After-Hours support: 31, follow the prompts.Mental Health Services (MHS) at WashU: 31.There are four steps to recognizing students in distress. It can be very helpful to just check in, and ask, “how are you doing?” Showing our concern for others can help them and us. If you see someone struggling, reach out.This time has been very hard, and we still have hurdles to overcome, but we are making progress.

Remind yourself that this period will not last forever.What have you been able to accomplish? What are you grateful for? Making a list and focusing the good things that have happened can have great benefits. Step away from the news and your work to do something you enjoy and find relaxing or rejuvenating. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself. Make an effort to stay socially connected by engaging in regular video or phone calls with friends and family. It is easy to quickly feel lonely and secluded from others during this stay-at-home period. Set a goal to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Limiting screen time in the evening and avoiding caffeine in the afternoon can help. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. If you know that you are unable to do what you normally do, make those asking you aware of what you can do, up to and including saying no. The work load that you might be able to manage under normal circumstances is going to be different than it is now. Recognize that your capacity to produce has been impacted by the current context. Getting outside for walk, run or bike ride can be a great boost to your mental health. Maintain adequate nutrition by eating three healthy meals and try to get in at least one physical activity per day. Start each day at about the same time and set a goal for coursework or projects to be completed each morning and afternoon.

But it is important to note that if these feelings worsen to the point that you are not able to function like your normal self, reach out to one of the resources listed below for additional support. Of course, If you don’t feel like talking, that is OK too. Give yourself permission to feel these emotions and to communicate with others about how you are feeling. It is normal during this time to experience feelings of loss, sadness, anger, frustration, anxiety, or all of the above. Because your mental health is just as important as your physical heath, below are some tips and resources that may help:

Unable to connect lonely screen