The John Carroll University Counseling Center recognizes that during this time of change, many may feel uncertainty, fear, loneliness, grief and a host of other emotions. There may be concerns that affect your decisions about how to best manage your health and the health of those around you. In an effort to support you, we have drafted a list of support resources and coping techniques to manage stress and anxiety:
Online or call-in resources
Counseling Center – The Counseling Center is transitioning to provide JCU students with mental health support via video tele-health consultations on Zoom starting the week of Monday, March 23rd. Consultations will focus on problem solving, coping skills, and connecting to other resources. Students can schedule a consultation by calling 216-397-4283 or emailing counselingcenter@jcu.edu. Appointments will be scheduled between Monday-Friday 9am-5pm EST.
NOTE: Students currently located outside Ohio will only be eligible for a 1-time consultation due to state and licensing laws. If these restrictions are lifted nationally, the Counseling Center will be able to change this policy. Counseling Center staff will assist students outside Ohio in connecting with mental health services available in their state.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline - also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service. They are a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, substance use and mental health information service, in English and Spanish. More information about their services can be found at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline They can also be reached via phone at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889.
Crisis Text Line – Free, 24/7 and confidential text message support for people in distress. Contact them by texting HOME to 741741. More information can be found on their website at https://www.crisistextline.org/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Free, 24/7 and confidential phone support for people in distress. Contact them by calling 800-273-TALK (8255). More information can also be found on their website at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Betterhelp – A national tele-therapy counseling website available 24/7 at a cost for subscription. More information can be found at https://www.betterhelp.com/
Options for connecting with a Community Mental Health Provider
We recognize that some students would prefer to meet with a community provider during this time. If that is the case, we encourage you to seek the services that fit your needs. If you need to find services in your hometown there are several options.
Requesting support from your insurance company to find an in-network provider list and understand what services may be covered is a way to get started.
Psychology today’s Find a therapist tool can be accessed at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Coping with Uncertainty, Change, and Fear
Keep things in perspective. It is totally OK and normal to have some worry about COVID-19, however keeping things in perspective can help to manage this. The fact that coverage is increasing on this issue does not necessarily mean that it presents an increased threat to you or your family. Often anxiety increases when we face new or unknown challenges. All of us have experienced a new or unknown challenge thus we are not alone in this. Reflect on what you have done in the past to support you in times like this and share supportive and resilience building resources with each other via phone and video calls.
Manage information sources and get the facts. Looking for reliable fact-based sources and decreasing engagement with fear-based sources. It is helpful to adopt a more analytical approach as you follow news reports about the coronavirus. You will also want to verify information that you receive from family, friends or social media. A few options are:
For those outside of Ohio reviewing the appropriate state government page for the area you are in.
Communicate with your social support system and promote hope between each other. Social distancing does not have to mean social isolation! Focusing on routines, schedules and preparedness plans can help decrease distress. Fostering a sense of normality and community can also relieve stress. You can maintain these connections without increasing your risk of getting the virus by video-conferencing, talking on the phone, texting or chatting with people on social media platforms.
Check out these other resources for helpful coping suggestions: