



Hello Sorors,
As we get ready to honor Founder's Day, let us reflect with pride on the extraordinary vision of our beloved founder, Lola M. Parker, whose unwavering dedication laid the foundation for Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated. Her legacy of service, sisterhood, and empowerment continues to guide us.
As we journey toward our Centennial in 2029, we celebrate the incredible growth of our sisterhood—welcoming new chapters, vibrant undergraduate members, and dynamic Sorors across the nation. Let us continue to rise, united in purpose, inspired by our past, and committed to shaping the future.
With Iota Love and Pride,
MichelleGreene
National Journalist
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
H E A L T H A W A R E N E S S
One of the most pressing issues in health care today is mental health Unique issues related to the mental health of girls and women are of particular importance
Understanding women’s mental health is a twofold approach There are mental health issues that only appear in women There are also mental health issues in all genders that impact women differently
While various mental health issues affect women, depression and anxiety disorders are considered the most prevalent Women are more likely than men to experience these conditions, and they can impact all stages of a woman's life
Burnout can significantly impact mental health, potentially leading to or exacerbating conditions like depression and anxiety It's a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged stress If left unmanaged, burnout can lead to more severe mental health problems, affecting relationships and social life
Burnout is defined as the "exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually because of prolonged stress or frustration."
On top of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) added burnout to the International Classification of Diseases in 2019, labeling it as a global health concern
Burnout among those in “helping professions,” like health care and education, is particularly prominent.
Here are a few signs of burnout: How many do you identify with?
Depression, Anger, or Irritability
Mental and emotional exhaustion
Reduced ability to be empathic and sympathetic
Increased use of alcohol and drugs
Diminished sense of enjoyment in day-to-day activities
Increased anxiety
Hypersensitivity or insensitivity to emotional material
Difficulty separating work life from personal life
Absenteeism (missing work or family activities)
Sleep disturbance
Cynicism or Sarcasm
Not taking time off for yourself
H E A L T H A W A R E N E S S
REACH OUT! To a friend, family member, professional, or coworker. Connection is key! Open-up and confide in people Talking is one of the fastest ways to calm your nervous system and social contact is paramount to stress reduction and thriving.
Develop positive thought patterns and reframe the way you see your work. Practice mindfulness and gratitude. Create a routine and to-do lists that are prioritized so that you can stay on top of things and not feel overwhelmed. Create balance in your life! Set aside time for self-care and activities that will make you feel HAPPY. Take time off when needed: nobody can go, go, go. Charge your battery
Look at your goals, hopes, and dreams. How much do you prioritize these? Take some time to get to know yourself and what you want
Set boundaries in all areas of your life and STICK TO THEM
Boundaries with people, relationships, work and technology. Say no to what doesn’t serve you and drown out negativity
Look after your body. Practice good sleeping habits, nourish your body with good food, and MOVE your body. Find ways and means that are enjoyable to you so that you can make them a habit
When feeling stressed or overwhelmed, don’t revert to avoidance tactics. Confront the situation and find a positive way to cope. Avoidance doesn’t eliminate the stress
Soothe your soul and awaken your spirit. Be it through prayer, breathing techniques, art and creativity, meditation, yoga, dancing: find a way to truly feel at peace and whole And, lastly, remember, you are human. Feel the feels. We can’t be positive all the time, and that’s okay. Allow yourself ALL emotions. Give yourself time. Offer yourself grace. But then acknowledge them, and pick yourself up!
If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is burnout or depression, a free, private, anonymous mental health test can help Visit mhascreening org to get started
In crisis? 24/7 help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
Welcome to the May edition of the Iota Phi Lambda May newsletter! This month, we ' re excited to share some exciting updates for the National Convention, and other upcoming Sorority events Below are great ideas to honor Mom this Month!
MOTHER’S DAYIDEAS
Below is the latest newsletter from NCNW GHWs national team. And here is a link to an article from Black Doctor.org about the racial and ethnic differences that persist in Covid 19:
https://blackdoctor.org/racial-and-ethnic-differencespersist-in-covid-19-according-to-survey/
Racial and Ethnic Differences Persist in COVID-19, According to Survey -
BlackDoctor.org
A Harris Poll survey revealed that Black people continue to take on a disproportionate health burden from COVID-19. 9 The survey, conducted in the U.S. from March 12 to April 1, 2024, assessed Black Americans’ views and experiences with COVID-19 or long COVID (N=1000) compared with those of Hispanic (N=1000) and non-Hispanic White adults (N=1000) aged 18 years and older. 9* blackdoctor.org