Changes to everyday life in response to COVID-19 have certainly impacted the NC State community. The coronavirus outbreak has been incredibly stressful for many. And during these trying times, it is imperative to take care of both your physical and mental health, and NC State is committed to helping you do so.

Tips for Managing Stress and Promoting Mental Wellness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that “taking care of yourself, your friends and your family can help you cope with stress.” They offer a number of tips on ways to manage stress and care for your mental health.

Things you can do to support yourself (from the CDC):

• Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Additionally, the NC State Counseling Center suggests seeking accurate information from reliable sources, acknowledging reactions, resisting withdrawing and isolating yourself, and using university resources.

On-Campus Resources

• Pack Essentials
  • offers many programs to support students in need of food, housing, financial and educational security;
  • maintains a list of resources available to students during the coronavirus.
• Student Health Services (phone: 919.513.2563)
  • offers consultation, treatment and outreach programming for health-related crises, women’s health concerns, nutrition and related services;
  • now offers phone and video appointments.
• Wellness and Recreation
  
  • offers virtual wellness coaching that includes strategies for self-care, time-management and overall health and well-being.
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
  • offers many support services for faculty and staff, including confidential counseling, financial information and resources and legal resources.

Off-Campus Resources

• National Suicide Hotline: 1.800.273.TALK (8255) — 24 hours/7 days a week;
• Hopeline: 919.231.4525 or 1.877.235.4525 — 24/7 confidential local hotline.
• Crisis Text Line: www.crisistextline.org — text HELLO to 741741 to reach live, trained volunteer crisis counselors.

Lastly, remember that you are not alone. We will get through this together. 

Regular NC State updates about COVID-19 are being posted at go.ncsu.edu/coronavirus.

Jenna Nabors is a third-year student majoring in communication and international studies and is a Park Scholar. Share your thoughts about this article on Twitter at @NCStateOIED.