How to stay well and connected during COVID
It is OK to feel how you are feeling. It is normal duringthistime to experience feelings of sadness, anger, frustration, anxiety, or all of the above. You are allowed to feel this way and to communicate with others how you are feeling. It is also okay to sit with these emotions. If these feelings worsen to the extent that you are no longer able to functionas you normally would, reach out to one of the resources listed below for additional support.
NY Project Hope - 1-844-863-9314
Project Hope Crisis Counselors understand what you are going through. Talking to them
is free, confidential, and anonymous. Talk to someone who is trained, knowledgeable
and never judges. Sometimes it helps to talk with someone you don’t know.
University Police: 518-255-5555
University Police care about the health and safety our students and are trained to respond to Mental Health Crises. They can help with assessments and connecting students to treatment.
Give them a call 24/7 at 518-255-5555.
Mental Health Emergencies:
University Police provides 24-hour emergency crisis assessment and intervention throughout the academic year. University police have the option of consulting with The Wellness Center as needed.
Three main categories of emergencies include:
Suicidal thoughts, gestures, or attempts.
Homicidal thoughts, gestures, or attempts.
Demonstrated inability to care for oneself.
Any reference of threat to harm self or others should be judged as serious.
MCAT Crisis Hotline: 1-877-369-6699 or 1-844-732-6228
The Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT) offers individuals a chance
to speak with a crisis worker to help you with your anxiety, self-injury, suicidal or
homicidal ideation, and more.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:
- Thoughts of suicide
- Mental health or substance use crisis, or
- Any other kind of emotion distress
People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.
Headspace: A New State of Mind
Headspace offers a collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises to help
you through these stressful and challenging times.
Strategies to Support Your Mental Health
1. Maintain a routine.
- Start your day at about the same time each day. Set a goal for coursework to be completed for each morning and afternoon. Maintain adequate nutrition by eating three healthy meals per day. Try to get in at least one physical activity each day.
2. Practice good sleep hygiene.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. The goal of sleep should be 7 to 9 hours each night. Limit
screen time in the evening, and avoid caffeine in the afternoon.
3. Connect with others.
- It is easy to feel lonely and secluded from others during this time. Make an effort to stay socially connected by engaging in regular video or phone calls with friends and family.
- Have virtual parties. Get a group of friends to watch the same movie or read the same book, then chat about it.
- Play online games/apps with friends.
- Start your day by having “coffee with friends” virtually.
4. Take a break.
- Take time for yourself each day. Step away from the news and from your coursework to do something you enjoy and that you find relaxing or rejuvenating.
- Pay attention to the email from SUNY Cobleskill’s The Office of Student Leadership of the Weekly Events Blast for information on college events and activities.
- Listen/watch a Ted Talk (professionals sharing ideas about different subjects):
5. Get outside.
- It is very good for your mental health to get some fresh air and go for a walk, a run, a hike, a bike ride or go see the animals on campus.
6. Download a Wellness App.
- Apps can be a useful tool, but as with many things, caution needs to be TAKEN. Not all apps are created equal, nor should they be the only resource, but they can be a good supplement to primary health care.