COVID-19 Resources
It’s normal to feel stressed, anxious and overwhelmed. College can be a difficult time for most students, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is greatly affecting our mental health. Those who’ve been directly or indirectly affected by the virus may have increased feelings of worry, stress, grief and loss. Others may be dealing with the uncertainty of their health or the health of others, job loss, isolation from others and additional challenges that lead to compounded emotions. Below are some tips and resources we hope are helpful in dealing with your emotional reactions during this difficult time.
Emotional Health
- Taking Care of Your Emotional Health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Meditation and Mindfulness
Mindfulness and meditation have been proven to increase our ability to cope with stress. Incorporating these activities into your daily routine can improve your mental health and well-being.
- Practicing in a Pandemic (The Buddhist Review Tricycle)
- Online: Mindful Awareness Meditation (UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center)
- 5 Guided Meditations to Investigate Panic and Anxiety (Mindful Communications)
- Pandemic Care Resources (Tara Brach)
Loss and Grief
Loss and grief are normal and okay to experience whether it be due to the loss of a loved one, job isolation or any other situation. Below are some helpful times in dealing with the loss of a loved one:
- Develop a virtual memory book or webpage to remember your loved one. Ask for family and friends to contribute to their memories and stories.
- Talk to your friend and/or family about the person and your experience of grief.
- Take part in an activity your loved one enjoyed, such as preparing and eating a meal they enjoyed.
- Seek grief support or mental health services.
- If you are religious or spiritual, consider seeking faith-based support.
- Find a way to express grief. Many activities such as writing, reading or listening to music help express our feelings.
- Click here for more information.
When dealing with general feelings of loss and grief, consider the following:
- Grief and loss can lead to reactions of anger, anxiety, distress, fear, sadness, sorrow and worry.
- Try limiting exposure to news about the pandemic, especially if it makes you anxious or overwhelmed.
- Find meaning in simple tasks like taking a walk or enjoying nature or baking.
- Ask yourself, what’s something in your life that still brings you joy?
- Stay in contact with others through phone or video call.
- Host virtual game nights through screen sharing websites.
- Click here for more information.
Additional Resources
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Trans Lifeline Peer Support Hotline: 877-565-8860
- LGBTQ+ Helpline and Peer Listening Line: 888-340-4528
- TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386