Embracing uncertainty

When Elizabeth McIngvale (BSW ‘09, MSW ‘10) was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) at 12, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the mental health field. Unsure of what this would look like, she explored all of the different ways she could provide help to others.

One of her earliest triumphs, as a 17-year-old, was founding the Peace of Mind Foundation. This foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources and support to people with OCD and anxiety disorders. The creation of Peace of Mind was driven by McIngvale’s passion for access to mental health treatment.

“After I began my treatment and path to recovery, I realized how lucky I was” she says. “The fact that not everyone had access to appropriate care and treatment didn’t sit right with me.”

Later, McIngvale (pictured at left) studied at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Social Work, where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. McIngvale now strives to practice social work every day, whether through Peace of Mind, public speaking, or clinical work.

We recently talked with McIngvale about how students can reduce their anxiety about the uncertainties of the upcoming fall semester:  

What are some ways students can manage stress surrounding COVID-19, knowing that many of us will be on campus this fall? 

I think there are two ways. The first is recognizing that the more we try to be certain about anything in life, the more anxiety we create. That’s where anxiety lives. It doesn’t live in the present, it lives in the past and the future. I would really encourage individuals to ground themselves and try to be present. The second is by doing your best to follow CDC guidelines. If we can be present, as well as smart, we have a good approach for handling COVID-19. Ask yourself: “How can I follow CDC guidelines, and how can I continue living in the present?”  

What advice do you have for students who may be experiencing anxiety about living at home and taking classes fully online? 

Anxiety lives most in anticipation. It makes sense that students may have anticipatory anxiety about whether they will enjoy the online experience and whether it will be beneficial for them. I would encourage two things. Try not to get stuck in the “what if” questions. Instead, tell yourself, “I know I will be experiencing this semester completely online, so what can I do to make the most out of it?” The second piece is exploring and acknowledging the ways we can stay connected despite the circumstances. Although it is different than it has been in the past, it is still possible. While we might miss being face to face, we can find silver linings in this experience—like wearing pajamas to class. 

What are some concrete techniques that students can use to help reduce anxiety this semester? 

Being mindful is something we can do to really allow ourselves to be in the present. Mindfulness is about being able to sit and allow your thoughts to come. It’s being able to feel discomfort and uncertainty, and embracing it. Finding consistency in your day-to-day life can also be helpful. This is an uncertain time, but it’s important to find some normalcy in your current situation, whether that be at home or on campus. Having a schedule can ease anxiety, because we have control over what we know. The last thing I recommend is to be open to treatment. If anxiety is disruptive in your life right now, therapy is easier than it’s ever been. Right now is not the time to put your mental health on hold, so take advantage of being able to access therapy right from your laptop and phone. It’s never the wrong time to seek mental health treatment. 

Visit McIngvale’s website, Peace of Mind, for additional resources and information on anxiety and OCD.