This is a stressful time for you and your loved ones. Our university-wide wellness team is here to help and to let you know that many of the emotions you are experiencing are being felt by others. There are many things you can do to cope with the pandemic and feel emotionally better. If you're struggling, check out these resources. We have received many questions related to coping with COVID-19. Here is a community resource with answers to your questions. Our health and wellness experts will do the best to answer your questions in a timely way. Take good self-care and stay well!
Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, EBP-C, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN
Vice President for Health Promotion, University Chief Wellness Officer
Dean and Professor, College of Nursing
Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, College of Medicine
Executive Director, Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare
The Ohio State University
Frequently Asked Questions
We're glad that you are sharing how you feel as it is critical to keep expressing your emotions. Here are some tips to remain calm and stay under control:
- First, take five slow deep breaths on a regular basis throughout the day.
- This simple strategy will decrease stress and blood pressure. Stay mindful in the present moment (worry will consume your energy and not change anything).
- When you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, anxious or depressed, ask yourself “What was just going through my mind?” Chances are you were thinking a negative thought. Turn those negative thoughts around to positive ones to feel better. To do this, repeat positive self-statements (for example, I am healthy, I am strong) 10 times each morning and 10 times at night.
- Complete physical activity every day, such as taking a short walk or run, and eat healthy by enjoying well-balanced meals throughout the day. Your physical and mental health will benefit and you will keep your immune system boosted.
For The Ohio State University Community
- Enroll in our upcoming evidence-based MINDSTRONG cognitive-behavioral skills building seven-session synchronous program that helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms—more information will be posted about how to enroll soon.
For example: Student posts on Instagram about wanting to complete suicide, other student sees it
Hopefully, schools will be offering counseling to students who need it via telehealth. Contact your child’s school to see what resources they are offering during this time.
For more information, please visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call them at 800-273-8255 where professionals are available 24/7 to talk to anyone immediately in distress.
Others are feeling the same way. Remember that two emotions that are not helpful and create anxiety are, worrying about the future and guilt. Try and place your energy in the present instead as guilt typically serves no beneficial purpose. There are multiple ways that you can be helpful to others without being on the front lines. Examples include reaching out to others who are on the front lines to tell them your thoughts/prayers are with them and that you appreciate all that they are doing, or reaching out to socially connect with your family members, friends or neighbors to do a “caring” check on them. Many people besides those in hospitals affected by COVID-19 have a big need right now for social support and connection. You can make a positive impact in your family and community without being on the front lines.
Absolutely, please visit our website in the coming days for dates and registration information.
Yes. The university is committed to providing resources, information and support through the Wellness app to support the Ohio State community during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Wellness app “Explore” tab features content from across the university designed to help navigate changes in response to the coronavirus and care for mental health and well-being.
New content is being adding to the app regularly. Additionally, updates to all resources on the “Support” tab will reflect their availability and any changes to service format to help students continue to find the help they need. These will continue to be applied and expanded as the situation evolves.
University developers are working quickly to finalize a standalone Android version of the app and an integration of Wellness app features to the Ohio State mobile app to expand access to the larger university audience. During these times the university will continue to work collaboratively across campus to offer resources through the Wellness app that help our community thrive, no matter where they are finishing the semester.
For additional questions, please contact digitalflagship@osu.edu or send feedback through the app itself.
Headspace is a mindfulness and meditation app. It provides unique tools and resources to mindfulness rooted in authentic expertise dating back 2,000 years and backed by proven scientific research. It offers inspiration, guidance, and support to living a mindful life in the pursuit of improving the health and happiness of the world.
Headspace premium is now free for healthcare providers throughout the end of the year. If you are a healthcare provider, in order to obtain the free content, you must have a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. Some of you may already have an NPI number. If not, providers can sign up for free at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/#/. Follow the links for creating a new account. You should receive an NPI within 10 days. Upon receiving your NPI, visit Headspace for healthcare providers to redeem your subscription
Working with children on strengthening their coping/cognitive-behavioral skills will help improve their mood and sleep at night. Try to be sure that they are exercising or completing some form of physical activity every day. Establishing a good regular sleep routine before bedtime and going to bed at the same time every night is important, including limiting TV, computer or iPad time at least one hour before bed as well as not having them exposed to scary visual images or information during the course of the day.
A white noise machine, which can be purchased inexpensively, can help children to fall asleep and fall back asleep after a bad dream. The apps Headspace and Calm also have white noise and sleep stories. Reassure them that everyone is doing everything they can to keep children healthy and safe.
