When Sonia Jordan, Health Equity Manager, began her career in public health, she never imagined how deeply personal the work would become. Before joining BCBSKS, she served as the Director of Informatics at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, where she led the development of the county’s first comprehensive Health Equity Report. It was a labor of love: data-driven, community-informed and deeply necessary.
But when a board member asked, “What are you going to do about it?” she realized the work had only just begun.
Over the next 10 months, she gave more than 40 presentations across the community, listening to stories of redlining, generational trauma and systemic inequities. “It was hard,” she said, “but it was amazing.” The momentum was building, and then COVID-19 hit.
In early 2020, just weeks after giving birth to her third child, she returned from maternity leave early, baby in tow, to help lead the county’s pandemic response. “There were people who got to slow down during that time,” she recalled. “For me, it was the opposite. I was working more than I ever had in my life.”
Her department was responsible for isolation, quarantine and vaccine distribution — often the most controversial and emotionally charged aspects of a pandemic. She worked through weekends, holidays and outbreaks, all while navigating new motherhood and the emotional toll of being a public-facing leader during a crisis.
Eventually, the weight became too much.
“I cratered,” she said. “I didn’t know who I was anymore. I was crying every day, isolating myself, catastrophizing everything.” Even small joys like book club or dinner with friends became unbearable. “I couldn’t be around people who might bring up COVID. I felt like a hero and a victim at the same time, and I couldn’t escape either role.”
Her turning point came during a quiet moment at home, when her husband gently told her, “You’re radiating pain and grief onto us, and we can’t hold that for you.”
That moment led her to seek help, though it wasn’t easy. “Calling the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) line was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” she admitted. “But once I did, I started to find my way back.”
Through cognitive behavioral therapy, a diagnosis of serious depressive episodes and OCD, and a strict regimen of self-care — sunlight, movement, vitamins and boundaries — she began to heal. “I’m not perfect,” she said. “But I have tools now. I’m more resilient. And that’s the goal.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that mental health challenges don’t discriminate, and that seeking help is a courageous act for anyone, in any role. Whether you’re leading others, caring for loved ones, or simply trying to hold it all together, your mental health matters.
As we observe Minority Mental Health Month, Sonia’s story underscores the importance of equity, empathy and access — not just in policy, but in practice.
Did you know that 1 in 4 Kansans experience mental illness in any given year? At BCBSKS, we believe mental health support should be accessible to everyone, regardless of the language they speak. That’s why, this Minority Mental Health Month, we’re proud to share our Spanish-language Mental Health Resources webpage along with an English version, offering culturally relevant tools, articles and support options.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and taking that first step can lead to healing. Support is just a click, call or text away.
Kori Reist, Manager, Internal Communications