkansas '19)
GS Kent Varney (Kentucky '97)
08
16
Janis Whitlock, Ph.D., M.P.H
Six Ways Men Can Protect
Stay Relentless -
Their Mental Health
Zach Scheerer (SIUE '07)
ABOUT SIGMA PI
ABOUT THE EMERALD
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION
Sigma Pi Fraternity was founded at Vincennes
VOLUME CVII, NUMBER 2 Spring 2024
To update your contact information,
University, Vincennes, Ind. on February 26, 1897.
please visit:
(ISSN 1074-5289, USPS 011-013)
The Executive Office is located in Nashville,
sigmapi.org/updateinfo
Tenn. Sigma Pi has chartered more than 230
The Emerald has been published since 1911 by:
or send an email to:
chapters in North America and has initiated over
Sigma Pi Fraternity
records@sigmapi.org
118,000 members since 1897.
1101 Kermit Dr., Suite 730
Nashville, TN 37217
CONTACT INFORMATION
The founding fathers of Sigma Pi Fraternity are:
and additional mailing offices.
ЕП sigmapi.org
Rolin Rosco James (1879-1953)
William Raper Kennedy (1877-1944)
SUBMISSION DEADLINES
emerald@sigmapi.org
James Thompson Kingsbury (1877-1950)
615.921.2300
Fall June 1
George Martin Patterson (1877-1960)
Spring December 1
f
X
@sigmapi
FRATERNITY
NETWORKING GROUP
COMMUNICATIONS
ASSOCIATION
sigmapi.org/linkedin
Copyright © 2023 Sigma Pi Fraternity; Sigma Pi, and the crest are trademarks of Sigma Pi, all rights reserved.
Spring 2024
sigmapi.org
Contents
NEWS FROM SIGMA PI
FROM THE CEO
JONATHAN M. FROST (UMSL '99)
SIGMA PI COMPLETES FIRST YEAR OF ENGAGE EVENTS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Engage, the new innovative initiative
The involvement of alumni was
"
from Sigma Pi, recently celebrated
particularly noteworthy, with many
As we move further away from the
the completion of its inaugural year,
serving as speakers and facilitators,
COVID pandemic, we have noticed
marking a significant milestone
thus enriching the educational
a gap in knowledge of chapter
in the Fraternity's commitment to
experience and reiterating the value
operations, ritual understanding,
fostering education, engagement,
of lifelong Sigma Pi membership.
and traditions. With this Sigma Pi,
and connection among its members.
Director of Support Services Jake
thanks in part to alumni charitable
In 2023-24, Engage hosted three
donations, launched the Engage
Reed (Arkansas '19) and Director
events, drawing participation
program across North America.
of Programs Alexander Pettigrew
from 36 chapters across four
This program brings student
(Indiana of Pennsylvania '15) both
provinces, demonstrating the
leaders together in an immersive
hailed Engage as a transformative
in-person training program
program's widespread impact. All
journey for chapter leaders,
that allows them to hear from
in, 78 undergraduates attended the
emphasizing the program's role
professional staff, as well as their
programming, with 87 total members
in strengthening the Fraternity's
peers from throughout their region.
attending the alumni events.
brotherhood and its commitment
Sigma Pi is also making investments
Designed as a regional-based
to lifelong development. The
into enhancing volunteer
educational platform, Engage sought
Engage initiative not only bridged
training opportunities to assist
to revolutionize the Fraternity
geographical and interpersonal
local and regional volunteers
experience by providing chapter
gaps but also laid a foundation for
on providing a value-added
leaders with the opportunity
future growth and positive impact
mentor-mentee relationship.
to expand their knowledge,
within the Fraternity and beyond.
This is crucial to help with cross-
develop essential skills, and
generational differences that can
As Engage moves into its second
forge meaningful relationships.
impede knowledge sharing.
year, the Fraternity looks forward
The program's curriculum is
to building on the success of its
If you wish to support these and
comprehensive, covering critical
inaugural year, continuing to offer
other educational programs please
aspects of chapter operations
visit sigmapi.org/donate.
transformative experiences for its
from reporting and recruitment
members, and further cementing
strategies to risk management.
Sigma Pi as a leader in fraternity
Feedback from participants
education and engagement. This
underscored the program's success.
initiative stands as a testament to the
"
Attendees praised the opportunity
Fraternity's dedication to creating a
to network with peers, learn from
community that empowers individuals
high-level executives, and gain
to make a lasting difference in
leadership development traits.
their chapters and provinces.
THE EMERALD
1
Calendar of Events
DID YOU KNOW?
View
this
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EN
SIGMA PI QUARTERLY
JANUARY 2024 ISSUE
Registration Open for Convocation in Indy!
Join us for an unforgettable experience at the
57th Biennial Convocation of Sigma
Indianapolis, June 6-8, 2024! This engaging
CONVO
three-day event is the perfect blend of
celebration networking, and nostalgia.
Reconnect with old friends, gain insights into
current campus life, and meet brothers from
Alumni from the Zeta-Pi Chapter at Oakland
various chapters. Bring your families along for
this special occasion, with tailored
arrangements for their enjoyment. Registration
is now open don't miss out!
Register Now
UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNIVERSARIES
YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT SIGMA PI
MONTH
FOUNDERS' MONTH OF GIVING
OF
BEGINS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024!
APRIL 2024
May 10
April 4
Oregon State (Omega)
Thank you 2022-23 Donors
Thank you to our generous donors for their
contributions in the 2022-23 fiscal year, whose
Virginia (Beta-Pi)
100th Anniversary
$10*
support plays pivotal role in enhancing
undergraduate experiences through
65th Anniversary
May 13
programming, events, and educational
opportunities. We're proud to recognize their
financial support and continued dedication.
Carson, CA (Eta-lota)
April 12-14
Tony Siress Leadership Summit
35th Anniversary
Sigma Pi provides a quarterly
April 15
JUNE 2024
newsletter to all members with
Bridgewater State (Eta-Eta)
June 6-8
an active email on file!
35th Anniversary
Convocation (Indianapolis, IN)
The Sigma Pi Quarterly newsletter is
April 24
June 10
designed to keep members informed
Salisbury (Theta-Xi)
Eastern Illinois (Beta-Gamma)
20th Anniversary
about important news and events, as
75th Anniversary
well as helpful tips and resources for
April 26
Keene State (lota-Rho)
AUGUST 2024
personal and professional growth.
10th Anniversary
Again, the newsletter is distributed
August 22
April 28
Orlando, FL (lota-Kappa)
through email, so visit
Colorado (Zeta-Delta)
15th Anniversary
sigmapi.org/updateinfo or
40th Anniversary
scan the QR Code to update
NOVEMBER 2024
your contact information.
April 28
Michigan Tech (Zeta-Epsilon)
7
Updating your information with the
40th Anniversary
Arkansas Tech (lota-Lambda)
national organization is crucial to
15th Anniversary
MAY 2024
maintaining your connection to the
Fraternity, receiving updates on
May 2
events, and accessing opportunities
Montclair State (lota-lota)
for development and networking.
15th Anniversary
May 4
Pittsburgh Area Alumni Event
See website for details
ЕП
May 6
FDU-Metropolitan (Epsilon-Xi)
To see event information, or to share
45th Anniversary
details about an event for posting,
May 8
please visit sigmapi.org/events
Alabama (Theta-Omicron)
20th Anniversary
2
Spring 2024
sigmapi.org
Fraternal Headlines
FRATERNAL HEADLINES
GRAND COUNCIL
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE FRATERNITY COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
FOR FRATERNAL
EXCELLENCE
KENT VARNEY (KENTUCKY '97)
GRAND SAGE
"
Our collaborative research
THE EVOLUTION OF FRATERNITY MEMBERSHIP
initiative with the FFE and NIC
marked a pivotal step forward.
In spring 2023, the Foundation
At the NIC Meeting of Members this
The Fraternity Growth Index (FGI)
for Fraternal Excellence (FFE),
past August, 20 years of aggregate
project examines the evolution of
in collaboration with the North
data* collected from Phase 1 was
fraternity membership over the past
American Interfraternity
presented with the following findings:
quarter-century, and has provided
Conference (NIC), kicked off an
us invaluable insights into our
Undergrad Fraternity Membership
ambitious project to develop the
collective journey and challenges.
Fraternity Growth Index (FGI).
+ Highest in 2016 at 236,705 members
These findings underscore the
+ Lowest in 2003 at 148,717 members
The FGI will be a comprehensive
importance of our educational
information warehouse designed
Number of Fraternity Chapters
programs, which continue
to help fraternal organizations see
to impact and enrich our
+ Highest in 2016 at 3,963 chapters
and understand how fraternity
brotherhood. As we move forward,
+ Lowest in 2005 at 3,653 chapters
membership is evolving.
we can harness this knowledge
Particularly of note, the number
to strengthen our chapters
Phase 1 of the project focused on
of chapters has significantly
and enhance the collegiate
collecting fraternity membership
declined since 2016, however,
experience for all members.
data in an effort to understand
total undergraduate membership
inter/national organization
is trending upwards after a dip
trends since 1997 (25 years
in 2020 (largely attributed to
worth of data), with goals to:
the Covid-19 Pandemic).
"
+ see how membership trends
Phase 2 of the FGI is presently
GRAND SAGE
layer against societal issues
underway and will collect campus/
Kent Varney (Kentucky '97)
(i.e., wars, recessions, inflation,
community data to compare how
diversification of higher education,
enrollment trends line up with chapter
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE
enrollment in college, etc.) and
Brian Devot (Cal State Long Beach '95)
membership and community size.
+ help participating organizations
Brian Kurisky (Ferris State '07)
better understand how their
Christian Miele (Towson '00)
membership compares to
Ryan Post (Valparaiso '09)
their peers historically.
Justin Todoroff (Cal State Long Beach '01)
* Aggregate data compiled from 34 participating inter/national organizations (combination of
PAST GRAND SAGE
NIC members and nonmembers).
Joseph Palazzolo (Monmouth '00)
THE EMERALD
3
Feature
4
Spring 2024 I sigmapi.org
Feature
A BROTHERHOOD
LIKE NO OTHER
JON DODD SHARES HIS PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY, FROM
FRATERNITY TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO SHARKS
by Alex Beaven (Pennington & Company), contributing writer
"I
would do it all over again," Jon Dodd
His professional development during those
(Rhode Island '84) said of his Sigma
years was invaluable, and lessons in leadership
Pi experience. From undergraduate
have stuck with Jon well into his adult years.
leadership to two successful career paths, Jon is
FRATERNAL GROWTH
grateful for the formative years he spent in Alpha-
Upsilon Chapter and as a Sigma Pi staff member.
There was always something going on
from recruitment to events and charity
FOUNDING THE CHAPTER
service, which Jon compares to operating a
Seeking an immersive college experience, Jon
small business. Some of his favorite Sigma
was fascinated at the thought of growing Sigma
Pi memories are tied to gatherings, like
Pi during his time on campus. In just a short
the first social event with a sorority.
time, Alpha-Upsilon Chapter grew to around
"We planned a great event and the women
100 members, becoming the largest Fraternity
loved it; we had a great time and word quickly
at the University of Rhode Island (URI). "It
spread around campus that we were fun and
didn't matter if it was excellent food, great
the place to be. We never had an open week
accommodations, a clean house, great events,
the rest of the years we were on campus!"
significant representation at sporting events, or
Chapter events were an excellent vehicle to
anything else-we wanted to be the best at it."
growing the brotherhood in the same way that
Jon was elected chapter president once the
Greek Week success helped promote Sigma Pi
Fraternity was settled into the new chapter
on campus. Jon enjoyed the yearly competitions
house, helping the brotherhood strive toward
and sorority pairings that consistently led to
the vision they had in mind for Alpha-Upsilon.
dominant performances by Sigma Pi members.
THE IMPACT OF SIGMA PI
Jon recently returned to URI as a keynote speaker to address all fraternity and sorority
executive teams on campus. In his speech, Jon discussed his remarkable Sigma Pi
experience and how today's undergraduates can make the most of their college years.
THE EMERALD
5
Feature
"
Sigma Pi provided a great launching
point for my life's journey.
"
Jon's role with the Atlantic Shark Institute allows him to live out his early dreams.
"It was a great place to bring the
develop their chapters. "It was great
The brotherhood spans further than
Fraternity together, compete as a
to engage so many other chapters
ever today, and Jon hopes Sigma
unit, and grow our reputation."
and help in any way I could."
Pi undergraduates from various
Jon's leadership within Alpha-
Jon also helped the Fraternity
backgrounds can continue to shape
Upsilon Chapter played a major
expand as new chapters opened
the ongoing Fraternity experience.
role in organizing for future chapter
across the country. Lifelong
"It's critical that everyone gets
success. His undergraduate
Fraternity connections remain at
experiences in different geography,
years also prepared him for an
the core of his social life today,
people, cultures, styles, and more
opportunity to continue working
as Jon places great emphasis
as we start out," he added.
with Sigma Pi at the national level.
on the importance of alumni
Throughout his travels with Sigma
SIGMA PI SERVICE
retaining undergraduate bonds.
Pi, Jon understood the importance of
Jon wanted to give back to Sigma
"My experiences at Sigma Pi at
strategy and preparation to influence
Pi for such an impactful college
such a young age really allowed
growth. "The goal was simply to make
experience, which led to him joining
me to be involved in things I never
each chapter better with only a few
the Sigma Pi staff. Visiting chapter
could have found anywhere else on
days at each one. Life is like that in
houses nationwide, Jon utilized
campus. We had so much fun and
so many ways; it proved to be a great
his leadership and training skills to
accomplished so much; I wanted to
first job for me."
help undergraduates learn to better
help others get the same experience."
6
Spring 2024
sigmapi.org
Feature
docks in case someone caught a
ABOUT THE ATLANTIC
shark. I dove into oceanographer
SHARK INSTITUTE
Jacques Cousteau's work."
FOLLOWING HIS DREAM
As the current executive director
of the Atlantic Shark Institute, Jon
works with more than 40 volunteers
to research and support shark
science. The Institute is currently
ATLANTIC
conducting 10 studies and was
SHARK
recently featured on Shark Week and
INSTITUTE
National Geographic's SharkFest.
"It feels a little surreal," Jon said
The Atlantic Shark Institute is a
about the media coverage. He is
JON DODD
research organization dedicated
still adapting to being in front of a
to the study and conservation of
camera, though the programming
A composite photo taken during
shark species in the Atlantic Ocean.
Jon's undergraduate experience
benefits the Institute's goal of better
It focuses on conducting scientific
at Alpha-Upsilon Chapter
understanding and protection of
research to understand the biology,
sharks. "After watching folks like
behavior, and ecology of sharks within
CAREER VENTURES
Jacques Cousteau for decades, it
this vast marine territory. The institute
aims to gather data that can inform
After his work with Sigma Pi, Jon
seems funny to see me and the
conservation strategies, enhance
team on the same screen."
and his brother co-founded an
public knowledge, and support the
education finance business, Tuition
The ASI team stays motivated to
management of shark populations.
Management Systems, who employed
continue research that will impact
Through collaborations with
more than 1,000 people during his
policies on ocean health. Jon draws
scientists, educational institutions,
career to ensure economical tuition
similarities in work ethic between
and conservation groups, the
Atlantic Shark Institute works to
options for millions of young adults.
ASI and Sigma Pi, always remaining
ensure the sustainability and health
They operated and expanded the
focused on team involvement while
of shark populations in the Atlantic,
company for 25 years before selling
strategizing toward their goals.
contributing to the broader goal of
to Key Bank and merging operations.
"Shark health is ocean health, and
marine conservation and biodiversity
ocean health is our health."
protection. Its activities often
Beyond finance, Jon has spent the
include tagging and tracking sharks,
past 40 years researching sharks.
Sigma Pi taught Jon that everyone
studying their migratory patterns,
Through his early teenage years,
on a team must contribute their equal
reproductive biology, and their
Jon spent every day out on the
share, and he is proud of the work
role in the ocean's ecosystems.
water in Stonington, Connecticut,
his organizations have accomplished.
By raising awareness and providing
with his eyes fixed aspiringly toward
"Clarity and communication are key.
science-based insights, the Atlantic
the ocean. An early fascination
Those are things that started at Sigma
Shark Institute plays a crucial role in
with sharks compelled Jon to earn
Pi for me all those years ago, and I
advocating for policies and practices
that protect these important apex
a degree in marine biology from
really value that." Jon's leadership
predators and their habitats.
URI alongside his English degree.
and retained fraternal bonds are
Learn more online at:
"I was fascinated by sharks and
a testament to the lifelong impact
atlanticsharkinstitute.org
couldn't wait to see one in person,
of selfless Sigma Pi involvement.
perhaps touch one, and I made it
You can connect with Jon at
my goal to do SO. I bought every
jonfdodd@gmail.com and learn more
book I could. We went to aquariums.
about the Atlantic Shark Institute
I asked my parents to take me to
at atlanticsharkinstitute.org.
THE EMERALD
7
Partners
IGMA
SIGMA
at
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
SIGMA PI OFFERS MANY PERKS FOR BROTHERS TAKE ADVANTAGE TODAY!
Check out these amazing membership benefits tailored exclusively for our
brothers, and discover the unique opportunities and savings we've curated
to enrich your Sigma Pi experience.
crowded
SIGMA PI STORE
+
Earn money for Sigma Pi through Crowded
On January 30, 2024, Sigma Pi unveiled
Rewards! Crowded's shop-to-give cashback
its latest venture: the Sigma Pi Store, a
fundraising program lets you support
streamlined Vendor Hub designed to enhance
Sigma Pi while doing your everyday
the shopping experience for our members.
shopping - at no additional cost to you!
This virtual storefront gathers offerings from
In addition, Sigma Pi groups can use
licensed vendors throughout the Sigma Pi
Crowded to simplify finances with a
network, establishing a centralized destination
bank account that merges payment
for members to effortlessly discover and
collection, expenses, and fundraising.
acquire the merchandise they seek.
8
Spring 2024
I
sigmapi.org
Partners
HISTORY
WE GIVE HISTORY A FUTURE
Sigma Pi deeply values our
digital preservation company ensures
with HistoryIT, we've preserved
history. On October 12, 2023,
that the organization's history and
these memories for everyone to
the Fraternity and HistoryIT
legacy are accessible to members
explore. This is just one step in
proudly announced the launch
and alumni across the globe.
preserving our timeless traditions
of an official digital museum.
"Our digital museum marks a
and values for future generations."
This platform digitally preserves
pivotal moment in the history of
Explore our shared past through a
our stories to ensure they're
Sigma Pi, ensuring our legacy's
dynamic timeline, member features,
available to present and future
accessibility to all brothers,"
image gallery and more, all available
generations. The Fraternity's
said CEO Jonathan Frost (UMSL
at sigmapi.historyit.com
partnership with the innovative
'99). "Through our partnership
popcam
RADIANT
Paramount+
NAPA VALLEY
Popcam is the official composite
Alumni have the unique opportunity
Paramount+ provides a unique way
provider of Sigma Pi. Spend
to support our undergraduate
to give back to the Fraternity through
less, and make composites easy
brothers with handcrafted, limited
the Affiliate program. Alumni,
with Popcam using portable,
production wines made exclusively
friends, and family can take part, and
automated headshot cameras.
for the men of Sigma Pi.
students can benefit from savings.
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS
THE OFFICIAL STORE OF
®
SIGMA PI
BrooksBrothers
AVIS
POWERED BY CAMPUS INK
TAKE ADVANTAGE TODAY!
You can learn more about each of these membership benefits, as well as
additional perks, online at sigmapi.org/benefits
THE EMERALD
9
Bonds of Brotherhood
Distintive Mark Alone.,
Photo courtesy of Alpha-lota Chapter at Missouri S&T
10
Spring 2024
I
sigmapi.org
Bonds of Brotherhood
SIX WAYS MEN CAN PROTECT
THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
Breaking the Silence and Empowering Sigma Pi
Brothers in Their Mental Health Journey
by Janis Whitlock, Ph.D., M.P.H., contributing writer
alking about mental health is becoming more
Based on our research and the best practices emerging
II
accepted, but it's still difficult for many men
from the field, here are six things men can do to support
to open up and get the support they need.
and improve their mental health and well-being.
Boys are taught from a young age to be self-reliant
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF STRAIN
and tough. Long-standing stereotypes and the
It can be hard to tell if you or someone you care
influence of important role models - both in their
about is struggling with mental health, but there
personal lives and on social media - can reinforce
are common signs you can look out for.
young men's tendency to suppress their emotions
and avoid the vulnerability that's needed to ask for
+ Changes in mood, appetite, or usual activities
help. That tendency may lead them to suffer in silence
that last more than a few weeks
when they struggle with their mental health.
+ Chronic feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or fatigue
Silence has consequences. More than six million men
+ Suicidal thoughts
in the United States experience depression, and the
Men, in particular, may also notice they are:
actual rate is likely much higher because depression
+ Spending too much time online, at work, or working out
among men is underdiagnosed. Men are also much
+ Misusing alcohol or drugs
more likely than women to die by suicide.
+ Experiencing aggressiveness, anger,
The true scope of these challenges may be even more
or chronic irritability
pronounced than data suggests, since men are more
+ Behaving in a risky or reckless way
likely to avoid seeking professional help. Help-seeking
Being able to identify the signs that you or a friend is
is a particular area of concern for Black and Hispanic
struggling is the first step toward getting support.
men in the United States, groups in which a significantly
lower percentage report getting help when they need it.
PRACTICE IDENTIFYING YOUR FEELINGS
To better understand these trends and areas for
Men who participated in our study consistently expressed
improvement, The Jed Foundation (JED) - a strategic
that they want to be more comfortable identifying
partner of Sigma Pi - researched what college-age men
and sharing how they feel. They recognized that the
need to improve their mental health. The findings were
societal pressure on men to suppress their emotions
powerful and clear: Men recognize the challenges they face
and maintain an exterior of toughness makes it hard to
and are expressing a genuine desire for more support.
know how they feel at times, let alone talk about it.
11
Bonds of Brotherhood
Talking about your feelings takes practice. One way to
ASK FOR HELP
get started is to use a feelings wheel to label what you're
Sharing that you feel isolated, angry, sad, or whatever
experiencing. You may then write about your feelings, talk
you're going through is another important step in
about them with someone you trust, or simply sit with
getting support. It takes courage and a willingness
them and reflect. With time, you may find that identifying
to be uncomfortable, but the act of sharing with
- and then talking about - your feelings becomes easier.
someone you trust can make a positive difference in
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
how you feel. Despite common fears that it will hurt
Having things you do regularly to support your
relationships, sharing honestly with a friend, family
emotional health is a great - and often enjoyable -
member, coach, professor, or someone else about
way to safeguard your well-being and buffer the effects
what's going on can make your relationship stronger.
of stress. Movement and exercise are important, but
Getting professional help is sometimes what's
it's just as important to make sure your workouts are
needed to best care for your mental health. Research
not so goal-oriented that they become stressful.
suggests that college-age men are less likely to seek
+ Moving your body is just one way to take
help for mental health issues than women and they
care of yourself. You can also:
hold stigmas about help-seeking, but research also
+ Spend time outside walking, people- or cloud-watching,
shows that therapy is a great mental health tool,
sketching, or doing something else you enjoy
and it's just as effective for men as it is for women.
+ Do something creative, such as playing or listening
Asking for help is a sign of strength and resilience.
to music, taking photos, making art, or cooking
To make the help-seeking experience easier, look to
+ Learn something new by giving yourself time to
resources such as HeadsUpGuys and Man Therapy, which
dive into something that fascinates or inspires you
are specifically geared toward helping men overcome
+ Get involved in a club, support group,
stigmas and get the support they need and deserve.
intramural sports team, or another community
You can also lean on JED's How to Get Help hub.
at your school or in your neighborhood
SHARE WITH — AND CHECK ON - YOUR FRIENDS
+ Engage in something else that helps you
feel happy, peaceful, or energized
Being open about your own mental health journey
can have a positive domino effect. By being direct and
CULTIVATE STRONG RELATIONSHIPS
honest with other men in your life, expressing your
The desire for healthy relationships grounded in
emotions, and sharing raw or vulnerable experiences,
authentic connection was another key finding from
such as your experience in therapy or asking for help,
the study. Men report significantly higher rates of
you may encourage other men to do the same.
social isolation than women of all ages, and isolation
Say something to your friends if you notice they're
can negatively impact mental health by increasing
struggling. You can check in with them, point them
risk of suicide and rates of anxiety and depression.
to resources, or at the very least remind them
A key to healthy relationships is open, honest conversation.
that you are there for them and that you care.
It takes time and practice, but it's well worth the
We all have to work together to break the silence around
effort. Asking your friends and family meaningful
mental health. When we choose our well-being over the
questions, listening to them when they speak, and
fear of not fitting in, each of us becomes a role model
sharing your own experiences - even if it's awkward
for someone else and an advocate for ourselves.
or uncomfortable at first - are great ways to have
better conversations and build deeper connections.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
For resources pertaining to mental health, please visit jedfoundation.org and click on "Resource Center."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988.
12
Spring 2024
sigmapi.org
SIGMA PI HEALTH
Bonds of Brotherhood
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The Emerald of Sigma Pi, Vol. CVII, No. 2, Spring 2024
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2024