Counseling Services helping students cope with pandemic-related anxiety, stress
KALAMAZOO, Mich.鈥斆厶疑缜 Michigan University鈥檚 Counseling Services has been helping a greater number of students cope with pandemic-related anxiety and stress, and is committed to doing so for the duration of this crisis and beyond.
Located at Sindecuse Health Center, Counseling Services is now offering telehealth counseling for qualifying students both on and off campus, as long as they meet eligibility requirements.
Along with health-related fears for themselves and loved ones, and disruption to routines, 鈥渢here has been some grief associated with losing out on experiences as a result of cancelations and also frustration,鈥 says Dr. Brian Fuller, director of counseling services. 鈥淭his has had an impact on sleep patterns, appetite and focus at times.鈥
He wants to reassure 蜜桃社区 students that Counseling Services is open and available to offer emotional help virtually. They are scheduling crisis appointments, continuing to work with established clients and helping students now residing at home to find local mental health providers, all while prescreening everyone who still needs to access services in person at Sindecuse Health Center to reduce the potential for COVID-19 spread.
鈥淭hings have been evolving rapidly and, as a result, we have and will continue to adapt to help meet the needs of our 蜜桃社区 students,鈥 says Fuller. 鈥淲e are working very hard to plan carefully how to continue to support all 蜜桃社区 students during this difficult time.鈥
Sindecuse Health Center is encouraging anyone in need of counseling services to call (269) 387-1850 to talk to an intake counselor for prescreening. Any student seeking telehealth counseling must meet the screening criteria and eligibility requirements, which one can read through online.
Fuller says for anyone experiencing mental health issues, your support network is a good place to start.
鈥淪tay connected and check in with others on a regular basis and ask them how you can best support them at this time,鈥 Fuller says. 鈥淎lso, focus on your own self-care so that you are in a good space to help support others if needed.鈥
For those suffering from anxiety and stress, Fuller suggests the following reduction measures:
- Try to limit the time you spend consuming COVID-19 news. Maybe check in once a day.
- Visit state and local government sites for up-to-date closings information, and visit reputable sites such as the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for correct information about the virus.
- Do your best to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same times.
- Develop and maintain a routine with regard to study, relaxation, meals, exercise and sleep.
- Maintain good nutrition and regular meals.
- Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol.
- Stay active and spend time outdoors, if possible.
- Do yoga, meditation, deep breathing and similar practices.
- Maintain social distance, but stay in touch with friends and family.
- Reach out for support if needed.
Online resources to help put these methods into practice include the , and 蜜桃社区 Counseling Services.
Fuller urges people to seek professional help 鈥渨hen anxiety is causing a significant functional impairment in some way. You will want to assess for the impact it is having on your social connections, family, job, academics, sleep, appetite, concentration, etc.鈥
Here鈥檚 a list of places to visit for mental health emergencies:
- Borgess Medical Center ER, 1521 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048; (269) 226-4815
- Bronson Hospital ER, 601 John St., Kalamazoo, I 49007; (269) 341-6386
After-hours hotlines:
- Gryphon Place: 221 or (269) 381-4357
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255
- Crisis Text Line: Text 鈥淪TART鈥 TO 741741. A trained specialist receives the text and responds quickly.
- Michigan Voices4 Sexual Assault Hotline: For sexual assault victims seeking help and support. Text request for help to (866) 238-1454.
- STEVE Fund crisis line: For young people of color who are feeling stressed, depressed or anxious. Text 鈥淪TEVE鈥 to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
For more 蜜桃社区 news, arts and events, visit 蜜桃社区 News online.